Freedom to move without pain and discomfort is fundamental to good health. Inflammation of the joints and muscles can impair normal movement. The correct balance of Omega-3 can help reduce this inflammation and improve mobility.

The efficacy of Omega-3 fish oils in rheumatoid arthritis has been demonstrated in several clinical trials. Omega-3 promotes the production of anti-inflammatory hormones and competes with the Omega-6 fats which promote inflammatory hormone production. In addition, they suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cartilage degradation enzymes. Further research has confirmed that Omega-3 will reduce the various factors involved in tissue destruction in osteoarthritis, confirming the mechanism by which Omega-3 improved the symptoms in this form of arthritis. A review of published studies showed that supplementation with Omega-3 for 3-4 months reduced patient reported joint pain intensity, minutes of morning stiffness, number of painful and/or painful joints and consumption of anti-inflammatory drugs (1).

Osteoporosis is a major health problem for our aging population. There are a number of animal studies which indicate a reduction in osteoporosis in those consuming higher quantities of Omega-3 fatty acids. A recent human study found a marked decrease in the bone breakdown in those with a diet high in Omega-3 compared to the normal western diet (2). Another study showed that increased intake of Omega-6 fatty acids increased the risk of fracture in an elderly population (3).

Omega-3 has been shown to be important for supporting joint and bone health which is vital for mobility.

References

(1) Goldberg R, and Katz J. A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain. Pain. 2007;129(1-2):210-223
(2) Nutr J. 2007 Jan 16;6:2. An increase in dietary n-3 fatty acids decreases a marker of bones resoption in humans. Griel AE, Kris-Etherton PM, Hilpert KF, Zhao G, Wst SG, Corwin RL.
(3) Eur J Clin Nutr. 2007 Sep;61(9):1114-20. Epub 2007 Feb 7. Dietary fat intake and the risk of osteoporotic fractures in the elderly. Martínez-Ramírez MJ, Palma S, Martínez-González MA, Delgado-Martínez AD, de la Fuente C, Delgado-Rodríguez M