The effects of dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, double blind trial.

STUDY

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) on disease variables in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

DESIGN

Multicenter, randomized, placebo controlled, double blind.

SETTING

Three Danish hospital Departments of Rheumatology.

PATIENTS: Fifty-one patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.

INTERVENTION: Random allocation to 12 weeks of treatment with either six n-3 PUFA capsules (3.6 g) or six capsules with fat composition as the average Danish diet.

MAIN

RESULTS

Significant improvement of morning stiffness and joint tenderness. No significant effect on the four other assessed clinical parameters. No serious side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFA in patients with rheumatoid arthritis improved two out of six patient reported disease parameters. Further studies are needed to clarify the more precise role of n-3 PUFA in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.