Study Shows Consumption of Fish, Omega-3s Leads to Lower Chronic Pain • Seafood Nutrition Partnership

A study in Clinical Nutrition shows how oily fish consumption and omega-3 intake can help reduce pain suffering in the long term.

Background

  • Chronic pain is a common symptom that affects approximately 35% of adults and up to 60% of people older than 65. Chronic pain prevalence has risen over the last few decades and this trend is expected to continue.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Study Findings

  • For older adults, in a long-term study over 5 years, both oily fish consumption and marine omega-3 EPA and DHA intake were inversely linked to pain worsening in a dose-response manner, meaning the more that was consumed, the fewer incidences of pain as well as less worsening of pain over time.  Results were seen even at modest levels of consumption, the recommended two servings of oily fish per week, with the most significant results seen at 100g/day of consumption, which is one serving of fish per day.

Oily Fish Consumption and Pain GraphicOmega-3 Intake and Pain Graphic

 

 

 

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