Archive for osteoarthritis
Omega 3 Shown to Prevent or Slow Progression of Osteoarthritis in Non-Humans
Posted by: | CommentsOsteoarthritis is a condition involving pain and stiffness—two primary reasons some clients seek out massage therapy.
New research has shown for the first time that Omega-3 in fish oil could “substantially and significantly” reduce the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, according to a press release from the University of Bristol, United Kingdom.
According to the study, funded by Arthritis Research UK and published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, Omega-3-rich diets fed to guinea pigs, who naturally develop osteoarthritis, reduced the disease by 50 percent compared to a standard diet.
Lead researcher Dr John Tarlton, from the Matrix Biology Research group at the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Sciences, said classic early signs of the condition, such as the degradation of collagen in cartilage and the loss of molecules that give it shock-absorbing properties, were both reduced with Omega-3.
“Furthermore, there was strong evidence that Omega-3 influences the biochemistry of the disease, and therefore not only helps prevent disease, but also slows its progression, potentially controlling established osteoarthritis,” he said.
Originally printed at: massagemag . com
DENVER, Dec. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Omega-3 fatty acids from seafood may reduce inflammation, symptoms of gum disease and risk of abnormal heartbeats early after cardiac surgery. One type of Omega-3, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), may also have lasting benefits in visual function for years in children whose mothers consume sufficient prenatal DHA. TheDecember 2010 PUFA Newsletter and Fats of Life e-newsletters for health professionals and consumers, respectively, report on these new findings.
Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease in which cartilage connecting bones (i.e., knees, hips and spine) deteriorates, loses its ability to cushion joints and becomes inflamed. Omega-3 fatty acids, namely DHA and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), may reduce disease symptoms and cartilage degeneration based on results from a U.K. study, which looked at the effect of omega-3s in cultured, stressed cartilage tissue. When low levels of EPA and DHA were separately added to the tissue, the release of a protein associated with cartilage breakdown decreased along with inflammatory substances.
“This research demonstrates the potential of omega-3s to reduce some of the damage and perhaps ease the pain that goes with osteoarthritis,” said Joyce Nettleton, D.Sc., editor of the PUFA Newsletter and Fats of Life.
Omega-3s may also be helpful with periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory condition that destroys gum tissue and bone if untreated. A recent U.S.-Egyptian study was the first to demonstrate that omega-3s are linked to reduced inflammation and improved symptoms in people with advanced periodontal disease. EPA and DHA (900 mg/day) plus low-dose aspirin led to improvements beyond other treatments.
In another study, patients undergoing different types of cardiac surgery who had no history of atrial fibrillation (abnormal heartbeats) or a pacemaker were given seafood omega-3s days prior to surgery. Nearly half (46 percent) were less likely to develop atrial fibrillation immediately after surgery than those not given any intervention.
Researchers in Nunavik, Quebec investigated the effect of maternal Omega-3 intake on childhood visual function. Results showed that higher fetal exposure to DHA, which is concentrated in the retina of the eye, enhanced children’s visual function up to 13 years later.
“DHA in maternal prenatal nutrition may have long-lasting effects in children,” Nettleton concluded.
For more information, go to the PUFA Newsletter and Fats of Life at FatsofLife.com.
SOURCE FatsofLife.com