Fish Oil, Good Supplemental Treatment for Lupus

Filed in archive Cardiovascular Health , Dietary Supplements and Vitamins , Lupus , Studies on November 13, 2007

We already know that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil are good for cardiovascular health. Even in lupus patients, omega-3s are beneficial to their cardiovascular health.

Now, according to a research study recently presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting (Boston, Massachusetts), omega-3s from fish oil may benefit lupus activity.

Systemic Lupus erythematosus (also called SLE or lupus) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, nervous system, and other organs of the body. Patients with lupus may also develop premature cardiovascular disease.

Researchers randomly assigned 60 patients with lupus in a double-blind, placebo controlled trial to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on disease activity and endothelial function.

According to Stephen Wright, MD, specialist registrar in rheumatology, department of therapeutics and musculoskeletal education & research unit, Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland, and lead investigator in the study:

"This study confirms the beneficial effects of omega-3 fish oils in improving the symptoms of SLE and also provides evidence for the potential cardioprotective effect they may have in this group of patients."

Find more details from Science Daily.

[In Photo: Kirkland Signature Maximum Strength Fish Oil with Omega-3 Fatty Acids - 200 Enteric Coated Softgels, avialable via Amazon]