Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints.Indomethacin, commonly known by its brand name Indocid, is a non-steroidal antiflammatory drug (NSAID) for the relief of arthritic pain.
Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, other seafood including algae and krill, some plants, and nut oils. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and may help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.
Das Gupta et al recently concluded a study on the disease activity suppression role of omega-3 fatty acids with indomethacin in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
They gave one group of patients indomethacin (75 mg) only daily while another group received indomethacin (75 mg) along with omega-3 fatty acids (3 g) daily for 12 weeks.
The main outcome measures were DAS 2-28 joints score, number of swollen joints, number of tender joints, duration of morning stiffness, grip strength, pain VAS, patients global VAS, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. In terms of outcome both the groups experienced a modest improvement in disease activity after 12 weeks of treatment.
However, compared to indomethacin-treated group, omega-3 plus indomethacin-treated group achieved a better improvement in terms of reducing disease activity.
Physical functioning, physical role, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, grip strength, duration of morning stiffness improved significantly better in the combination group compared to indomethacin only group. The safety measures included liver and kidney function tests done didn't differ between the study groups.
This study suggests that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation with indomethacin might ameliorate disease activity and be non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) sparing in rheumatoid arthritis.
Das Gupta AB, Hossain AK, Islam MH, Dey SR, Khan AL. Role of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation with indomethacin in suppression of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis. Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull. 2009 Aug;35(2):63-8.
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