Eating Food Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids Benefits Osteoarthritis Patients: Study

Intake of Omega-3 fatty acids benefits patients of osteoarthritis, finds a study.

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish oil, plant oil, walnuts and chia seeds and prevent the development of heart diseases, inflammation, dementia and decline in mental health. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease and its symptoms include joint pain tenderness, stiffness and locking of the bones. Experts at the Duke Orthopedic Research Laboratories found consuming omega-3 fatty acids helps improve health of the joints and prevents injuries in people suffering from this condition.

Their study tested the efficacy of the fat compounds on laboratory mice with knee osteoarthritis. The mice either received a diet rich in saturated fat, Omega-3 fatty acids or combination of Omega-6 fatty and Omega-3 fatty acid. The saturated diet mainly comprised of animal fat products that increased cholesterol levels in the body leading to chronic weight gain. The researchers also punctured small holes in the ears of mice that were fed omega-3 fatty acids to note how quickly the wounds heal.

It was observed osteoarthritis worsened for mice that ate saturated fat or omega-6 fatty acids, while those on a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids had healthier joints. The ear punctures also healed faster for mice following this diet regime. However, intake of the compound did not restore the joint health in injured mice but, it protected against risk of obesity on joint health and progression of osteoarthritis.

"Our results suggest that dietary factors play a more significant role than mechanical factors in the link between obesity and osteoarthritis. This made us think that maybe it's not how much weight you gain, but what you eat," said Farshid Guilak, study author and Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Duke, in a news release.

The authors urge that people should regularly consume food that contains omega-3 fatty acids also known as 'healthy fat'. But current trends and lifestyle habits make people over-dependent on unhealthy food that are loaded with saturated fat, sugar, salt and calories. Majority of Americans eat only saturated fat or Omega-6 fatty acids. The authors will be researching further to examine the effect of Omega-3 fatty acids on patients who have sustained massive injuries.

More information is available online in the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.