Trial shows Cod Liver Oil can reduce the need for anti- inflammatory drugs

The results of a five-year study show that Cod Liver Oil can reduce the amount of anti-inflammatory drugs taken by Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients by over 30%.

Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin, are heavily prescribed to relieve pain for those with RA. However, fears are growing among consumers about the dangers of long-term use, with reported side-effects including stomach bleeding, high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attacks.

The study was conducted by investigators from Rheumatology units at Dundee and Edinburgh Universities. RA patients were recruited over a 5 year period and randomly assigned to two treatment groups: Cod Liver Oil 10g/day, or a control group provided with a dummy pill. Results showed that by taking Cod Liver Oil daily nearly 40% of patients were able to reduce their anti- inflammatory intake by over 30%. Most importantly this study showed that the reduction in intake of anti- inflammatory drugs in those taking the Cod Liver Oil supplements was not associated with any worsening of pain or disease activity.

Commenting on the study, the principal investigator Professor Jill Belch at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School Dundee says, "This study offers hope to many RA patients for whom Cod Liver Oil supplements can offer a natural pain management treatment without the harmful side effects associated with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs.

It reinforces previous research that has shown Cod Liver Oil, and its high content of Omega-3 essential fatty acids, to have significant anti- inflammatory properties in patients with RA."

387,0002 people suffer with RA in the UK, with people between the ages of 30 to 50 being most affected, to varying degrees. Living with this painful condition is often associated with severe loss of strength and movement in inflamed joints, making day-to-day life very difficult. Cod Liver Oil is one of nature's richest sources of Omega-3 essential fatty acid.

Source:
1.) Belch JJF, Nuki G, Galarraga B. et al. (2008) 'Cod Liver Oil (N-3 Fatty Acids) As a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Sparing Agent in Rheumatoid Arthritis' P.13: Discussion 2 Arthritis Care, The Impact of Arthritis Fact Sheet (July 2007)

2.) Hamilton, Curt, February 2013