According to a systematic review and meta-analysis, the use of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) as a supplement is beneficial in alleviating arthritis pain and enhancing joint function among individuals with osteoarthritis, while posing no additional risks of adverse effects associated with treatment. The objective of Wen Deng et al. was to assess n-3 PUFAs effect in osteoarthritis.

For pertinent randomized controlled trials (RCTs), a thorough search was conducted on databases such as Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed. The results were then merged utilizing a random-effects model. The meta-analysis incorporated data from 9 RCTs involving a total of 2070 subjects with osteoarthritis. The pooled results indicated that patients who received n-3 PUFAs experienced a notable reduction in arthritis pain symptoms, with a standardized mean difference of -0.29.

Additionally, supplementation with n-3 PUFAs was associated with improved joint function, as evidenced by a standardized mean difference of -0.21.  Subgroup analysis consistently supported these results when assessing arthritis pain and joint function using various scales, including the Western Ontario-McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) (p for subgroup difference = 0.33 and 0.34, respectively).

One of the most encouraging aspects of the study was the absence of severe treatment-related adverse events in the participants. The researchers found that the overall incidence of adverse events in both the placebo and n-3 PUFAs groups was similar  (odds ratio: 0.97, I2 = 0%), indicating the safety of this supplementation approach. Hence, supplementation of n-3 PUFAs is favorable in relieving osteoarthritis pain and improving joint function, providing a potential alternative or complementary approach to existing treatment options.