Ankylosing SpondylitisMyers' formula

Might ankylosing spondylitis respond to omega-3 fatty acids?

A small study out of Sweden suggests it might.

24 patients with ankylosing spondylitis were given omega-3 or placebo for 21 weeks.

  • Patients taking 4.55 grams of omega-3 daily showed a significant decrease in disease activity as measured by the Bath Ankylosing Disease Activity Index (patient response to 6 questions about disease severity).
  • There was, however, no change in drug use or functional capacity.
  • Those taking a lower dose (1.95 grams of omega-3 per day) showed no response.

Interesting, but you know what they say, “More research is needed.”

Photo: Spine Universe

12/15/06 10:31 JR

Hi, I’m JR

John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.