Joint pain may be effectively decreased through cod liver oil supplementation. Cod liver oil contains omega 3 fatty acids as well as vitamin D; both nutrients have shown promise in the reduction of inflammation throughout the body, including the joints. Speak to your doctor or health care practitioner about cod liver oil supplementation if you experience joint pain regularly.
COX-1 and COX-2
COX-1 and COX-2 refers to cyclooxygenase, an enzyme involved in the inflammatory response that can afflict joints. COX-1 and COX-2 produce prostaglandins, the chemicals which produce the inflammation, swelling, heat and pain that you feel when the tissues of the joints are damaged.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Cod liver oil contains the omega 3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, better known as DHA. According to Kristi Monson, a doctor of pharmacy writing for eMedTV, these healthy fats inhibit the production of COX-1, COX-2 and prostaglandins. Therefore, for those individuals with recurrent joint pain, cod liver oil supplementation may not only help ease their pain and inflammation, but may also reduce their dependence on pain killers such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil.
Vitamin D
The inflammatory response that results in joint pain and joint damage may stem from a lack of vitamin D, according to recent research. In 2007 researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine examined female subjects who had experienced pronounced inflammation following a hip fracture; those subjects that recorded vitamin D deficiencies at the time of the fracture demonstrated significantly higher levels of the inflammatory chemical interleukin-6 in the year post-fracture. This research suggests that vitamin D plays a role in diminishing the inflammatory response that creates joint pain. Cod liver oil provides an excellent source of vitamin D; 1 tbsp. gives you 338 per cent of the recommended daily value.
Warning
Chronic inflammation and pain in the joints may indicate the onset of arthritis. Other symptoms of arthritis in addition to pain include a reduced range of motion in the affected joint, stiffness, swelling, warmth in and around the joint and reddening of the skin around the joint. If these symptoms apply to your case, and if your pain is constant, speak to your physician. Cod liver oil may minimize the symptoms of joint pain; however arthritis requires immediate medical attention.
References
- eMedTV; Benefits of Cod Liver Oil; Kristi Monson, Pharm. D.; January 2009
- Elmhurst College; Virtual Chembook; Charles E. Ophardt; 2003
- "The Journals of Gerontology"; Association of Serum Vitamin D Levels With Inflammatory Response Following Hip Fracture: The Baltimore Hip Studies; Ram R. Miller, et al.; February 2007
- MedlinePlus: Arthritis
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