Why Does Taking Fish Oil Help Rheumatoid Arthritis?

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may have been told by your doctor that taking fish oil is beneficial. If not told by your own doctor, you probably have heard about the recommendation. Fish oil reduces inflammation that is associated with many conditions, including arthritis. But how? Until now, there has not been a detailed explanation.

According to a paper published in Nature, researchers from Queen Mary, University of London and Harvard Medical School have determined how the body converts DHA, an ingredient found in fish oil, into a chemical referred to as Resolvin D2. They also analyzed the chemical structure of Resolvin D2 and studied how it interacts with white blood cells that adhere to the inner lining of blood vessels during the inflammatory process. The findings offer at least one explanation for how fish oil works -- important for understanding its role in preventing and treating arthritis -- and possibly other inflammatory conditions.

Related Resources:

• Inflammation - The Battle Within
• More About Fish Oil
• Fish Oil - What You Need to Know
• More About Dietary Supplements for Arthritis
• Natural Therapies and Alternative Treatments - Useful for Arthritis?

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