Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

DHA and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Scientific Evidence

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid found primarily in fish oils and is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The use of omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA, in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is primarily based on scientific research rather than traditional medicine.

Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have investigated the impact of omega-3 supplementation—often combining DHA and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)—on symptoms of RA. These studies generally demonstrate modest but clinically meaningful reductions in joint pain, morning stiffness, and the need for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) among RA patients supplementing with omega-3s. The anti-inflammatory effects are thought to arise from the ability of DHA and EPA to compete with arachidonic acid for incorporation into cell membranes and for enzymatic conversion to inflammatory mediators, resulting in a shift toward less inflammatory eicosanoids and increased production of specialized pro-resolving mediators.

While most studies use fish oil supplements containing both DHA and EPA, some evidence suggests that DHA may independently contribute to the anti-inflammatory benefits. However, the majority of the clinical evidence is for combinations rather than DHA alone, and effect sizes are moderate.

Current rheumatology guidelines recognize omega-3 fatty acids as a possible adjunct to standard therapy in RA, but they are not considered a replacement for disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Thus, while there is scientific support for the use of DHA (usually with EPA) in RA, the evidence is rated as moderate (3/5) due to variability in study quality and effect size.

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Other ingredients used for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Other health conditions supported by DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)

Products containing DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)

Nature's Sunshine Circulatory System
Nature's Sunshine Krill Oil (With Vitamin K2)
Nature's Sunshine Super Trio