Multiple sclerosis, a progressive autoimmune disease that affects more men than women, mostly between the ages of 20 and 40, according to PubMed Health, has no cure. Multiple sclerosis, or MS, attacks the myelin sheaths that surround and protect the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Inflammation that develops at the sites damages nerves, causing muscle weakness and difficulty with muscle control. Cod liver oil is an alternative medicine treatment used in conjunction with other therapies and medications, although its benefits have not been proven.
Swank Diet
The Swank diet, created by Dr. Roy Swank, emphasizes a low-fat diet along with cod liver oil supplementation of 5 g per day. The purpose of the cod liver oil, according to the Swank MS Foundation, is to supply highly unsaturated fats and to increase energy levels. Cod liver oil also contains large amounts of vitamin A along with vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, more commonly known as DHA and EPA. Both vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids may have some effect in treating MS.
Vitamin D Studies
Vitamin D, which is obtained from a few food sources such as fish, plays an important role in building bones, but it also may play a part in protecting against multiple sclerosis, some researchers believe. Exposure to sunlight also precipitates production of vitamin D in your skin. A study published by the Harvard School of Public Health in the January 2004 issue of "Neurology" looked at vitamin D intake compared to onset of MS in two very large women's studies. The study revealed a relationship between vitamin D supplementation and a reduction in the risk of developing MS. The problem with cod liver oil for this purpose is that cod liver oil contains varying amounts of vitamin D, unlike dietary supplements that contain exact amounts of the vitamin.
Omega-3 Studies
Omega-3 fatty acids may also reduce the risks of relapse in MS patients, according to a study by researchers from the Baird Multiple Sclerosis Center for MS Treatment and Research, Jacobs Neurological Institute, State University of New York. The results, published in the November 2005 issue of "Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids," found that a low-fat diet consisting of 15 percent fat plus omega-3 fatty acid supplements reduced the relapse rate more than a 30 percent fat diet supplemented with olive oil.
Caveats
Cod liver oil has not been specifically tested for its benefit in treating MS. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D may have some benefit, but cod liver oil, although it contains both, may not be the best source of either. Cod liver oil also contains large amounts of vitamin A, which can cause toxicity if taken in large amounts. Do not take cod liver oil to treat MS without your doctor's approval.
References
- "Neurology"; Vitamin D Intake and Incidence of Multiple Sclerosis; K. Munger, et al.; January 2004
- "Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids"; Low fat dietary intervention with omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in Multiple Sclerosis Patients; B. Weinstock-Guttman, et al.; November 2005
- Swank MS Foundation: About the Swank Low-Fat Diet for the Treatment of MS
- Cox Health: Multiple Sclerosis
- Dr. Ben Kim: Q&A on Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D; Ben Kim; March 2010
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