March 13, 2003 – New Hope for People Suffering from Lupus: Omega-3 fatty acids in fish are believed to relieve some of the disease’s most debilitating symptoms.
The 52 patients who were asked to take three fish oil tablets a day for six months by Irish researchers reported marked improvement in their condition, including the chronic inflammation and fatigue that characterize the disease. Some were even able to resume their daily activities and reduce the amount of steroids they needed to take.
Lupus is a complex immune disease. For reasons that remain unclear, the immune system attacks healthy tissue, causing painful swelling in the joints, fever, skin irritation, kidney and cardiovascular problems, and extreme fatigue.
Patients who have it usually take steroids to control the symptoms. However, researchers had begun to wonder whether a diet1 particular could not prove useful. Omega-3 fatty acids in particular caught their attention, as they are believed to fight inflammation and have an impact on the immune system.2.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish like mackerel, salmon, tuna, sardines, lake trout and herring.
The participants in this study were divided into four groups: the first took fish oil supplements, the second took copper and fish oil supplements, the third took only copper supplements, and the fourth a placebo. All groups took three tablets per day for six months. The copper tablets were not found to be of any use.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
According to Reuters Health and BBC News, March 13, 2003.
1. Brown AC. Lupus erythematosus and nutrition: a review of the literature. J Ren Nutr 2000 Oct; 10 (4): 170-83. [Consulté le 13 mars 2003].
2. Simopoulos AP. Omega-3 Fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases.J Am Coll Nutr 2002 Dec; 21 (6): 495-505. [Consulté le 13 mars 2003].