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.
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.
