Fish consumption and rheumatoid arthritis: Natural remedy or just another fish tale?

In this study, researchers analyzed data from 176 people with rheumatoid arthritis, comparing their reported intake of non-fried fish with the results of their joint examinations and blood tests. Here’s what they found: Those with the highest fish consumption (more than two servings per week) had the best control of their arthritis. There was a “dose effect.” For minimal, low, or high fish consumption, the higher the intake, the better the arthritis. The findings were noted even after accounting for other factors that might affect arthritis control, such as duration of disease and fish oil supplement use. The fine print This was a small study that found an association between fish consumption and control of rheumatoid arthritis. That’s not the same as finding that fish intake actually caused the improvement in arthritis. This is an important point because factors other than diet could explain the findings. For instance, it’s possible that people who eat fish regularly are generally more attuned to their health and take their medications more reliably than people who eat fish less often. That’s why the authors of this study do not conclude that everyone with rheumatoid arthritis should start eating more fish. What they do say is that additional research is needed. One other point: the improvement in arthritis control noted among those who ate the most fish was modest, and so small that most patients probably wouldn’t notice. Still, small improvements can add up...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Arthritis Health Healthy Eating Source Type: blogs