Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 28 Researches
7.3
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 9 Reviews
8.1
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Softgel
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
10
 
Total Fat
1 g
1%*
Polyunsaturated Fat
1 g
Fish Oil Concentrate
1 g (1,000 mg)
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
500 mg
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
250 mg

Top Medical Research Studies

8
Eicosapentaenoic acid aids arthritis
We explored the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a key component of omega-3 fatty acids, on patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This analysis gathered data from eighteen randomized controlled trials involving over a thousand RA patients, ensuring a comprehensive look at its impact.

Our findings revealed that EPA supplementation significantly increased levels of both eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Additionally, we noted a reduction in the omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio, which is beneficial for overall health.

Moreover, we observed that EPA led to a decrease in triglyceride levels and tender joint counts among RA patients. However, while there were slight decreases in markers of inflammation, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, these changes were not statistically significant.

Overall, our analysis supports the idea that EPA has positive effects on lipid profiles and joint tenderness for those with RA, although not all inflammatory markers showed significant improvement.
9
DHA benefits osteoarthritis treatment
We set out to investigate how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a fatty acid known for its health benefits, can affect osteoarthritis (OA), a common degenerative joint disease, particularly among older adults. Using both human chondrocyte models stimulated by IL-1β and rat models created through surgical methods, we aimed to understand DHA's potential to impact chondrocyte behavior and cartilage health.

Our observations revealed that DHA significantly promotes the growth of chondrocytes while reducing cell death, which is a key concern in OA. Notably, we found an increase in autophagosomes—structures that help break down cellular waste—within cells treated with DHA, suggesting enhanced cell health.

In comparing groups, those treated with DHA exhibited healthier cartilage characterized by thickened tissue and a decrease in degeneration when compared to the untreated OA group. We also noted an increase in collagen production, vital for maintaining joint structure. The biochemical analysis indicated that DHA potentially exerts its effects by inhibiting certain pathways associated with cell growth and stress responses, thus enhancing chondrocyte proliferation and survival.

Overall, our findings contribute valuable insights into how DHA can be leveraged as a therapeutic approach for OA, emphasizing its role in protecting and restoring cartilage health.
8
DHA induces apoptosis in RA cells
We explored how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a marine omega-3 fatty acid, impacts fibroblast-like synovial cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In our investigation, we found that DHA treatment triggered cell death in these cells through a process called apoptosis—a form of programmed cell death— and this effect increased with higher doses of DHA.

DHA not only induced apoptosis but also reduced the levels of proteins associated with inflammation, specifically MMP-9 and IL-1β. Interestingly, we observed that DHA prompted the activation of stress markers in the cells, indicating a response to abnormal stress conditions. Two key players in this process were identified: CHOP and death receptor 5 (DR5). When we reduced the expression of CHOP or DR5, the cells showed improved survival and less apoptosis, highlighting their roles in this pathway.

Additionally, DHA led to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), compounds that can cause damage to cells. By using an antioxidant called Tiron, we discovered that it could prevent the effects of DHA, including the induction of CHOP and DR5, and reduce the cell death triggered by DHA. This protective effect boosted cell viability and diminished markers typically associated with apoptosis.

All of our findings in the lab were corroborated by results from human primary synovial cells from RA patients. This suggests that DHA may hold promise as a therapeutic agent for RA by harnessing oxidative stress and CHOP to promote cell death in the inflamed tissues of the joints.

Most Useful Reviews

9
Arthritis improvement
1 people found this helpful
I highly recommend this Omega 3 package. It’s excellent for arthritis and heart health, with great taste and quality. It lowers cholesterol, improves lifespan, and has beneficial ingredients.
9
Arthritis pain relief
The NOW DHA-500 is double strength. After switching from DHA-250 on my doctor’s advice, I've noticed a stronger benefit for my arthritis pain. I take two a day without issue, and it seems to help with inflammation.
7.5
Joint health
97 people found this helpful
Omega-3s support joint health, relieve arthritis symptoms, and minimise bone loss. They help reduce joint pain and slow cartilage destruction in arthrosis.

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 28 Researches
7.3
  • All Researches
9
Docosahexaenoic acid reduces arthritis
We examined the effects of lipid mediators derived from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on arthritis, particularly focusing on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study utilized a model involving mice with collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) and RAW264.7 cells to investigate the role of these mediators in reducing inflammation and joint damage.

The lipid mediators were produced by soybean lipoxygenase from DHA and included substances known for their anti-inflammatory properties. We found that these mediators significantly reduced symptoms in CAIA mice, evidenced by decreased paw swelling and reduced progression of arthritis. In the cellular studies, these mediators inhibited the formation of bone-resorbing cells called osteoclasts, while also downregulating key inflammatory markers.

Following treatment, there were notable improvements in serum cytokine levels, with a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6, and an increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Additionally, joint inflammation and damage were reduced, hinting at a complex relationship involving various signaling pathways.

These findings indicate that lipid mediators derived from DHA may offer a promising approach to alleviating symptoms of RA, though the precise individual contributions of DHA alone are difficult to isolate due to the presence of other components in the intervention.
9
DHA benefits osteoarthritis treatment
We set out to investigate how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a fatty acid known for its health benefits, can affect osteoarthritis (OA), a common degenerative joint disease, particularly among older adults. Using both human chondrocyte models stimulated by IL-1β and rat models created through surgical methods, we aimed to understand DHA's potential to impact chondrocyte behavior and cartilage health.

Our observations revealed that DHA significantly promotes the growth of chondrocytes while reducing cell death, which is a key concern in OA. Notably, we found an increase in autophagosomes—structures that help break down cellular waste—within cells treated with DHA, suggesting enhanced cell health.

In comparing groups, those treated with DHA exhibited healthier cartilage characterized by thickened tissue and a decrease in degeneration when compared to the untreated OA group. We also noted an increase in collagen production, vital for maintaining joint structure. The biochemical analysis indicated that DHA potentially exerts its effects by inhibiting certain pathways associated with cell growth and stress responses, thus enhancing chondrocyte proliferation and survival.

Overall, our findings contribute valuable insights into how DHA can be leveraged as a therapeutic approach for OA, emphasizing its role in protecting and restoring cartilage health.
We observed a fascinating case involving a 22-year-old woman with juvenile idiopathic arthritis who was put on a very low calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD). This diet included high-biological-value protein preparations that featured docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid known for its potential health benefits.

The woman saw improvements in her overall weight and health after four months on this diet, including a noticeable reduction in joint pain and headaches. Laboratory tests indicated that her inflammatory markers returned to normal levels, suggesting that the dietary changes—including DHA—might have played a positive role in her experience.

However, it’s essential to note that while DHA is included in the treatment regimen, the isolated effect of DHA on her arthritis symptoms is challenging to determine definitively. This case highlights the potential benefits of dietary interventions for inflammatory conditions but also points to the need for further research to isolate the effects of specific dietary components like DHA.
9
l-Serine and EPA effective for pain
We conducted a study to examine the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) combined with l-serine on individuals suffering from chronic low-back and knee pain. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, ensuring rigorous evaluation of the treatment's impact.

Over the course of 12 weeks, we assessed participants using well-structured questionnaires to measure their pain levels and overall experience. Our group comprised 120 adults who, despite enduring persistent pain for more than three months, showed promising results from the active treatment.

It appears that EPA, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, alongside l-serine, which supports nerve function, provided noticeable relief from pain. By the end of the study, many participants experienced significant improvements in their pain scores, suggesting that this combination could be a valuable option for those managing arthritis-related discomfort.

It's encouraging to see how l-serine and EPA can help enhance the quality of life for individuals struggling with painful conditions, reinforcing their importance as potential treatments for arthritis-related pain.
9
We investigated the impact of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on osteoarthritis (OA) progression through an innovative approach involving gelatin hydrogels. In our study, we divided ten-week-old male mice into six different groups, each receiving various treatments after undergoing surgery that mimicked OA. This design allowed us to effectively compare the benefits of EPA delivered directly and through hydrogels.

Our findings revealed that when EPA was delivered in gelatin hydrogels, it significantly outperformed EPA injection alone in slowing down OA progression. Specifically, we measured several inflammatory markers and found that the group receiving the gelatin hydrogels exhibited lower levels of harmful proteins linked to inflammation and cartilage damage compared to those receiving just the EPA injections.

This suggests that the controlled release of EPA from these hydrogels can be a promising new strategy for treating OA. The potential benefits of gelatin hydrogels in enhancing the effectiveness of EPA treatment present a valuable insight for future therapeutic approaches addressing arthritis.

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 9 Reviews
8.1
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Arthritis improvement
1 people found this helpful
I highly recommend this Omega 3 package. It’s excellent for arthritis and heart health, with great taste and quality. It lowers cholesterol, improves lifespan, and has beneficial ingredients.
9
Arthritis pain relief
The NOW DHA-500 is double strength. After switching from DHA-250 on my doctor’s advice, I've noticed a stronger benefit for my arthritis pain. I take two a day without issue, and it seems to help with inflammation.
7.5
Joint health
97 people found this helpful
Omega-3s support joint health, relieve arthritis symptoms, and minimise bone loss. They help reduce joint pain and slow cartilage destruction in arthrosis.
7.5
Joint relief
2 people found this helpful
Brain and joints. Very beneficial for my brain and joints. It has significantly alleviated my aunt's arthritis symptoms.
7.5
Less pain felt
2 people found this helpful
It seems to work. I have arthritis in my lower back, and I have had considerably less pain since taking this, presumably due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This indicates to me that it is a quality product that is genuinely effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Arthritis pain relief
The NOW DHA-500 is double strength. After switching from DHA-250 on my doctor’s advice, I've noticed a stronger benefit for my arthritis pain. I take two a day without issue, and it seems to help with inflammation.
7.5
Pain reduction
High-quality fish oil. It helps reduce pain, improve morning stiffness, and relieve joint tenderness in those with arthritis.
9
Arthritis improvement
1 people found this helpful
I highly recommend this Omega 3 package. It’s excellent for arthritis and heart health, with great taste and quality. It lowers cholesterol, improves lifespan, and has beneficial ingredients.
7.5
Joint health
97 people found this helpful
Omega-3s support joint health, relieve arthritis symptoms, and minimise bone loss. They help reduce joint pain and slow cartilage destruction in arthrosis.
7.5
Cognitive enhancement
1 people found this helpful
The DHA level in the elderly is often low, risking memory loss. Supplementing with DHA promotes brain and eye development, reduces arthritis symptoms, and helps prevent dementia and stroke. I take 500–1,700 mg/day for brain function.
7.5
Inflammation relief
I purchased this DHA for its anti-inflammatory effect on my arthritis. I trust this brand for its quality ingredients.
8
DHA's Pain Reduction in RA
We explored how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, affects pain levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi). By examining changes in lipid metabolites in these patients, we found promising links between increased DHA levels and pain reduction.

Our study involved measuring serum levels of lipid metabolites before treatment and after 24 weeks of JAKi therapy. Notably, we saw significant increases in omega-3 fatty acids and DHA among JAKi-treated patients compared to those receiving tocilizumab, another treatment for RA.

Importantly, 66.7% of patients on JAKi reported acceptable pain levels after the treatment, with a greater reduction in pain than those on tocilizumab. We observed a strong association between decreases in pain and increases in DHA, which hints that DHA might play an important role in managing pain for RA patients who are treated with JAK inhibitors.
We explored how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a vital fatty acid, influences arthritis pain, particularly in osteoarthritis (OA). In our study, we analyzed the metabolic pathways of DHA in monocytes, which are crucial in managing inflammation and pain. Our research involved measuring various biomarkers from 30 OA participants, including their pain levels and the presence of specific oxylipins, such as 17-HDHA.

Our findings indicated a complex relationship between DHA metabolism and the inflammatory response in OA. Specifically, we observed that the levels of metabolites like 17-HDHA could influence pain perception in patients. Interestingly, while we noted some patterns that suggested DHA's potential benefits in reducing inflammation, the results did not show a consistent clinical benefit across all participants.

More importantly, we identified that certain gene expressions in metabolic pathways could regulate the production of beneficial compounds that help resolve inflammation. Therefore, while DHA may play a role in managing arthritis pain, individual variability and other influencing factors must be considered to understand its full impact.

This study underscores the need for more research to fully elucidate how DHA interacts with molecular pathways and contributes to pain management in arthritis, highlighting the importance of personalized approaches in treatment.
We evaluated how well participants adhered to the dietary guidelines in the ADIRA trial, particularly focusing on the role of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in managing arthritis. The trial involved 50 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, who were assigned either to an intervention diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and seafood, or a control diet high in meat and dairy for ten weeks, before switching diets during a wash-out phase.

Our analysis included not only self-reported food intake through food records but also objective measures with dietary biomarkers. These biomarkers provided insights into the intake of key dietary components like seafood, which is rich in DHA. While the compliance to overall diet components, including seafood and the quality of fats, was generally good, the precise impact of DHA on arthritis symptoms wasn’t distinctly separate from other dietary factors.

Thus, although DHA is a known anti-inflammatory component, our findings did not clarify its isolated effect on arthritis, leaving some uncertainty about its individual benefits in this context. We did observe that while intake of certain foods improved, the participants were less compliant with fruit and vegetable recommendations, which is essential for a well-rounded anti-inflammatory diet.

References

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  2. Franks SJ, Gowler PRW, Dunster JL, Turnbull J, Gohir SA, et al. Modelling the role of enzymatic pathways in the metabolism of docosahexaenoic acid by monocytes and its association with osteoarthritic pain. Math Biosci. 2024;374:109228. 10.1016/j.mbs.2024.109228
  3. Su Y, Han Y, Choi HS, Lee GY, Cho HW, et al. Lipid mediators obtained from docosahexaenoic acid by soybean lipoxygenase attenuate RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and rheumatoid arthritis. Biomed Pharmacother. 2024;171:116153. 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116153
  4. Yu H, Gong Z, Wang G, Cao R, Yin H, et al. DHA attenuates cartilage degeneration by mediating apoptosis and autophagy in human chondrocytes and rat models of osteoarthritis. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim. 2023;59:455. 10.1007/s11626-023-00781-3
  5. Wadell AT, Bärebring L, Hulander E, Gjertsson I, Landberg R, et al. Dietary biomarkers and food records indicate compliance to study diets in the ADIRA (Anti-inflammatory Diet In Rheumatoid Arthritis) trial. Front Nutr. 2023;10:1209787. 10.3389/fnut.2023.1209787
  6. Léger T, Brun A, Lanchais K, Rigaudière JP, Briat A, et al. Docosahexaenoic acid and etanercept could reduce functional and metabolic alterations during collagen-induced arthritis in rats without any synergistic effect. Life Sci. 2023;327:121826. 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121826
  7. Rondanelli M, Patelli Z, Gasparri C, Mansueto F, Ferraris C, et al. Very low calorie ketogenic diet and common rheumatic disorders: A case report. World J Clin Cases. 2023;11:1985. 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i9.1985
  8. Marchand NE, Choi MY, Oakes EG, Cook NR, Stevens E, et al. Over-the-counter fish oil supplementation and pro-resolving and pro-inflammatory lipid mediators in rheumatoid arthritis. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2023;190:102542. 10.1016/j.plefa.2023.102542
  9. Jeong M, Shin JI, Cho J, Jeon YJ, Kim JH, et al. DHA Induces Cell Death through the Production of ROS and the Upregulation of CHOP in Fibroblast-like Synovial Cells from Human Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24. 10.3390/ijms24021734
  10. Xie R, Zhang Y. Association between 19 dietary fatty acids intake and rheumatoid arthritis: Results of a nationwide survey. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2023;188:102530. 10.1016/j.plefa.2022.102530
  11. Feng L, Yang Z, Li Y, Hou N, Yang B, et al. Malat1 attenuated the rescuing effects of docosahexaenoic acid on osteoarthritis treatment via repressing its chondroprotective and chondrogenesis activities. Biomed Pharmacother. 2022;154:113608. 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113608
  12. Oppedisano F, Bulotta RM, Maiuolo J, Gliozzi M, Musolino V, et al. The Role of Nutraceuticals in Osteoarthritis Prevention and Treatment: Focus on n-3 PUFAs. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2021;2021:4878562. 10.1155/2021/4878562
  13. Chang CK, Chen PK, Chen CC, Chang SH, Chen CH, et al. Increased Levels of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and DHA Are Linked to Pain Reduction in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Treated with Janus Kinase Inhibitors. Nutrients. 2021;13. 10.3390/nu13093050
  14. Christmann U, Hancock CL, Poole CM, Emery AL, Poovey JR, et al. Dynamics of DHA and EPA supplementation: incorporation into equine plasma, synovial fluid, and surfactant glycerophosphocholines. Metabolomics. 2021;17:41. 10.1007/s11306-021-01792-5
  15. Wang W, Xu Y, Zhou J, Zang Y. Effects of omega-3 supplementation on lipid metabolism, inflammation, and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Rheumatol. 2024;43:2479. 10.1007/s10067-024-07040-0
  16. Jannas-Vela S, Candia AA, Peñailillo L, Barrios-Troncoso P, Zapata-Urzúa J, et al. Role of specialized pro-resolving mediators on inflammation, cardiometabolic health, disease progression, and quality of life after omega-3 PUFA supplementation and aerobic exercise training in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized 16-week, placebo-controlled interventional trial. F1000Res. 2023;12:942. 10.12688/f1000research.138392.1
  17. Deng C, Presle N, Pizard A, Guillaume C, Bianchi A, et al. Beneficial Impact of Eicosapentaenoic Acid on the Adverse Effects Induced by Palmitate and Hyperglycemia on Healthy Rat Chondrocyte. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25. 10.3390/ijms25031810
  18. Poggioli R, Hirani K, Jogani VG, Ricordi C. Modulation of inflammation and immunity by omega-3 fatty acids: a possible role for prevention and to halt disease progression in autoimmune, viral, and age-related disorders. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2023;27:7380. 10.26355/eurrev_202308_33310
  19. Lindqvist HM, Winkvist A, Gjertsson I, Calder PC, Armando AM, et al. Influence of Dietary n-3 Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake on Oxylipins in Erythrocytes of Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Molecules. 2023;28. 10.3390/molecules28020717
  20. Kuang X, Shao X, Li H, Jiang D, Gao T, et al. Lipid extract from blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) improves glycemic traits in Chinese type 2 diabetic mellitus patients: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. J Sci Food Agric. 2023;103:2970. 10.1002/jsfa.12346
  21. Gkiouras K, Grammatikopoulou MG, Myrogiannis I, Papamitsou T, Rigopoulou EI, et al. Efficacy of n-3 fatty acid supplementation on rheumatoid arthritis' disease activity indicators: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024;64:16. 10.1080/10408398.2022.2104210
  22. Stonehouse W, Benassi-Evans B, Bednarz J, Vincent AD, Hall S, et al. Krill oil improved osteoarthritic knee pain in adults with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis: a 6-month multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2022;116:672. 10.1093/ajcn/nqac125
  23. Eckert T, Jährling-Butkus M, Louton H, Burg-Roderfeld M, Zhang R, et al. Efficacy of Chondroprotective Food Supplements Based on Collagen Hydrolysate and Compounds Isolated from Marine Organisms. Mar Drugs. 2021;19. 10.3390/md19100542
  24. Ceotto BH, Figueroba SR, Ferreira LEN, Amorim KS, Sánchez JB, et al. The effect of association of aspirin and omega 3 in rat temporomandibular joint with induced arthritis. Ann Anat. 2022;239:151812. 10.1016/j.aanat.2021.151812
  25. Fan Z, Ross RP, Stanton C, Hou B, Zhao J, et al. CCFM1074 Alleviates Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats Balancing Treg/Th17 and Modulating the Metabolites and Gut Microbiota. Front Immunol. 2021;12:680073. 10.3389/fimmu.2021.680073
  26. Sasahara I, Yamamoto A, Takeshita M, Suga Y, Suzuki K, et al. l-Serine and EPA Relieve Chronic Low-Back and Knee Pain in Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Nutr. 2020;150:2278. 10.1093/jn/nxaa156
  27. Brown Z, Metcalf R, Bednarz J, Spargo L, Lee A, et al. Modifiable Lifestyle Factors Associated With Response to Treatment in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis. ACR Open Rheumatol. 2020;2:371. 10.1002/acr2.11132
  28. Tsubosaka M, Kihara S, Hayashi S, Nagata J, Kuwahara T, et al. Gelatin hydrogels with eicosapentaenoic acid can prevent osteoarthritis progression in vivo in a mouse model. J Orthop Res. 2020;38:2157. 10.1002/jor.24688
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