Omega-3 and Omega-6 Reduce Cardiovascular Risk Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis: lower cardiovascular risk with Omega 3 and Omega 6
Taking oils rich in Omega 3 and Omega-6 improves the lipid profile of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and helps to reduce cardiovascular risk. This effect could be useful in lowering the risk in patients who are more likely to develop cardiovascular disorders. The potential of these nutrients was demonstrated by researchers at the University of Massachusetts-Worcester (USA) in a study published in the journal *Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine*.
Rheumatoid arthritis, more than just a joint problem
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the synovial joints. People with this condition have a 1.5 to 3 times higher risk of death than the rest of the population. This difference is mainly due to the higher incidence of cardiovascular disorders, comparable to that of patients with diabetes mellitus. The altered lipid levels and inflammation associated with this disease can lead to early atherosclerosis. Patients with this condition often cannot maintain the recommended physical activity levels to reduce cardiovascular risk. For this reason, the search for treatments that can help regulate lipid levels in these patients is of primary importance.
Fatty acids to control lipids
Fatty acids regulate inflammatory processes and modulate immune responses by integrating into the membranes of cells involved in these processes. Decades of research have highlighted the benefits of Omega-3 for heart health. Previous studies have also shown that combined intake of oils rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, an Omega-3) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, an Omega-6) reduces synovitis symptoms, a disease of the membrane surrounding the joints. Worcester researchers conducted a study in which patients with rheumatoid arthritis or synovitis took the following oils:
- borage seed oil (rich in GLA)
- fish oil (rich in EPA and another Omega-3, docosahexaenoic acid or DHA)
- a combination of both.
In total, patients received the following daily treatment:
- 3.5 g of EPA + DHA
- 1.8 g of GLA or 3.5 g of EPA + DHA
- 1.8 g of GLA
All divided into 2–3 doses taken with meals.
Effectiveness demonstrated on triglycerides and cholesterol
Analysis of triglyceride and cholesterol levels at the start of the study and after 9 and 18 months of intake revealed that:
- lipid profiles improved in all patients;
- the combined treatment was the most effective.
Specifically, after 9 months, researchers observed these improvements:
- reduction in total cholesterol;
- reduction in LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol);
- reduction in triglyceride levels.
Conversely, levels of HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) increased.
Finally, the risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation was reduced. All the improvements observed at 9 months were also seen at the end of the 18-month treatment.
Support from fatty acids
According to the authors, these results indicate that oils rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6, especially when used in combination, represent an effective therapy to reduce cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis.
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Source 1. Olendzki BC, Leung K, Van Buskirk S, Reed G, Zurier RB, “Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with marine and botanical oils: influence on serum lipids”, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:827286. Epub 2011 Oct 9.
