Fish oil reduces cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients through various mechanisms, according to a study published in the October 2006 issue of the Journal of Rheumatology. Fish oil has been previously associated with reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and reducing cardiovascular risk. In the new study, the effect of an anti-inflammatory dose of fish oil in patients also receiving combination treatment for early rheumatoid arthritis was compared to patients who chose not to take fish oil.

After 3 years, several parameters improved in the group taking fish oil. The use of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) was reduced by 75 percent by patients taking fish oil compared to 37 percent in those not taking fish oil. Improvement was seen is blood lipid levels, and remission of rheumatoid arthritis occurred more frequently in fish oil users than in patients not taking fish oil (72 percent vs. 31 percent).

Related Resources:

• Health Benefits: Fish Oil
• Omega-3 Fats Have Differences
• Profile: Fish Oil / Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• Patient Education: Fish Oil / Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• Arthritis Supplements Lack Active Ingredients
• 10 Things You Should Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis

_{Photo by Stas Volik (iStockphoto)}