Cod Liver Oil Eases Arthritis

A daily supplement of cod liver oil can ease the pain of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and reduce the need for drugs, a new study suggests.

The study, by researchers at Dundee University in Scotland showed that taking 10g of cod liver oil a day can reduce the need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by 30%. Many patients with RA take NSAIDs such as ibuprofen. However, high doses have been linked to adverse side-effects such as increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and stomach bleeding.

Researchers looked at 97 patients with RA who took NSAIDs for their condition. Some were given 10g of cod liver oil daily and others were given a dummy pill. After 12 weeks their NSAIDs were gradually reduced.

Some 58 patients completed the nine-month trial. In the cod liver oil group 39% were able to reduce their daily dose of NSAIDs compared with 10% taking the placebo. This is the third study by researchers in Dundee to show that taking cod liver oil can cut the use of NSAIDs. It is thought fatty acids in the fish oil have anti-inflammatory properties.

The study was funded by Seven Seas and published in the journal Rheumatology.

Posted 3rd April 2008