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Fatty acids found in fish like tuna and salmon could help
to reduce the symptoms of lupus, an immune disorder, according
to a study.
The study involved 52 patients with active lupus who were
followed for a six-month period. Participants took either
fish-oil supplements three times per day, a copper supplement,
copper plus fish oil or a placebo.
While the copper was of no benefit, all of the patients taking
fish oil had improvements in inflammation, fatigue, which
is the most debilitating of lupus symptoms, and overall quality
of life, according to researchers.
Reportedly, improvements ranged from drastic to mild.
Lupus is a disease in which the immune system attacks the
body's organs and tissues, leading to painful or swollen joints,
fever, skin rashes, kidney or heart problems and extreme fatigue.
The cause of lupus is not known, and there is no cure for
the disease. Steroids and other drugs are often prescribed
to manage the condition, however these can result in serious
side effects.
 During
the study, some patients taking fish oils and steroids were
able to reduce their dose of steroids, according to researchers.
Lupus affects 40 to 50 people per 100,000, and women around
the age of 30 years are most commonly affected.
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils are essential
for growth and are thought to fight inflammation and affect
immune function. Fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring,
sardines, tuna and salmon are good sources.
Researchers say the findings indicate that people with lupus
could benefit from increasing dietary intake of fish oil supplements
or fatty fish.
BBC
News March 11, 2003
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