Trial of Fish Oil in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Unexpectedly, high doses were less effective than low doses for improving symptoms.

The ω-3 fatty acids in oily fish — eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) — have anti-inflammatory properties; adding high-dose fish oils to traditional therapy reduces symptoms in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (NEJM JW Gen Med Feb 1 2015 and Ann Rheum Dis 2015; 74:89). In this double-blind randomized trial, 2002 patients with painful knee osteoarthritis received high-dose fish oil (4.5 g EPA + DHA daily) or low-dose fish oil (0.45 g EPA + DHA daily, blended with high-oleic acid sunola oil to conceal dosing) for 24 months.

Pain and function (assessed on standardized scales) improved more in the low-dose group than in the high-dose group, with significant differences between groups at 18 and 24 months. Change in…

Reviewing Author

Jonathan S. Coblyn, MD

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Consultant / Advisory BoardCVS Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Jonathan S. Coblyn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory BoardCVS Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Trial of Fish Oil in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

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Reviewing Author