Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Curcumin as Non-Pharmacological Strategies for Modulating Post-Exercise Inflammation in Individuals with Autoimmune Diseases: A Scoping Review

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.