Osteoporosis is a medical condition characterized by reduced bone density. Its symptoms include bone pain and bone deformities. This disease increases the danger that you'll experience fractures, particularly breaks of the back, wrist or hip, according to the Merck Manual. Cod liver oil is a natural supplement that contains omega-3 eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA), as well as vitamin D. All these nutrients help improve bone health. Talk to your health care provider before starting a cod liver oil regimen.
Omega-3 and Osteoporosis
The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA appear to prevent bone loss and hip fractures in the elderly, according to what is known as the Framingham Osteoporosis Study, featured in the May 2011 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." It evaluated 623 participants over a four-year period. Rather than recommending cod liver oil, the Framingham Osteoporosis Study suggested three or more servings of fish weekly.
Vitamin D and Osteoporosis
Vitamin D deficiency is common in industrialized countries and a shortage of this nutrient is a risk factor for diseases like osteoporosis, diabetes, infections, autoimmune conditions, heart disease and cancer. Correction of vitamin D shortage has been found to decrease the prevalence and symptoms of all these conditions, according to a study published in the February 2011 issue of the Hungarian journal "Orvosi Hetilap." The authors suggest vitamin D supplements should be taken in combination with vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids, listing cod liver oil as an example of the latter.
Vitamin A and Osteoporosis Warnings
Too much vitamin A may actually increase the risk of osteoporosis, according to University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). If you have osteoporosis or are at risk of developing this condition, your vitamin A intake from foods and supplements should not exceed 700 mcg if you are a woman, or 900 mcg if you are a man. You should discuss this issue with a health care provider because one capsule of cod liver oil may contain as much as 600 mcg (or 2,000 IU) of vitamin A. Your doctor may choose to recommend you an omega-3 supplement that does not contain vitamin A.
Considerations
Omega-3-based supplements like cod liver oil and fish oil may interact with blood thinners, anti-diabetes drugs and nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Consult a qualified health care provider to find out if supplementation with cod liver oil is beneficial for you. In addition to omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, other nutrients like calcium; vitamins C and K; and zinc may also improve bone mass, according to UMMC. Keep in mind that cod liver oil does not replace, and should not be used to replace, any drugs prescribed for osteoporosis.
References
- Univeristy of Maryland, Medical Center: Osteoporosis
- "Orvosi Hetilap"; Cod Liver Oil a Natural Vitamin D for Preserving Health; J.Feher et al; February, 2011
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Protective Effects of Fish Intake and Interactive Effects of Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intakes on Hip Bone Mineral Density in Older Adults: the Framingham Osteoporosis Study; EK Farina et al; May, 2011
- University of Maryland, Medical Center: Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Merck Manual: Osteoporosis
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