Marine Oils and Arthritis

Whale Oil Versus Cod Liver Oil in Rheumatoid Arthritis

NSAIDS are associated with adverse GI effects and COX-2 inhibitors have cardiovascular risk. Long-term oral supplementation with fish oil reduce e.g. joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis (R.A) patients, with reduced need for NSAIDS, in addition to being cardioprotective. The aim is to investigate if 4 month supplementation of 15 ml/day of whale blubber oil compared with cod liver oil reduce the intensity of joint pain in patients with R.A (primary outcome). Patients are assessed at inclusion and after study (4 months) during routine polyclinical visit. Patients are called for interview after 6 and 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes are e.g. morning stiffness, quality of life and functional level

Not relevant

Inclusion Criteria:

• Rheumatoid arthritis patients according to American College of Rheumatology criteria (with active disease and in remission). Intensity of joint pain last week (30 mm or more on 100 mm Visual analogue scale). Stable use of DMARDS and no corticosteroid injections last 4 weeks before study and during study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-Norwegian speaking/reading or not understanding study design or non-compliance. Pregnant/lactating women. Bleeder disease, known HIV or hepatitis, medication with Marevan (blood thinner). Not willing or possible to stop taking regular omega-3 supplements during study.