Rheumatoid arthritis impacts millions of people around the world. This condition can lead to joint deformity and higher death rates if not treated properly. Scientists have found a ray of hope in omega 3 fatty acids as an add on to current treatments.
This piece tucks into the best omega 3 supplements for rheumatoid arthritis. We’ll learn about different types and how well they work. We’ll explore the science behind their benefits and share practical tips from recent research.
Which omega 3 supplements are most effective for rheumatoid arthritis?
The best omega 3 supplements for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are those that provide high concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the key fatty acids responsible for reducing inflammation.
Fish oil supplements like nordic naturals ultimate omega and viva naturals offer potent doses and are third-party tested for purity. Krill oil, such as kori krill oil, is also a good option due to its enhanced bioavailability and added antioxidants like astaxanthin.
For plant based users, algal oil supplements like ovega 3 provide a vegan friendly source of DHA and EPA. To ensure effectiveness, choose a product that delivers at least 1000–2000 mg of combined EPA and DHA daily and has been tested for contaminants.
Why omega-3s matter in rheumatoid arthritis
Omega 3 fatty acids show great promise in treating rheumatoid arthritis thanks to their strong anti-inflammatory properties. These vital fats target joint destruction in RA through several biological pathways that fight inflammation.
EPA and DHA reduce joint inflammation and pain
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, create special compounds that help resolve inflammation. These essential fats change how cell membranes are built, which transforms the way immune cells react to inflammatory triggers.
The benefits of omega 3s largely depend on how much we take. Studies show we need at least 2.7 grams of EPA and DHA daily to get real anti-inflammatory benefits for rheumatoid arthritis. When we take these therapeutic doses, omega-3s can:
- Cut down morning stiffness;
- Lower the number of tender joints;
- Reduce swollen joint count;
- Make physical movement easier.
Scientists understand well how these benefits work. EPA competes with inflammatory omega-6 fats in cell membranes and creates milder inflammatory compounds. On top of that, DHA makes special inflammation fighting substances called resolvins and protectins.
Research backs up these real world benefits. A clinical trial showed that patients who got omega 3 infusions followed by oral supplements had much fewer swollen and tender joints than those who took placebos.
Clinical studies show reduced CRP and IL-1β levels
Omega-3 supplements don’t just improve symptoms, they create measurable changes in inflammation markers. These concrete measurements prove how omega-3s might modify the disease itself.
Taking omega-3 supplements substantially reduces C-reactive protein (CRP), a key sign of body wide inflammation. This matters because higher CRP relates directly to bone damage and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis.
Omega 3 supplements also lower pro-inflammatory cytokines. This cytokine plays a big role in RA by breaking down cartilage and eroding bone. A review of 32 studies found that higher doses of fish oil (over 2.6g daily) helped lower several inflammation markers including CRP and ESR.
Research keeps confirming these anti-inflammatory effects. One controlled study found that patients taking omega-3s produced much less IL-1β in their blood. This led to lower disease activity when measured by standard tools.
Potential to reduce NSAID use and improve remission odds
The most exciting benefit might be how omega-3s help reduce the need for regular medications. Several research reviews confirm that omega-3 supplements help RA patients use fewer NSAIDs.
A complete review of 10 controlled trials found that taking omega-3 PUFAs above 2.7g daily for more than three months cut NSAID use substantially (SMD -0.518, 95% CI -0.915 to -0.121, p = 0.011) with consistent results across studies. This helps patients avoid the risks that come with long-term NSAID use.
New evidence suggests omega-3s might affect how the disease progresses. Research shows that people diagnosed with early RA who have higher EPA levels in their blood have better chances of reaching remission. This hints at benefits beyond just controlling symptoms.
Types of omega 3 supplements and how they compare
Knowing the different forms of omega-3 supplements helps us make smart choices for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. These supplements come in several types and each one works differently to support joint health.
Fish oil: most studied and accessible to more people
Fish oil leads the pack as the most researched omega 3 supplement for rheumatoid arthritis. It works so well because it’s packed with two vital fatty acids: EPA and DHA. These compounds help fight joint inflammation directly.
The way omega 3s are structured in fish oil affects how well our body absorbs them. Natural fish oil contains omega 3s mostly as triglycerides, while processed versions turn these into ethyl esters to pack in more omega 3s. Some premium brands take it further by creating “reformed triglycerides,” which our body absorbs better but cost more.
Regular fish oil supplements usually contain 30% EPA and DHA, but concentrated versions can go up to 90%. That’s why some products need fewer capsules to give us the same benefits.
Quality matters too. Good fish oils go through special cleaning to remove things like mercury and PCBs. Look for third party testing certificates to make sure what’s on the label matches what’s inside.
Krill oil: better absorption and antioxidant content
Krill oil comes from tiny Antarctic crustaceans and offers something different. Unlike fish oil, krill oils omega 3s come mainly as phospholipids (30-65%), which match our cell membranes structure. This means our body might use it more efficiently.
Studies show we might need less krill oil than fish oil. People taking krill oil needed about 960 mg of EPA+DHA daily to reach ideal omega 3 levels, while fish oil users needed 1,220 mg. The phospholipid structure might explain why it works better.
Krill oil also contains astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant we won’t find in fish oil. This natural compound gives krill oil its red color and protects it from breaking down. Astaxanthin brings extra benefits like less oxidative stress and better insulin response.
Krill oil is also more environmentally responsible. These creatures live short lives and don’t collect much heavy metal contamination, so they need less processing.
Algal oil: plant based option for vegans and vegetarians
Algal oil stands out as the only significant plant based source of ready made EPA and DHA. This supplement comes from marine microalgae and works great for people who don’t use animal products. Algae are actually where fish get their omega-3s from, either by eating it directly or eating other fish that do.
Algal oil matches fish oils EPA and DHA content pretty closely. Research proves it works just as well in our body and affects omega-3 blood levels the same way.
Beyond being vegan friendly, algal oil has practical benefits. It’s virtually contaminant free and doesn’t leave a fishy taste. Its production is also better for the environment than fishing.
All these supplements can effectively deliver anti-inflammatory omega 3s that help with rheumatoid arthritis. The key is taking the right dose consistently.
How to choose the best omega 3 supplement for RA
The right omega 3 supplements can help with rheumatoid arthritis, but we need to know what makes them work. The market has many options, so let’s learn about the quality markers that show which supplements will give us the best anti-inflammatory benefits.
Check EPA and DHA content per serving
Our omega 3 supplement’s effectiveness comes down to its EPA and DHA content. Research shows we need 2.7 grams of EPA plus DHA daily to get real anti-inflammatory benefits for rheumatoid arthritis. This means we’ll need to read labels carefully.
Many brands highlight the total fish oil content instead of actual omega-3 amounts on their labels. To cite an instance, a product might say “1,000 mg fish oil per capsule” but only contain 300-400 mg of combined EPA and DHA. This happens because regular fish oil has no more than 30% EPA and DHA, the other 70% is just other fats.
So, to get the right dose, we might need:
- 9-14 regular 1000mg fish oil capsules daily;
- 5-7 capsules of concentrated fish oil:
- 15ml of bottled fish oil or 5-7ml of concentrated liquid.
Look for third-party testing and purity certifications
The FDA doesn’t check supplement contents as strictly as medications, which makes third-party testing a vital quality indicator. These independent tests check purity, potency and label accuracy to protect us from mercury, PCBs and other environmental toxins.
Here are the respected third party certifications:
IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards): IFOS tests and posts results by individual lot numbers, so we can check specific products. They’ve certified over 200 brands worldwide and tested more than 15,000 product SKUs.
IVO: this seal means omega-3 oils meet international standards for purity, potency and sustainability, including FDA, Health Canada, European Union and WHO regulations. IVO uses advanced mass spectrometer testing to find even tiny amounts of contaminants.
Quality supplements should be clean, stay fresh and contain vitamin E to prevent spoilage.
Prefer triglyceride or re-esterified triglyceride forms
The way omega-3 fatty acids are structured affects how well our body absorbs them. We’ll find four main forms: natural triglycerides (TG), ethyl esters (EE), re-esterified triglycerides (rTG) and phospholipids (PL).
Research shows triglyceride forms are up to 71% better absorbed than ethyl ester types. This better absorption rate becomes really important if we want the best therapeutic effects for inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Among triglyceride options, supplements with higher re-esterification levels (>96% rTG) get more EPA and DHA into our cell membranes compared to products with about 60% rTGs, according to studies. This means better anti-inflammatory benefits over time.
While any form can raise our EPA and DHA blood levels with daily use, triglyceride forms might work better if we want to get the most from our omega 3 supplements.
Fish oil stands out as the most researched option among available supplement forms. Krill oil and algal oil are great alternatives that meet specific needs. A supplement’s therapeutic value depends on its molecular structure, purity and third party testing certifications.
Quality omega 3 supplements need careful selection based on EPA/DHA content, molecular structure and testing certifications. Tracking inflammatory markers and changes in symptoms helps adjust treatment plans. This science backed approach to omega 3 supplements, combined with standard treatments and anti-inflammatory diet choices, are a great way to get better control over rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and support our joint health long term.
