Effects of Maine Oils on Joint Stiffness and Pain

A Study on the Effect of Consuming Marine Oils on Joint Stiffness and Joint Pain in Adults. A Randomised Double-blind Controlled Clinical Trial.

Joint pain has a negative effect on quality of life by limiting daily physical activity, and can lead to reduced work capacity, chronic stress, sleep problems, fatigue and reduced social life. Many people with joint pain find that taking fish oils reduces joint pain, and this may be related to an anti-inflammatory effect of omega-3 polyundaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The investigators have recently shown that another group of fatty acids, that is, omega-11 monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), have a strong anti-inflammatory effect in rats with chronic inflammation. Therefore, the investigators want to continue researching health effects of omega-11 MUFAs and investigate whether an anti-inflammatory effect can also be observed in people with joint pain. Omega-11 MUFAs including cetoleic acid (C22:1n-11) are found in high amounts in oils from certain fish species such as herring. In this study the effects of marine oils given as supplements (capsules) will be investigated in adults with joint pain, with particular focus on changes in pain and stiffness in joints and on levels of selected inflammation markers in blood samples. The study has three arms; one group receives herring oil with regular content of omega-11 MUFAs, one group receives herring oil with high content of omega-11 MUFAs, and a third group receives a commercail fish oil that does contain omega-11 MUFAs. The omega-3 content is similar in all intervention capsule types.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults (50-75 years)
• Mild to moderate joint pain for at least 3 months
• Stable body weight last 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed reumatic disease
• Allergies towards fish, milk, egg, gluten
• Daily tobacco use (cigarettes or snus)
• Serious illness (cardiovascular disease, neurological disease, cancer, diseases affecting intestinal function, kidney function or insulin secretion)
• Use of medications targeting cholesterol or glucose metabolism
• Use of dietary supplements
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Following a strict diet
• Had bariatric surgery or using medications for weight loss
• Recent or planned surgical procedures
• High intake of fish/seafood