Fishing for arthritis relief

FISH oil is a popular means of managing arthritis symptoms. It’s a natural therapy available without prescription but, like any dietary supplement, it must be understood before starting a regimen.

First of all, fish oils are not a cure for arthritis. The 100 or so musculoskeletal conditions that fall under the arthritis umbrella are not yet curable. The anti-inflammatory effect fish oil provides can be a source of relief for some forms of arthritis but effectively, it’s only a band-aid for the problem. The root causes of arthritis as a disease do not come from a bodily deficiency of anti-inflammatories or fish. (See A natural approach to arthritis treatment.)

Oils derived from the tissues of fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and are generally considered an exceptionally healthy nutrient. Fish oils are associated with curbing diabetes and dementia and a review in the British Medical Journal recommends fish oil supplements for the prevention of heart attacks. But although fish oil’s benefits against arthritis are just as widely touted, it is not an appropriate treatment for everyone.

To be useful against arthritis, fish oils must be consumed in fairly high doses. According to Arthritis Australia, nine to 14 standard 1000 milligram fish oil capsules or five to seven capsules of fish oil concentrate per day is usually required. This means 15 millilitres for bottled fish oil and 5-7ml of concentrated bottled fish oil per day.

While fish oil supplements are usually free of side effects, upset stomachs and an increased risk of bleeding may be possible depending on the person and dosage. Fish oils can have a complex and varied effect on the heart and have been purported to impact negatively on the immune system (though some research contradicts this). It is therefore best to consult your doctor and pharmacist before adding fish supplements to your diet.

Our bodies cannot produce the omega-3 fats that fight inflammation so we must get them from food. The nutrients can be found in a number of nuts, seeds and unusual superfoods but the most common and potent source is oily fish. (To read more about exotic superfoods, see Are superfoods all buzz and no bite?)

Research conducted by Queen Mary University in London revealed the fatty oils in fish were converted by our bodies into a chemical called resolvin D2. The compound reduces arthritis inflammation by causing our blood vessels to produce a chemical which impedes the inflammatory build-up of white blood cells.

Scientists consider resolvin D2 a rather powerful substance, even in small doses. But if you want to benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects of this chemical, you’ll have to eat a mountain of fish. Fish oil supplements, therefore, are usually essential to achieving the necessary quantities and may require a regimen of two to three months before improvements are noticeable.

Be careful not to confuse fish oils with fish liver oils. Fish liver oils are packed with vitamin A and are intended to be taken in much lower doses. If fish liver oils are taken in the high doses recommended for arthritis treatment, you may be subject to health complications associated with excess vitamin A. Fish liver oils are not meant to increase your intake of omega-3s.