Cod liver oil can ease arthritis

Arthritis sufferers could ease their symptoms with cod liver oil.

So say scientists in Scotland, who in a recent study found patients taking regular supplements could cut their need for anti-inflammatory drugs by almost a third.

It’s certainly welcome news for arthritis sufferers, who face possible side-effects such as increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and gastrointestinal bleeding because of the high doses of painkillers they need to take.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post, Prof Jill Belch, from the Ninewells Hospital and Medical School in Dundee, which helped carried out the research, said: “”This study offers hope to many rheumatoid arthritis 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 rheumatoid arthritis.”

Ninewells co-ordinated the 36-week study with the University of Dundee, analysing the effects a daily dose of cod liver oil (10g) had on their need for anti-inflammatory drugs.

Altogether 97 patients were split into two groups. The first 49 patients took the cod liver oil supplements, while the remainder took placebos.

The results were monitored after four, 12, 24 and 36 weeks, with patients urged to reduce or even stop their painkillers intake after just three months. Sixty per cent completed the study.

By the end of the study, 39% of the cod liver group were able to cut their daily anti-inflammatory intake by almost a third.

Only 10% of the placebo group could do the same.

Source: Daily Mail