魚油減少關節用藥
Fish oil reduces joint medication Consuming
omega-3 fatty acids as part of the daily diet could reduce
the need for painkillers, report researchers at Dundee University.
The findings from the study published in the journal Rheumatology,
are a welcome revelation, in light of the mounting concerns
over the adverse effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen. Some of these drugs have
been associated with gastrointestinal toxicity, high blood
pressure and a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.
The double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved 97 RA
patients who were given either cod liver oil or a placebo.
The researchers found that supplementation with 2.2g long-chain
omega-3 fatty acids could result in a reduction in medication
by up to 30 per cent after nine months.
An estimated seven million adults in the UK suffer from long-term
health problems associated with arthritis, says the Arthritis
Research Campaign (www.arc.org.uk), with approximately 350,000
people thought to be suffering from RA – the incurable form
of the disease originating in autoimmune problems which bring
about painful inflammation in the joints. But there's good
news – sufferers may be able to slow the progression of the
disease by taking omega-3 supplements. The benefits of these
natural anti-inflammatory substances are well documented;
earlier studies have suggested that as well as reducing inflammation,
certain omega-3 fats actually switch off the collagen-degrading
enzymes which break down joint cartilage. Unlike NSAIDs, omega-3
is able to be taken long-term, providing anti-inflammatory
and collagen-supporting properties – offering a two-pronged
defence against the harmful deterioration of joints affected
by RA.
Superior in terms of purity, concentration and efficacy,
our pure EPA omega-3 supplements offer significant benefits
over the clinical application of cod liver oil. Above all,
the removal of DHA ensures that EPA is more bioavailable in
the body, promoting the production of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids.
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