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Omega 3 is often recommended for people with inflammatory conditions and many people use it regularly to help alleviate the pain and stiffness in the joints caused by osteoarthritis. However, there has been plenty of debate amongst scientists as to whether a daily dose of fish oil really does do anything to lessen the pain and suffering that is characteristic of osteoarthritis as the effects of fish oil haven't been thoroughly investigated in a strictly controlled study. Now judging by the findings of a new study, it would appear that even those taking smaller doses of fish oil should benefit from fewer symptoms of osteoarthritis. The study lasted for 24 months and was a rigorously controlled study led by researchers in Australia and Tasmania in several hospitals and universities. The government backed trial involved just over 200 people aged 40 and over with an mean age of 60, who had Osteoarthritis and were dealing with pain. The researchers wanted to compare any disparity between the positive effects of a high dose of fish oil with lower doses and ultimately were interested in changes in pain levels and in disability. They assessed the participants at the start of the study and then again at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and the 2 year point using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index or WOMAC scale. This is a questionnaire used by health professionals to assess pain and mobility in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis Approximately 50 percent of the participants were given a low dose of omega 3 and the remainder got a high dose. After a year there was a significant improvement seen in both groups but no noticeable difference between the lower dose group and the higher dose group. significantly, the researchers discovered that after a period of two years those in the lower dose group saw greater improvements in the WOMAC scale for pain and disability than those taking a higher dose. There was also a higher dropout rate, particularly in the first 3 months of the study, in those taking the higher dose of omega 3. The researchers concluded that the lower dose of fish oil was "superior" but said they weren't sure exactly why this should be the case. at the moment there is no cure for Osteoarthritis which is also known as degenerative arthritis. The disease is a result of wear and tear on the joints and often affects the weight bearing joints such as the knees and hips but can also affect the spine, fingers and ankles. In fact Osteoarthritis can develop in any joint in the body. The joints become inflammed when the cartilage that protects the joints breaks down exposing the bone and causing friction and damage. as well as debilitating pain, other effects include stiffness, swelling and a reduction in mobility. weather conditions such as damp and cold can increase the severity of the symptoms. many patients with Osteoarthritis will need to have hip or knee replacements in order to increase mobility, alleviate pain and have a better quality of life. Osteoarthritis currently affects around 8 million people in the UK and 27 million people in the US and is a leading cause of disability. the majority of individuals with osteoarthritis rely mostly on anti inflammatories to reduce their suffering Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs or NSAIDs are not ideal on a long term basis as anti inflammatory drugs can cause damage to the stomach lining over time. numerous studies have revealed that long term use of fish oil can lessen the need for NSAIDs. According to Arthritis Australia, the amount of Omega 3 fish oil required to alleviate inflammation and help control the symptoms of arthritis is 2.7 grams daily although less than this can help improve cardiovascular health and health in general
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