Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are important for a number of functions in the body. Some types of omega-3s are found in foods such as fatty fish and shellfish. Another type is found in some vegetable oils. Omega-3s are also available as dietary supplements.
The types of omega-3s found in seafood and fish oil may be modestly helpful in relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, according to the National Institutes of Health, which took a look a multiple studies on this issue. Many study participants reported that when they were taking fish oil they had shorter periods of morning stiffness, less joint swelling and pain, and less need for anti-inflammatory drugs to control their symptoms.
If you have arthritis, talk with your doctor about your particular symptoms, your treatment plan and your diet.
—Source: U.S. National Institutes of Health
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, February 2016
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