Having a load of steroid response “Fibromyaglias” (as diagnosed by rheumatologists), I have been accumulating a list of anti-inflammatory agents. Omega 3 appears to have some promise.
A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain
Goldberg RJ (Goldberg, Robert J.), Katz J (Katz, Joel)
PAIN 129(1-2)210-223; MAY 2007 abstract here
This meta-analysis was done at York University, Toronto and found a significant effect for Omega 3. Here is the magnitude of results added together from all studies:
Pain decrease after 3-4 months:
Results on stiffness fared some better:
Doses varied from 1.8 – 5.2 gm fish oils without any evidence larger doses were better.
Omega 3 has been found to have other beneficial results:
- The EPA in Omega 3 has antidepressant effects (drop beck scores by 10) at dose 1.2 gm EPA up to 1.7 gm.
- Can reduce chance of psychosis in high risk sufferers:
Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Indicated Prevention of Psychotic Disorders; A Randomized, placebo-Controlled Trial. G. Paul Amminger et al. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2010;67(2):146-154 abstract here- 1.2 gm omega 3/day
- cases mildly psychotic or FHx psychosis not well functioning
- 4.9% of omega 3 group versus 27.5% of placebo group became frankly psychotic over a 12 month period. Psychotic Event Rates
Comments – these improvements are comparable to what you can get from NSAIDs in some cases. Can be worth a try but looks like have to give it several months. Anyone had experience with this?