As an addition to your RA treatment regimen, omega-3 supplements have several pros and cons.
Benefits
In addition to improving RA symptoms, omega-3 supplements may lower the risk of other health conditions.
Omega-3 fatty acids may help lower the risk of heart disease, Dr. Sohn notes. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that included nearly 150,000 people found that taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements was linked with a reduction in major cardiovascular events (such as heart attack and stroke) and death from heart disease. But the studies didn’t look at patients with RA specifically, so it’s unclear how omega-3s might boost heart health in this population.
Risks
While generally safe, omega-3 supplements carry some risks and side effects. The most common side effects are diarrhea, bloating, and nausea, Sohn says. Other symptoms may include bad breath, headache, heartburn, and sweat with a bad odor.
In addition, fish oil supplements (the most common form of omega-3 supplement) may have an unpleasant “fishy” taste, Bruning says.
Doses over 1 g per day may raise the risk of atrial fibrillation, an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that increases the risk of stroke.
“It’s important to work with your healthcare provider to determine how much, if any, of a supplement is right for you,” Bruning says.
Note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate dietary supplements like medicines. It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to meet safety standards and labeling requirements.
Read the full article here
