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Fish Oil and Glucosamine for Arthritis Relief
A study out of Germany, said to be the first clinical trial to evaluate the combination of glucosamine sulfate and omega-3 fatty acids in people suffering from osteoarthritis, has shown that taking a combination of these supplements can dramatically boost results in joint health than taking glucosamine alone.
A total of 177 individuals with moderate to severe hip or knee osteoarthritis took part in the two-centre, two-armed, randomised, double-blind, comparison study. No placebo group was included for ethical reasons as all the study participants had osteoarthritic pain.
Participants were randomly assigned to receive either glucosamine sulfate (1500mg/d) together with omega-3 fatty acids (as fish oil 444mg/d), equivalent to 200mg/d EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid) (Group A), or glucosamine sulfate alone (Group B).
After 26 weeks of intervention, pain levels were assessed using the established Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthrosis index (WOMAC) score.
A reduction in the WOMAC pain score of more than 20% was required (primary target criterion), and the quantitative difference in the WOMAC sub-scores for pain, stiffness, function were analysed as secondary target criteria.
When a minimal pain reduction of at least 20% was used, there was no significant difference in the number of responders between the two groups (92.2% in Group A vs. 94.3% in Group B).
Osteoarthritis symptoms (morning stiffness, pain in hips and knees) were reduced by 48.5-55.6% in Group A, and by 41.7-55.3% in Group B, at the end of the trial period).
However, using a higher responder criterion (more than 80% reduction in the WOMAC pain score), the frequency of responders showed therapeutic and statistical superiority for the combination.
In an interview, lead author Dr Joerg Gruenwald said, “Using the classical WOMAC pain score we could show 27% more responders (80% reduction of WOMAC pain score) in the combination group compared to glucosamine alone.”
Emed’s Comment:
Glucosamine is highly beneficial to sufferers of osteoarthritis. Glucosamine has shown to be effective in easing osteoarthritis pain, rehabilitating cartilage, renewing synovial fluid, and repairing joints that have been damaged from osteoarthritis.
Unlike glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids don’t assist in the rebuilding of joints, but instead reduce wear and tear. Fish oil is a great anti-inflammatory, and will ease inflammation and related pain symptoms, whilst the glucosamine actually treats the joint.
Taken together, glucosamine and fish oil offer a powerful force in the relief of osteoarthritic pain. This combination of supplements will help to slow the progression of osteoarthritis pain, and help to increase joint mobility and reduce joint stiffness.
Before you rush out and buy the first supplement you can find, be aware that the ‘value’ packs, and many supermarket and chemist available products often contain insufficient amounts and incorrect forms of glucosamine and fish oil.
It’s best to stick with the top-quality Practitioner-Only brands – not only are these vigorously tested for quality and effectiveness; they also contain high potency amounts of the right vitamin, mineral or nutrient.
Given that Emed has thousands of pages of information and product, we’ve made it easy for you by collating our best products into sections.
Emed’s Glucosamine Products lists our best, most effective and most potent glucosamine supplements. Click here for more information.
Emed Fish Oils collates the most effective and strongest fish oil supplements available in Australia. Click here for more information.
If you suffer from arthritis, have a genetic predisposition to get it, or just want to ensure healthy joints well into your twilight years, it’s imperative that you start supplementing today.
What else can I do?
Watch your weight. Keeping your weight within a healthy range is the best thing you can do for your joints. Weight-bearing joints, such as your knees, hips, and back have to support some, if not all, of your body weight. Keeping your weight down reduces pressure on the joints, and helps prevent arthritis and injury. Exercising regularly, and keeping an eye on what you eat is a great start.
- Build muscle to support joints. Strong muscles support your joints, and if you don’t have enough muscle, your joints take a pounding, especially those in your knees. Weight training exercises help build muscle and keep existing muscle and surrounding ligaments strong. Start out with some basic weights exercises, and build up.
- Keep up your nutritional supplements. There is a lot of research coming out showing the importance of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals for the prevention of arthritis and osteoarthritis. Not only will you help to prevent arthritis by using a good multivitamin ad antioxidant – you will also be helping to prevent disease, illness and fatigue.
Further Reading:
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