A study of supplements for multiple sclerosis has found no beneficial effect from fish oils – omega-3 fatty acids, researchers report today.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation of the central nervous system and mainly affects young adults. Because of the incurable nature of the condition, there has been great interest in complementary approaches, for example, omega-3 fatty acid supplements which could help reduce the inflammation.
Dr Oivind Torkildsen of Haukeland University Hospital in Norway, and colleagues, looked at the potential benefit by giving 92 adult patients either a placebo or daily omega-3 fatty acid supplements (1,350mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 850 mg of docosahexaenoic acid).
Six months into the study, all received an additional treatment of 44 micrograms of interferon beta-1a, three times a week for 18 months. This is an established drug that helps reduce the chance of relapse.
During the first six months, both groups scored similarly on disease activity. There was also no difference in the rate of relapse after six months or after the full 24 months. The rate of disability progression was 30 per cent in both groups.
Furthermore, no differences were seen in fatigue or quality of life, despite a measurable increase in the patients’ levels of omega-3 fatty acids when taking the supplements.
Writing in the journal Archives of Neurology, the authors conclude: "No beneficial effects on disease activity were detected from omega-3 fatty acids when compared with placebo as monotherapy or in combination with interferon beta-1a."
They add that disease activity as seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans "was reduced as expected by interferon beta-1a".
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Treatment in Multiple Sclerosis (OFAMS Study): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Torkildsen, O. et al. Archives of Neurology April 16 2012 doi:10.1001/archneurol.2012.283
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