Cod Liver Oil For Rheumatoid Arthritis

In recent years, numerous studies have found a connection between cod liver oil and rheumatoid arthritis. A study published in the March 2008 issue of the Oxford Journals "Rheumatology" shows a connection in the supplementation of cod liver oil in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and the ability to reduce their non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, doses. For many patients who develop gastrointestinal issues due to NSAID treatment, this link to cod liver oil can provide some benefits.

What is Cod Liver Oil?

Cod liver oil is exactly what it sounds like. It is the oil that comes from the liver of a cod fish. It is also called N-3 fatty acids, omega 3 and polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids as well as vitamin D. A tablespoon contains 1,360 IU of vitamin D. The fatty acids found in cod liver oil are known to reduce pain and swelling.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

According to the Arthritis Foundation, rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is both a form of inflammatory arthritis and an autoimmune disease. The body's immune system is normally designed to protect your body from viruses and bacterial infections, but in rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the synovium, or the tissue found between the joints. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, though it tends to have times of remission and flares. Symptoms can include decreased range of motion, inflammation and swelling of the joints, fatigue and can eventually cause damage to the cartilage, tendons, ligaments and bones that can result in deformity.

Treating Inflammation

A study published in "Rheumatology" showed that cod liver oil worked to reduce the need for NSAID treatments for rheumatoid arthritis inflammation. The study looked at 97 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in a randomized distribution, half received 10 g of cod liver oil and the other received a placebo capsule. The end result showed that 39 percent of the cod liver oil group was able to reduce their daily use of NSAID medication by more than 30 percent; the placebo group only had a 10 percent reduction.

Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin D and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Next to natural sun exposure, cod liver oil is the best source for vitamin D. A study in the November 2010 issue of "Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatology" looked at the connection between vitamin D and the possible prevention of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. They concluded that their data pointed to a potential role in the prevention of autoimmune disease. While the Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board currently recommends a daily intake of 600 IU of vitamin D, researchers and physicians like Michael Horlick, M.D., believe that that is not enough to maintain healthy levels and promote disease prevention. He advises supplementation of at least 1,000 IU a day.

Considerations

When it comes to any type of vitamin or dietary supplement and the treatment of your rheumatoid arthritis, consult your physician before making any changes in treatment. You may have medications that will require vitamin supplementation or others that will be adversely affected by vitamin supplementation. Your physician will best be able to advise and guide you on a proper supplement plan.