Educational reference — not medical advice. Talk to a clinician before changing what you take.Read more.

Remedy · supplement

Fish oil (omega-3)

Also: EPA/DHA, cod liver oil, omega-3

Marine omega-3 fatty acids with modest, well-studied anti-inflammatory effects in rheumatoid arthritis.

Active compounds Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA)

Evidence by condition

Each grade reflects the research for Fish oil (omega-3) and that condition specifically.

B
Rheumatoid arthritis
Modestly reduces RA joint pain, morning stiffness and tender joints and can lower NSAID use, as an adjunct to standard therapy.
2 citation s
- A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain
  Meta-analysis 2007 · Pain · PMID 17335973 · DOI 10.1016/j.pain.2007.01.020
- Omega-3 Supplements: In Depth
  NCCIH · accessed 2026-06-21

What researchers studied

These describe how the remedy was used in studies — not a dose or a recommendation.

Form studied: EPA/DHA from fish oil
Amounts in trials: ~2.7 g/day combined EPA+DHA in RA trials

Safety

Likely safe in pregnancy

Interactions: anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs at high doses
Side effects: fishy aftertaste
belching
mild GI upset

Safety data is not exhaustive. Always check with a clinician or pharmacist before combining remedies or medications.

Known interactions

White willow bark (moderate)
Additive bleeding risk — both can reduce clotting.
Turmeric (curcumin extract) (minor)
Both may modestly increase bleeding risk.

Tradition vs. evidence

Traditional use is context, not proof. Here is what older systems claim, and how modern research treats it.

Western herbalismEvidence aligns
Cod liver oil is a traditional folk remedy for stiff, aching joints.