Omega-3s help with joint pain and arthritis
6.0Moderate
evidence
evidence
The Claim
Some people believe that omega-3 supplements can effectively reduce joint pain and improve symptoms of arthritis, providing a natural alternative to traditional pain relief medications.
Origin
This belief likely comes from omega-3's known anti-inflammatory properties and anecdotal reports from arthritis sufferers.
What Science Says
RCTs and meta-analyses have shown that omega-3s may have modest benefits in reducing joint pain and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis patients. A 2020 meta-analysis in the journal Pain found a small but significant reduction in pain. However, the benefits are not as pronounced for osteoarthritis.
Verdict
Mostly True
Sources
- PMID:34959772 Effect of Anti-Inflammatory Diets on Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- PMID:37226250 Effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation for patients with osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis.
- PMID:35654458 Effects of diet on the outcomes of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs): systematic review and meta-analyses informing the 2021 EULAR recommendations for lifestyle improvements in people with RMDs.