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London: Omega-3 in
fish oil could "substantially and significantly" reduce the signs
and symptoms of osteoarthritis and slow its progression.
Omega-3-rich diets fed to guinea pigs, which naturally develop
osteoarthritis, reduced disease by 50 percent compared to a
standard diet, according to a University of Bristol study.
Omega-3 fatty acids, either sourced from fish oil or flax oil, may
help to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis, or even
prevent it from occurring, confirming "old wives' tales" about the
benefits of fish oil for joint health, the journal Osteoarthritis
and Cartilage reports.
John Tarlton, from the University of Bristol's School of
Veterinary Sciences, who led the study, said typical symptoms,
such as the degradation of collagen in cartilage and the loss of
molecules that give it shock-absorbing properties, were both
reduced with Omega-3.
"Furthermore, there was strong evidence that Omega-3 influences
the biochemistry of the disease, and therefore not only helps
prevent disease but also slows its progression, potentially
controlling established osteoarthritis," he said, according to a
Bristol statement.
Tarlton added: "The only way of being certain that the effects of
Omega-3 are as applicable to humans as demonstrated in guinea pigs
is to apply Omega-3 to humans.
"Most diets in the developed world are lacking in Omega-3, with
modern diets having up to 30 times too much Omega-6 and too little
Omega-3.
"Taking Omega-3 will help redress this imbalance and may
positively contribute to a range of other health problems such as
heart disease and colitis," Tarlton concludes.
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