Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been highly studied for their potential to support a normal inflammatory response, brain function, optimal cellular function, skin health, and many other body functions. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) are the major molecules within this class of PUFAs. Data suggest that the body converts roughly 15% of ingested ALA into EPA and then to DHA. Recent research indicates that omega-3 PUFAs may help support certain aspects of age-related changes to bone and joint health. 

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related condition involving the loss of articular cartilage in the joint. The inflammatory process and bone remodeling are often hallmark features of OA. Omega-3 PUFAs are thought to potentially support age-related changes associated with OA. Supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs has been shown to help support healthy levels of inflammatory markers associated with cartilage degeneration including interleukin (IL)-1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). EPA and DHA supplementation has been shown to help reduce the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and nuclear factor-κB expression induced by IL-1β. In a laboratory study, EPA was reported to help reduce the matrix loss of chondrocytes, help reduce oxidative stress-induced chondrocyte apoptosis, and helped inhibit matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13). MMP-13 works by cleaving type II collagen and is the main MMP involved in the degradation of cartilage.  

A recently published review and meta-analysis by Deng and colleagues investigated the potential relationship between supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs and parameters related to OA in the clinical setting. The study involved nine randomized controlled clinical trials involving data from over 2,000 individuals. The included studies assessed OA in the knee, hip, or in both. The treatment group received omega-3 PUFAs ranging from 350 mg to 2400 mg daily for one to six months, with one trial lasting 63 months. 

Overall conclusions by Deng and colleagues include improvements in joint function and statistically significant relief in arthritis pain in individuals receiving omega-3 PUFA supplementation as compared to placebo. More research is needed, particularly in larger-scale clinical studies and with standardized amounts dispensed in the treatment group. More clinical studies involving joints in additional body locations are also needed. The authors indicate that the serum level of omega-3 PUFAs, both at baseline and at study terminus, may also be an important indicator to assess its efficacy in relation to further OA-related studies. 

However, research suggests that omega-3 PUFAs may help support the inflammatory response, bone and joint health, cell membrane integrity, skin, and brain function. EPA and DHA can be found in fatty fish such as wild-caught salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, and sardines. Vegan sources of omega-3 PUFAs (namely ALA) include flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, seaweed and alga, and edamame. 

By Dr. C. Ambrose, ND, MAT