Gout is an acute and painful form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints. Uric acid is a by-product of purine production, a chemical found in organ meats, alcohol, beans, peas and seafood. Men are far more likely to develop gout; however, after menopause the risk equalizes in women. According to "Arthritis Today" magazine, cod liver oil capsules do not contain purines; therefore, cod liver oil capsules will not hurt you if you have gout. Seek medical clearance before you supplement cod liver capsules if you have gout.
Purines
Purines are pervasive organic compounds found in many different foods, including meat, liver, kidney, sweetbreads, legumes, anchovies, herring, sardines, mackerel, asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, cauliflower, Brewer's yeast and alcohol. The meat of the cod fish does contain purines; however, cod liver oil capsules do not contain purines, according to rheumatologist James McKoy, M.D., of the Kaiser Permanente Clinic in Honolulu.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of gout remains undetermined, according to rheumatologist Mark James Borigini, M.D., of the VeriMed Healthcare Network. Heredity seems to play a large role in the onset of gout; other risk factors include excessive alcohol intake, certain medications such as diuretics and underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, kidney disease and elevated triglycerides -- high levels of fats in the blood. Cod liver oil's anti-inflammatory properties demonstrate therapeutic benefit to those with high blood pressure, diabetes and high triglycerides, according to eMedTV; therefore cod liver capsules may actually benefit gout patients.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Cod liver oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, one to two cod liver oil capsules taken daily may help to minimize the inflammation associated with gout. Seek medical clearance before you supplement cod liver oil for gout.
Sources
According to "Arthritis Today" magazine, purchase only pharmaceutical grade, molecularly distilled cod liver oil capsules to reap the full benefit of these supplements. Also, choose organic cod liver oil capsules wherever possible, and make sure your capsules come from cod sources that are free of mercury. Cod liver oil capsules that come from farmed sources of cod tend to have reduced levels of EPA and DHA, so stick to wild sources.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Gout; November 2009
- Medline Plus: Gout; Mark James Borigini, M.D.; June 2009
- Arthritis Today: Safety of Fish Oil Supplements with Gout; James McKoy, M.D.
- eMedTV: Benefits of Cod Liver Oil; Kristi Monson, Pharm. D. et al.; January 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gout; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; March 2010
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