By David Liu, PHD

Sunday July 29, 2012 (foodconsumer.org) -- Intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAS) at a dose of greater than 2.7 g per day can help improve the condition of rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study published online July 24, 2012 in Archives of Medical Research.

The study led by Young Ho Lee of Korea University College of Medicine in Seoul, Korea and colleagues showed that rheumatoid arthritis patients taking omega-3 PUFAS supplements for a minimum of three months reduced nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) consumption by 48 percent.

For the study, the researchers compared 183 patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with 2.7 gram of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids per day and 187 patients treated with placebo as controls who were enrolled in ten randomized controlled trials.

In addition to reducing use of NSAID, using Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids improved tender pint count, swollen joint count, morning stiffness and physical function. 

The researchers concluded "This meta-analysis suggests that the use of omega-3 PUFAs at dosages >2.7 g/day for >3 months reduces NSAID consumption by RA patients. Further studies are needed to explore the clinical and NSAID-sparing effects of omega-3 PUFAs in (RA Rheumatoid arthritis)."