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Supplement Guide: Fish Oil

Origin: Oil from cold-water fish such as mackerel, salmon, herring, tuna, halibut and cod.

Dosage: Fish, capsules or chewable tablets. For general health, two 3-ounce servings of fish a week are recommended. However, it’s difficult to get a therapeutic dose of fish oil from food alone. To treat arthritis-related conditions, use fish oil capsules with at least 30 percent EPA/ DHA, the active ingredients. For lupus and psoriasis, 2 g EPA/DHA three times a day. For Raynaud’s phenomenon, 1 g four times a day. For rheumatoid arthritis, up to 2.6 g fish oil (1.6 g EPA) twice a day.

Claims: Reduces inflammation and morning stiffness. Treats rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, depression and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Important for brain function and may inhibit RA development.

What we know: Fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation. Fish oil lowers blood trigylceride (fats that circulate in the bloodstream), protecting against heart disease and reducing high blood pressure.

Studies: An analysis of nine studies of people with rheumatoid arthritis taking omega-3s showed a reduction in the number of tender joints but no reduction in joint damage. In six studies, people with rheumatoid arthritis were able to reduce their dosages of NSAIDs or corticosteroids. A 2005 study of people with RA showed enhanced positive effects when fish oil supplements were used in combination with olive oil.

Women who are pregnant or hoping to conceive should avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish, and should eat no more than 8 ounces of albacore tuna each month, due to potentially dangerous levels of mercury. Fish oil supplements at normal doses are safe. Look for brands that follow good manufacturing practices and contain fish oils without mercury. Use caution when taking with blood thinners. May cause excessive bleeding.

Gene

22 Dec 2011, 00:29

I am 57 and have been having a moderate hand arthritis pain for almost 10 years. I don't like to take the NSAIDs so I just used to live with the pain. Several months ago I started taking the fish oil supplements. I am a pharmaceutical scientist and generally skeptical towards the non-pharmaceutical remedies but I read some recent studies that showed strong cardiovascular benefits of fish oil and decided to give it a try. I am sure there will some cardiovascular benefits down the road but meantime the pain in my hands almost magically disappeared and redness and swelling is gone. If somebody told me that before I would not believe it (I take two 1.2 g + Vitamin D softgels in the morning. Nothing fancy - a major supermarket brand, purified, pharmaceutical grade). And yes I try to eat fish almost every day.

mohit

29 Sep 2011, 05:42

Anyone looking for fish oil supplements from nutrilite,please mail me

Pearly

15 May 2011, 01:32

When looking at Fish Oil supplements, I was told to look for EPA and DHA. The ones I take are also mercury free and gluten free.

I took Fish Oil regularly for years when I used to work out more but had stopped taking supplements when I began having a lot of pain thus exercising less. I had really bad sudden bleeding (including nose bleeds) when I tried the msm and glucosamine for joints.

I am taking Fish Oil with meals in hopes it will avoid indigestion problems. I lean toward Dr Weil's anti-inflammatory diet too - though I like more meat.

jackiem

25 Apr 2011, 12:52

I would like to try fish oil capsules to see if they help my osteoarthritis symptoms. However, I also have a problem with acid reflux and understand that the fish oil can aggravate this condition. Has anyone found a type or brand of fish oil capsules that do NOT cause the reflux? I have had to stop taking NSAIDs because of this problem and feel like I'm running out of options.

TheFliss

13 Apr 2011, 12:02

Paradox Oil works for me. It's a blend of fish oil, olive oil and lemon oil and helps with my (psoriatic) arthritic pain and stiffness, especially in the morning. If it gives you tummy trouble, consider changing your pain medication to codeine -- that'll balance everything out! I'm a big fan of natural remedies; it's a shame my consultant is not! Fx

LaShawn

06 Apr 2011, 07:56

I have to agree. I have RA and since taking the Omega3 oil it has helped stiffness and joint functions tremendiously. plus with some exercise is very helpful. want to learn about a Glutein diet? Thanks for all the helpful comments.

Nancy

15 Mar 2011, 23:28

Don't know what kind of arthritis I have but I have it bad in my hands, knee and now my hip. I have noticed that staying away from gluten really helps. I take Omega with 3,5,6,7, & 9 (New Chapter, is suposted to be one of the best and most pure) I take 3 a day. I do feel much better on them but will take some advice and try a dairy free diet and gluten free diet. also, will try the ginger root as tea as someone told me it's a great anti-inflamitory. thanks for all the posts.

Dana Robert Witten

05 Mar 2011, 16:55

I have had a total knee replacement. Any time I try to take a supplement for joint pain or arthritis, my knee becomes total inflamed. To the point where I can barely walk. As soon as I stop taking the supplement, the pain, and inflamation goes away. Has anyone every experienced this, and is there any hope that I can use Fish Oil, Monavie,etc. ever again. i was taking the fish oil for my heart, and my knee went ballistic!! Please advise!

wanda

15 Feb 2011, 18:14

I have been diagnosed with ostio-arthritis for 3 years. I also have high triglycerides. I have found nothing to help with stiffness and joint pain in the last 3 years. Just seemed to get worse. 3 months ago my doctor advised me to take 3 grams of fish oil for my triglycerides. In that 3 months of taking fish oil my painful joints and stiffness have very much improved.I cant beleive the difference the fish oil has made.I am 46 years old and plan to keep taking the fish oil.Can't wait to tell my doctor the difference it has made in my arthritis when the fish oil was meant to help my triglycerides. Fish oil works double duty for me.

Steve Szakal

02 Feb 2011, 18:08

I purchased a bottle of your fish oil. Can you tell me how many mg's of DHA are in your omega-3 fish oil--1200mg.

thanks

Paul Stewart

01 Feb 2011, 17:51

I'm pretty skeptical when it comes to fish oil supplements, especially considering all the buzz about PCBs, heavy metals etc.

I've got RA in both hands and serious inflammation in my right knee (my wife reckons it's from all those years I've been out bowling with the guys), so I'm desperate to try something natural that could help.

A friend recommended I try a New Zealand company called Maxalife for their Omega 3 Extra and Ultimate fish oils. Has anyone heard of them?

I like the fact that the fish oil is sourced from the Southern Ocean which is apparently a lot cleaner than other places. Their PCB levels seem pretty low so I'm thinking of ordering some.

I'd really like to hear what other people have to say about fish oil purity.

I know the EPA/DHA ratio in fish oil will be good for my RA but I don't particularly want to risk getting mercury poisoning either. Am I looking too much into the whole mercury/heavy metal issue?

James

13 Jan 2011, 15:14

Wonderful sharing going on here. I just want to mention that there is a completed arthritis study focusing on another omega-3 source, krill oil (other studies apparently are underway).

Canadian scientists in 2007 evaluated the effect of a daily dose of 300mg krill oil for a mere seven to 14 days on 90 patients with chronic inflammation and symptoms of arthritis. Patients reported significant reductions in pain (28.9 percent), stiffness (20.3 percent) and functional impairment (22.8 percent), using a scale developed by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities known as the WOMAC scale. (from the nonprofit website WellWise.org)

Also, an old post asked about blood thinning. You must be a little cautious with this, especially if you're on an anticoagulant such as Coumadin. Also, some people will begin to bruise easily with higher doses of fish oil or krill oil, so one can experiment with smaller doses.

Becky N - Springfield, IL

26 Oct 2010, 14:21

I'm 52, and started taking fish oil several weeks ago, on recommendation from a friend. My osteoarthritis pain eased immediately--almost overnight. After several weeks, my arthritis pain is almost completely gone. If you start taking this supplement, be sure to take one that has been purified for the removal of mercury. I will likely continue to take fish oil supplements the rest of my life.

Richard Hanson

17 Oct 2010, 13:55

Correction -- I took 0.9 gm of EPA (in 3 gm of fish oil) plus Excedrin each day. After three months, the semi-regular but temporary joint pain in the fingers have almost disappeared. Now only occasional. Recently up'd the daily dosage to 1.2 gm EPA (4 gm fish oil). No apparent side effects.

Richard Hanson

17 Oct 2010, 13:46

I took 0.9 mg of EPA (in 3 gm of fish oil) plus Excedrin each day. After three months, the semi-regular but temporary joint pain in the fingers have almost disappeared. Now only occasional. Recently up'd the daily dosage to 1.2 mg EPA (4 gm fish oil). No apparent side effects.

Linda Schrader

26 Sep 2010, 13:31

I have psoriatic arthritis and if the above recommendations are true then I need to take 3g of EPA/DHA per day which would be around 9 capsules wouldn't it? That's a lot when you take into consideration the other medications I have to take every day.

amber

20 Sep 2010, 12:35

I have started getting severe joint pains and wonder if i should belong to a clinic or hospital group that would support Arthritis, My Mom and Dad have it very bad, I have alot of alergies when it come to food and tablets and when i have the omega 3 tablet i get a bladder infection. i also suffer from fatty lumps my diet is so wrong what would be the best way forward for me

omega 3 fish oils

01 Sep 2010, 05:25

Pim Collier

25 Aug 2010, 14:23

Omapure Omega-3 is a great product with Omega-3 2.6g; EPA 1.7g & DHA 690mg! You need Omega-3 with high EPA to make a difference on inflammation. I have been taking it for a year and it is awesome. http://www.omapure.com/Can_Help/index.html

Amaka Emmanuel

17 Aug 2010, 05:09

I'm really very gratetful for being a member of Arthritis Foundation. Secondingly I thank the Arthritis Foundation for all the informations,(treatments,avoiding having severe pains and swollen)you send to me through my email box. It has actually help me to change my diets and go more on fruits and vegetables and it has been helpful. thanks. Amaka

manny

13 Aug 2010, 18:12

and also stay away from soda, even diet soda. anything containing salt, sugar, too much carbs, sodium, stay away from it all. but once in a while its ok and even then dont overload. do light excercises and stretch, try to atleast walk 30 min everyday wearing good sneakers (new balance, sketchers shapeups). eating different types of berries will boost your immune system, vitamin C also helps to keep immune system strong.

manny

13 Aug 2010, 18:07

Arthritis patients STAY AWAY FROM PROCESSED MEAT!! i mean once in a blue its ok but red meat, hot dogs, beef and the processed version of these meats please stay away from! its bad for any type of arthritis. to keep your pain/swelling low or from getting worse, eat lots of greens. fresh fruits and vegetables and lots of it. as for Supplements, Turmeric Extract (KAL is a good brand 1 tablet a day or vitamin shoppe brand 1 capsule twice a day) is great for arthritis. Ginger Root is also very good for arthritis (1 capsule twice a day) and Fish Oil (high quality brands i use are FishSmart Ultra or KAL 3.6.9) both brands 1 softgel twice a day. and Calcium WITH vitamin D (500mg) 1 tablet twice a day. because your body can only absorb 500mg of calcium at a time. and remember all supplements should be taken with food and drink lots of water. dont take the supplements all at once, divide them throughout the day.

Virginia

12 Aug 2010, 10:59

I take coumadin daily ( 2 mgs.) and wonder if Omega 3 has any affect on thinning the blood ?

Tina Brown

04 Jul 2010, 17:12

I started taking the supplement to correct my dry eyes. After a few months, I had less inflammation and a noticeable difference in the dryness. However, four months ago, I got gout. I stopped taking lasik and eating foods that may have caused the problem. The gout continued. I stopped the fish oil and the gout stopped. When I went to the optometrist last month and my eyes were so dry, I started the fish oil again. For the past three days, the gout has returned. I am still off Lasik and eating properly.

DeAnna Delimat

30 May 2010, 21:32

I just started taking fish oil about 40 days ago. I have seen major results in my wrist joint. This has been the most promising supplment I have ever taken for my R.A. I have taken lots of them! Please note I have had this disease for over 18 yrs. My Dr said use the more expensive brands because they are more pure. It took about 30 days of taking the fish oil to see results! Good Luck to you and remember each one of us has our own Doctor inside ourselves (I don't remember who wrote that quote but thought it was a good one!)

dojit wahengbam

19 May 2010, 07:19

My mother is an Rhemeutoid Arthritis patient. She is suufering from RA since 2year back i,e 2008.And now a day she is very difficult to walk and as a son I am very upset about the condition of my mother. I have consult with my home doctor also but nothing improve . So can u suggest that disease is curable or not . I fcurable than what are the food should she take.Please suggest me I want to keep my mom happily.

margarita

13 Feb 2010, 12:04

desde hace años dosd el médico me diagnostico psoriasis, algo que para mi en todo el tiempo que aparecia en mis codos lo ignoraba. El caso es que la mantengo controlada en esta perte de mi cuerpo pero tomo dos dosis diarias de matrotaxate, Durante todo este tiempo pues la Artritis esta emezando a manos deformar y mis munecas con el consiguiente dolor. Mi pregunta es que tan malos y Cuáles Son Los Efectos secundarios de esta medicina para una persona como yo que tiene parientes de linea materna con cáncer?

Deb

29 Jan 2010, 15:20

My rheumatologist prescribed Lovaza, a prescription fish oil supplement, because I have fibromyalgia and she is concerned about strength and contaminants in over-the-counter fish oils. It does increase my nosebleeds a little bit but it definitely helps the inflammation I have in my hands and feet. I can't take any other anti-inflammatory medicines because of bleeding. I do also take a teaspoon of mustard every night to prevent muscle spasms (and also to treat them if I do get them). I also put turmeric on many things, always on salads.

Mae Jones

15 Jan 2010, 09:15

My son encouraged me to buy Salba, it is a suppliment of omega 3 and fiber, have you heard of it?

Sandy

11 Jan 2010, 17:48

ADRIANAG...I didn't know until I had my first knee replacement surgery that fish oil can cause bleeding in people who are prone to it. All fish oil and other supplements have to be discontinued on my doctor's orders two weeks before surgery. I'm prone to bleeding easily, so I asked the pharmicist about it. Ask your doctor or pharmicist for the best advice if it gives you nosebleeds. I can't take any anti-inflammatories for that reason...nosebleeds and bleeding under my skin. Ask your doctor.
Hope this helps.

gene

11 Dec 2009, 02:16

I'm a big fan of fish oil! the comments above have been so helpful! my question, what foods work against the auto-immune
system?

ellen

02 Dec 2009, 19:29

What foods cause an auto-immune reaction? I'm new to this and interested in all info.

Tonya

17 Nov 2009, 21:35

I have been taking fish oil for a year. It has really helped my stiffness. I get mine from www.hsn.com. It is the Andrew Lessman line. His capsules do not have any tastes and are all natural. You do have to wait sometimes because it sells out fast.

mahesh talwar

09 Nov 2009, 02:07

Interested in using fish oil for RA, but is it recommended by docs in India/abroad. Also which brands are availble in India/delhi confirming to UK/other european standards.

P Suen

22 Sep 2009, 08:34

I have self diagnosed that I have very early stage RA and checking on the internet to find natural / alternate ways to help myself. First I took the ginger tea and then ginger with melasse, it helped right away, much less morning stiffness. I started taking Evening Primrose oil in August 2009. Don't know the effect yet, I tried stop the ginger once, no, the morning stiffness came back immediately. In September, I was about to take on Fish Oil but don't know the right dose. Thanks Pim Collier and the others, I knew which type of Fish Oil and the dosage 2 times 1.5 g EPA. I start intaking this dosage today. However, I'm only 45kg of weight, I wonder should I take a smaller dose.
I have started the gluten free, dairy free diet, will try and see if I can free of all symtom in 6 months.

adrianag

18 Aug 2009, 10:27

I used fish oil for a number of months and got no ianti-inflammatory relief. I did get soem unpleasant side effects:
1. Diarhhea
2. Spontaneaous nosebleeds
3. Sores in my nostrils

Reducing the dosage did not eliminate the side ffects so I discontinued it.

I am now try Krill Oil from Schiff (MegaRed) and so far have not seen the side effects. It is too early to determine if it helps with inflammation.

I also am using it for heart health as it is supposed to reduce cholesterol counts and C-Reactive Protein.

Carolina

08 Jun 2009, 11:04

Hi! I'm from Argentina. I was diagnosed Raynaud’s phenomenon when I was 16 years old, when I was 25 the doctor told me that it was Psoriasic arthritis , so now (I'm 30 now) I am treated with metrotaxate and hidroxicloroquina sulfato, My question in fact has to do with diet, I don't eat fish at all. but since it is said to be so good for me, I will start eating , I want to know if I have to buy sea or river fish or is it the same?
Thanks!

Kumar

07 Jun 2009, 21:16

I have said this in another section... There is a growing evidence on the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids from fish for RA pain relief through anti-inflammatory pathways.

I would recommend a mainstream brand that has won many awards and meets strict international standards. My mom uses Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega with Vitamin D3. Nordic Naturals products meet European Pharmacopia Standard and Norweigian Medicinal Standard (there is unfortunately no standard in the US for fish oils and we have to rely on these other international standards). They also received 5 star rating by a non-profit global organization called IFOS - International fish oil standards based on 3rd party testing for purity, concentration and freshness.

The nice thing about Nordic Naturals is that they are readily available at any of your local vitamin stores or online at authorized retailers such as World of Omega - worldofomega.com.

Pim Collier

10 Mar 2009, 16:53

I was diagnosed with RA last April (2008) and I immediately started seeing a natural medicine doctor. I do find that fish oil makes such a big difference and I would not go a day without taking them. The only brand that I can find which has the closest recommended dosage for RA is "Quixtar Nutrilite" product called "Ocean Essentials Joint Health"...which has 1.5g EPA per serving and I take them twice per day. For me, I've also found that taking Fish Oil in combination with polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC) has made a tremendous difference...like night & day. I've been in remission now for 7 months with taking 100mg Celebrex/day & various supplements...and changing the foods that I eat...staying away from foods that causes auto-immune reaction...plus I was able to keep dancing about 6 hours a week. I feel so much better and very hopeful that I can discontinue the use of Celebrex one day. I'm also very thankful & appreciate all the information and guidance that the Arthritis Foundation has provided on this website...it helped me tremendously...a BIG THANK YOU!

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Supplement Guide: Fish Oil

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