Fish Oil for Arthritis and Joint Pain: Can It Help?

Fish oil for arthritis is a popular home remedy, and several studies suggest it may be beneficial. This is likely due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids, which may block some sources of inflammation.

Omega-3 fatty acids have also been found to support cardiovascular health, brain health, and eye health for this reason. They may also help to reduce symptoms of psoriasis and lupus.

This article discusses the benefits of taking fish oil for arthritis and joint pain. It also explains the different types of fish oil supplements, the proper dosage, and potential side effects.

What Is Fish Oil?

Fish oil is a nutritional supplement derived from the oil of fatty fish, such as anchovies, herring, mackerel, and tuna, or the liver of other fish, such as cod. In addition to being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil is also high in vitamins A and D.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are compounds found in oily fish, including sardines and salmon, that fight inflammation associated with joint pain. They are also found in flaxseed and in dietary supplements.

Omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA)
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): Typically found in plants

EPA and DHA are the two fatty acids that may be beneficial for people with arthritis. You can get omega-3 fatty acids from food, soft gels, tablets, liquid, or capsules.

Fish Oil and Arthritis

Some types of arthritis involve inflammation in the body, which can be eased by the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil. Studies show the fatty acids in fish oil can partially inhibit a number of aspects of inflammation.

The body doesn’t naturally produce omega-3 fatty acids, so this nutrient must be obtained through diet and/or supplements. The main fatty acids that are known to help with inflammation are EPA and DHA, which can be obtained by eating fatty fish like salmon, anchovies, and tuna.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the joints in the wrists, knees, and hands, causing damage to the joint lining. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the effect of the autoimmune inflammatory response in patients with RA, resulting in clinical improvements in the condition.

Clinical trials showed that omega-3 fatty acids have a beneficial role in RA. More research needs to be conducted to evaluate the long-term effects of omega-3 on people with RA.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. More common with aging, osteoarthritis occurs when tissues in the joints start to break down over time.

Some studies suggest that EPA and DHA in fish oils reduce inflammation and increase joint lubrication, but more studies and human clinical trials need to be conducted to determine whether or not fish oil is beneficial to people with OA.

Studies have also found that fish oil could relieve pain in older OA patients who are obese.

Gout

Gout is an inflammatory type of arthritis that affects one or more joints. Most common in the big toe joint, symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and heat. The condition occurs due to excessive uric acid deposition in the joint.

In one study, patients with gout who consumed omega-3 and adjusted their intake of certain foods (high fructose corn syrup, organ meat, alcohol, and seafood) that are known to raise uric acid levels had a lower risk of recurring gout flares. When omega-3 was taken alone, there was no reduction. More research needs to be conducted to determine whether fish oils specifically help people with gout.

How Eating Fish Compares

Eating fish is also a good way to include fish oil in your diet. A supplement that provides about 1,000 mg of fish oil equals about 3 ounces of fatty fish. Some types of fish high in omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Anchovies
• Herring
• Mackerel
• Black cod
• Salmon
• Sardines
• Bluefin tuna
• Whitefish
• Striped bass
• Cobia

In general, healthcare providers typically advise consuming nutrients through food sources, if possible, rather than supplements. That said, most research into the effects of fish oil on the joints has focused on supplements, finding that they may improve arthritis.

While there's not as much research on how eating fish affects the joints, one study from 2017 found a link between fish consumption and arthritis pain. The researchers found that the more fish study participants ate, the better their arthritis symptoms. However, this study only showed an association between the two and doesn't mean that eating fish caused reduced arthritis symptoms.

Dosage

You can get the benefits of fish oils through foods and supplements.

The reference daily intake (RDI) of omega-3 fatty acids is 1,600 mg for men and 1,100 mg for women. The RDI for EPA and DHA is 200 mg to 500 mg.

If taking a supplement, read the label to determine how much EPA and DHA the product contains. The National Institutes for Health provides information about how many grams per serving of EPA and DHA are in a variety of fish.

Risks and Side Effects

Fish oil supplements are generally safe when used as directed and only produce mild side effects, if any.

The risks, side effects, and overdose symptoms include the following:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Bad breath
• Unpleasant taste
• Heartburn
• Nosebleeds
• Insomnia
• Vitamin A toxicity

Some studies have linked higher levels of omega-3s with an increased risk of prostate cancer, but other research has found the opposite. The reason for the discrepancy isn't clear.

Who Should Not Take Fish Oil

Fish oils are also known to increase blood sugar levels, so individuals with diabetes should contact their healthcare provider before taking fish oil.

Fish oils are also known to potentially interact with some medications. Contact your healthcare provider to discuss the potential interaction of medications and fish oil supplements.

Summary

Fish oil is an oil found in fatty fish like herring, mackerel, and tuna. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce inflammation and pain in people with different kinds of arthritis. Fish oil is available as a supplement, but you can also get it from eating fatty fish. 

Side effects of fish oil supplements are typically mild, but fish oil may increase blood sugar levels or interact with medications you're taking. It's always best to ask your healthcare provider before taking fish oil or any other supplement.