A surprising new study finds that low doses of fish oil fight arthritis pain better than higher doses.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common problem that develops with aging and injury. Research has found that taking omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil supplements can lower inflammation, decrease pain, and improve function.

In Australia, scientists enrolled 202 patients suffering from knee arthritis, divided them in two groups, and followed them for two years.

Patients in the high-dose group were given 4.5 g EPA/DHA fish oil per day, while those in the low-dose group were given a blend of the fish oil containing 0.45 g EPA/DHA per day in combination with sunola oil.

Although both groups improved, those taking the lower dose fish oil reported less pain and better function, the researchers said in the study, which was published in Annals of Rheumatic Diseases.