Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 28 Researches
7.3
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 2 Reviews
8.5
Top Medical Research Studies
8
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.
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.
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9
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.
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.
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8
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.
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.
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Most Useful Reviews
9
Significant relief
12 people found this helpful
Thank you, neighbour! I was expressing my frustrations with arthritis pain exacerbated by weather changes when my neighbour suggested trying Krill oil for my osteoarthritis. Since taking it, I have experienced tremendous relief. I will definitely keep this vitamin on hand. Thanks, Meg!
Read More
7.5
Effective for pain relief
16 people found this helpful
Good product. After starting Mega Red, I noticed two differences. First, the arthritis pain in the top of my left foot disappeared. Second, I experienced improved regularity. The constipation that troubled me previously also ceased. While I'm uncertain if this was solely due to Mega Red, I am aware of these beneficial changes since I began taking it. I will purchase it again.
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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.
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.
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9
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.
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.
Read More
9
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.
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.
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9
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 2 Reviews
8.5
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Significant relief
12 people found this helpful
Thank you, neighbour! I was expressing my frustrations with arthritis pain exacerbated by weather changes when my neighbour suggested trying Krill oil for my osteoarthritis. Since taking it, I have experienced tremendous relief. I will definitely keep this vitamin on hand. Thanks, Meg!
Read More
7.5
Effective for pain relief
16 people found this helpful
Good product. After starting Mega Red, I noticed two differences. First, the arthritis pain in the top of my left foot disappeared. Second, I experienced improved regularity. The constipation that troubled me previously also ceased. While I'm uncertain if this was solely due to Mega Red, I am aware of these beneficial changes since I began taking it. I will purchase it again.
Read More
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References
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- 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. doi:10.1016/j.mbs.2024.109228
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- 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. doi:10.1016/j.plefa.2022.102530
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- 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. doi:10.1007/s11306-021-01792-5
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- 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. doi:10.12688/f1000research.138392.1
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- 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. doi:10.3390/molecules28020717
- 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. doi:10.1002/jsfa.12346
- 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. doi:10.1080/10408398.2022.2104210
- 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. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqac125
- 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. doi:10.3390/md19100542
- 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. doi:10.1016/j.aanat.2021.151812
- 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. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.680073
- 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. doi:10.1093/jn/nxaa156
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