Singapore: According to a recent study published in Rheumatologia, the official journal of the Institute of Rheumatology and the Polish Rheumatological Society, PCSO-524, which is an all natural, patented, omega-3 fish oil extract containing DHA and EPA from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, found in Omega XL, may provide more benefits for joint mobility and pain compared to standard fish oil.

According to the study, 50 patients, who were older than 50 years of age from the Rheumatology Clinic at the Wroclaw Medical University Hospital,  were administered randomly either a supplement that contained the omega-3 complex PCSO-524 or standard fish oil capsules in a double-blind study. All subjects had a diagnosed history of osteoarthritis of the knee and/or the hip.

After 12 weeks, the research findings demonstrated that patients who were administered PCSO-524 showed a statistically significant improvement of both their joint pain conditions and improved quality of their daily lives, and no side effects.

The study assessment pain scores showed a significant improvement from the participants that were given the omega-3 supplement containing PCSO-524 after four weeks. This same group experienced greater relief from pain and stiffness for the duration of the study. Study participants who were administered fish oil did not show initial improvement during the first assessment at four weeks, and no further improvements were statistically significant at eight and 12 weeks. Patients administered standard fish oil showed significantly less improvement and a greater level of physical discomfort caused by the fish oil during the study.

Researchers stated that, "given the potential side effects, large dosages needed and long duration required for fish oil, practitioners could consider omega-3 supplements containing PCSO-524as a safer and faster acting first-line medication for patients who suffer from osteoarthritis."