Omega-3 (a recent study)

[P-funk]

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) as an anti-inflammatory: an alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for discogenic pain.
Maroon JC, Bost JW.
Surgical Neurology, April 2006. 65(4): 326-331.

A diet high in Omega-3 Fatty Acids (FA) has been linked to a myriad of benefits that include improved body composition, reduced risk of heart disease and cancer, and improved mental function. A recent study has revealed that Omega-3 FA may represent an alternative therapy to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in providing relief from some types of neck and back pain.

NSAIDs are often the first intervention for Americans seeking pain relief. In fact, between 5 and 10 percent of the US population uses NSAIDs regularly. Despite the proven effectiveness in treating both acute and chronic pain NSAID users commonly report side effects that range from headaches to dizziness and gastrointestinal distress. The results of this study indicate that Omega-3 FA, which are found in fish oil, may have a similar effectiveness to NSAIDs but do not cause side effects.

Researchers recruited 250 patients suffering from non-surgical neck or back pain who were using NSAIDs for pain relief. The patients were instructed to take 2,400 milligrams of Omega-3 FA supplements each day for two weeks. The maintenance dosage thereafter was 1,200 mg daily. The participants were mailed a questionnaire one month following the start of supplementation. The questionnaire was used to gather information about the participant???s level of pain, use of NSAIDs and to report side effects if any from the Omega-3 FA supplementation.

Nearly 60 percent of patients reported discontinued use of NSAIDs, 60 percent experienced an overall decrease in pain, and 80 percent claimed satisfaction with the new treatment. None of the patients in this study experienced any side effects from the Omega-3 FA supplements. It is important to note that more than 20 percent of the patients continued at the original dosage of 2,400 mg, and that the researchers did receive only 50% compliance.

 

[Trouble]

Thats the first time I've seen high dose loading for omega-3s. I presume the reseachers found low body levels of omega-3 in the tests to establish baseline plasma concentrations before the theraputic dosing began.

My guess is that the low compliance rate was associated with taste/odor or mild GERD (it can cause mild acid burbs at higher doses).

Interesting study; not unexpected. Would be useful to see it coupled with other botanical oils (New Chapters Zyflammend) to test the idea of multiple mode action to block prostanoid formation at the gene and enzyme function level in the prostaglandin pathway. Omega-3 also inhibit pain signal transduction through other pathways for which aromatherapy with some of these same oils has been demonstrated for gut and joint (arthritic) pain.

Thanks for posting, Patrick.

 

[P-funk]

That isn't that high a dosage.

Fish caps are 1000mg per cap. if you take 3 caps (3000mg) you have already exceeded what they are taking in the study.

 

[Jodi]

Good post P. Not really new knowledge though. 3 years ago, I was taking high doses of Fish oil for inflammation and circulation. I would take 15-20 caps of fish oil plus a T. of flax oil per day. Oh and the fish oil was 50% EPA/DHA.

Good stuff, thanks P.

 

[P-funk]

Good post P. Not really new knowledge though. 3 years ago, I was taking high doses of Fish oil for inflammation and circulation. I would take 15-20 caps of fish oil plus a T. of flax oil per day. Oh and the fish oil was 50% EPA/DHA.

Good stuff, thanks P.

I know it is not new.

It is just recent and it is just something more to back up what we already know, or preceive to be true.

 

[Jodi]

Yup, definately agree. It's always nice to find those studies for backup

 

[Trouble]

I should have said "relatively high dose" since my next sentence describes the typical side effects for dosing when first taking fish oils at doses sufficient to induce these symptoms. Hence, the drop out rate/low compliance.

 

[P-funk]

I should have said "relatively high dose" since my next sentence describes the typical side effects for dosing when first taking fish oils at doses sufficient to induce these symptoms. Hence, the drop out rate/low compliance.

How much fish oil do you supplement with per day?

I usually get about 6-8 caps (6000-8000) spread out over the day.

 

[Trouble]

I use a concentrate that delivers about about 5.5 grams, in divided doses (2), with meals.

 

[911=InsideJob]

Great news. I take 2 capsules a day.

 

[Scary]

I have been hearing alot about Krill oil lately. Might be something worth looking into...

 

[Bajenman88]

The Nat PB I buy has Omega-3 added to it.

 

[VMSEddieF]

omega 3's..my bottle says 1000mg on front but read back and its 600mg total of epa & dha (2 caps). brain needs it by what ive read.

 

[squanto]

Nearly 60 percent of patients reported discontinued use of NSAIDs, 60 percent experienced an overall decrease in pain, and 80 percent claimed satisfaction with the new treatment. None of the patients in this study experienced any side effects from the Omega-3 FA supplements. It is important to note that more than 20 percent of the patients continued at the original dosage of 2,400 mg, and that the researchers did receive only 50% compliance.

What does 50% compliance mean?

 

[P-funk]

It means that only 50% (half) saw the study all the way through. For whatever reason, some people dropped out.

That is the problem with research studies. It is very hard to control the environment and it is very hard to control what people do outside of the study.

In the words of Ben Rueter (the assistant editor in chief of the NSCA Strength and Conditinoing Journal), "Research PROVES nothing. It only indicates statistical evidence".

 

[AKIRA]

Heres The Thread!

I went to the muscle store the other day and bought CytoSport's WHEY Protein mix since I had just read that article on MuscleMilk (I decided to give it a try), but while I was there I remembered looking at the title of this thread and peeking in at the first topic, so I thought why not try it out.

After taking these fish oils + my regular dose of advil (3 pills instead of 4), I have felt better with walking. Might not be anything to write home about, but its funny how after I added fishoils that I started to feel better again.