Cod liver oil, like fish oil, is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. However, cod liver oil offers significantly higher concentrations of other nutrients than is found in other fish oils, including vitamins D and A. Inadequate intake of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids is a common problem in the Western diet and has been associated with an increased risk of developing a variety of diseases and chronic health conditions. Using cod liver oil as a supplement to a well-balanced diet can help ensure adequate supplies of these essential nutrients.
Bone Health
Cod liver oil may be beneficial to bone development and maintenance. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may help to increase calcium levels in the body and improve bone strength. A 2002 study published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that low vitamin D levels placed young female study participants at risk of failing to reach maximum peak bone mass, increasing the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Study authors stated that enrichment or supplementation should be considered to ensure adequate vitamin D status for bone health.
Depression
Regular use of cod liver oil has been associated with decreased depression symptoms, according to a 2007 study published in the "Journal of Affective Disorders." Study authors M.B. Raeder et al. found that cod liver oil users were significantly less likely to have depressive symptoms than non-users. Additionally, the prevalence of depression symptoms was found to decrease with increasing duration of cod liver oil use, meaning that those who used cod liver oil for the longest time saw the greatest benefit in the prevention of symptoms.
Heart Health
Cod liver oil, due to its vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid content, can be beneficial to the cardiovascular system. Since vitamin D plays a role in regulating blood pressure, a deficiency of vitamin D has been associated with increased risk of hypertension. A 2009 study published by the American Heart Association documented this relationship, concluding that women who are vitamin D deficient during the premenopausal years increase their risk of hypertension later in life by three times. According to University of Maryland Medical Center, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help reduce several risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. UMMC goes on to say that omega-3 fatty acids can help to treat and prevent atherosclerosis and lower the risk of heart attack, stroke and abnormal heart rhythms in people who have already had a heart attack.
Arthritis
Cod liver oil has shown some benefit in the management of rheumatoid arthritis, or RA. In a 2008 study published in the journal "Rheumatology," authors B. Galarraga et al. concluded that cod liver oil supplements can be used as NSAID-sparing agents in RA patients. Over the nine month course of this dual-center, double blind placebo controlled study, 39 percent of study participants who took 10 g of cod liver oil daily were able to reduce their daily NSAID use for the control of rheumatoid arthritis. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there is some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may offer some relief from joint pain and stiffness due to osteoarthritis, although more research is necessary. An observational study published in the "Annals of Internal Medicine" states that low intake and low serum levels of vitamin D each appear to be associated with an increased risk of progression of knee osteoarthritis.
References
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Vitamin D and attainment of peak bone mass among peripubertal Finnish girls: a 3-y prospective study; Marjo KM Lehtonen-Veromaa Et Al.; December 2002
- "Annals of Internal Medicine"; Relation of Dietary Intake and Serum Levels of Vitamin D to Progression of Osteoarthritis of the Knee among Participants in the Framingham Study; Timothy E. McAlindon Et Al.; September 1996
- "Journal of Affective Disorders"; Associations between cod liver oil use and symptoms of depression: the Hordaland Health Study; MB Raeder et al.; August 2007
- "Rheumatology"; Cod liver oil (n-3 fatty acids) as an non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug sparing agent in rheumatoid arthritis; B Galarraga et al.; May 2008
- American Heart Association; Vitamin D deficiency in younger women is associated with increased risk of high blood pressure in mid-life; MaryFran R. Sowers, Ph.D Et Al.; September 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Complementary Medicine; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; June 2009
Member Comments