Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Curcumin as Non-Pharmacological Strategies for Modulating Post-Exercise Inflammation in Individuals with Autoimmune Diseases: A Scoping Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.76.75312Keywords
omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, curcumin, autoimmune disease, exercise, inflammation, recovery, cytokines, specialized pro-resolving mediatorsAbstract
Background: Exercise is recommended in many autoimmune diseases, but acute sessions can transiently increase inflammatory and muscle-damage markers. Omega-3 fatty acids and curcumin have anti-inflammatory and inflammation-resolving properties, yet their effects on post-exercise inflammation in autoimmune populations remain uncertain.
Aim: To map human evidence on omega-3 fatty acids and curcumin as non-pharmacological strategies for modulating exercise-associated inflammation in individuals with autoimmune diseases.
Material and Methods: This scoping review followed JBI guidance and PRISMA-ScR, with search reporting informed by PRISMA-S. No publication-date restriction was applied. Evidence was grouped into direct studies combining autoimmune disease, supplementation and exercise; supplementation studies in autoimmune populations; and exercise studies in autoimmune populations.
Results: Direct evidence was scarce. Omega-3 supplementation showed the strongest disease-specific evidence in rheumatoid arthritis and possible modest benefits in systemic lupus erythematosus, whereas findings in multiple sclerosis were less supportive. In healthy exercising adults, omega-3 may reduce selected cytokines, creatine kinase and soreness. Curcumin studies in autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases suggest potential anti-inflammatory effects, but results vary with formulation, dose and bioavailability. Exercise-recovery studies of curcumin remain heterogeneous and of low certainty.
Conclusion: Omega-3 fatty acids and curcumin are biologically plausible adjuncts for physically active individuals with autoimmune diseases, but current evidence does not establish that either reliably modulates post-exercise inflammation in this population. Dedicated factorial trials combining supplementation and standardized exercise are required.
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