DOI: 10.3390/nu14163362
Dean M. Cordingley 1,2 and Stephen M. Cornish 1,3,4,*
1 Applied Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada 2 Pan Am Clinic Foundation, 75 Poseidon Bay, Winnipeg, MB R3M 3E4, Canada 3 Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada 4 Centre for Aging, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada * Correspondence: stephen.cornish@umanitoba.ca
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease which results in degeneration of cartilage within joints and affects approximately 13.6% of adults over 20 years of age in Canada and the United States of America. OA is characterized by a state of low-grade inflammation which leads to a greater state of cellular catabolism disrupting the homeostasis of cartilage synthesis and degradation. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been postulated as a potential therapeutic treatment option for individuals with OA. Omega-3 PUFAs are recognized for their anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial in the context of OA to moderate pro-inflammatory markers and cartilage loss. The purpose of this narrative review is to outline recent pre-clinical and clinical evidence for the use of omega-3 in the management of OA.
Keywords: osteoarthritis; fish oil; inflammation