Rheumatoid arthritis
December 18, 2001 by Linda Lazarides
Filed under Health issues
Some causative factors
- Essential fatty acid deficiency
- Food allergy or intolerance.
25 patients with psoriatic arthritis (arthritis with psoriasis) were compared with controls and found to have lower levels of omega-6 essential fatty acids and serum selenium, and higher levels of saturated fatty acids and plasma copper. The investigators conclude that an abnormal fatty acid pattern may play a part in the development of rheumatic diseases. Azzini M et al: Fatty acids and antioxidant micronutrients in psoriatic arthritis. J Rheumatol 22(1):103-8, 1985.
Promising nutritional research
An experimental diet high in polyunsaturated fat with a daily supplement of EPA resulted in improvement in morning stiffness and number of tender joints after 12 weeks. Kremer JM et al: Effects of manipulation of dietary fatty acids on clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet 1(8422):184-7, 1985.
In a 24-week trial using high doses of blackcurrant seed oil (which is high in GLA) on rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, signs and symptoms of disease activity were significantly reduced. Leventhal LJ et al: Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with blackcurrant seed oil. Br J Rheumatol 33(9):847-52, 1994.
1.4 grams per day of GLA (as borage seed oil) resulted in a clinically important reduction in the signs and symptoms of disease activity. Leventhal LJ et al: Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with gamma linolenia acid. Ann Intern Med 119(9):867-73, 1993.
94 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were given either an allergen-free or a low-allergen diet for 12 weeks. 9 patients showed a favourable response and relapsed when the diet was stopped. van de Laar MA et al: Food intolerance in rheumatoid arthritis. I. A double blind, controlled trial of the clinical effects of elimination of milk allergens and azo dyes. Ann Rheum Dis 51(3):298-302, 1992.
In a blind, placebo-controlled study, patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed a significant improvement during periods of dietary therapy, compared with placebo. Darlington LG et al: Placebo-controlled, blind study of dietary manipulation therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet 1(8475):236-8, 1986.
Numerous peer-reviewed studies have established the value of supplementation with fish oils in reducing tender joints and morning stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Recent studies also suggest that some patients no longer require non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs while taking fish oil supplements. Kremer JM: Effects of modulation of inflammatory and immune parameters in patients with rheumatic and inflammatory disease receiving dietary supplementation of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. Lipids 31 Suppl:S243-7, 1996.
Information compiled by Linda Lazarides
Naturopathic Nutritionist, Author, Educator
Linda Lazarides is Course Director of the School of Modern Naturopathy and author of eight books on health, nutrition and naturopathy.
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