Atherosclerosis refers to the accumulation of fats along the interior walls of the arteries. Atherosclerosis goes by several different names including arteriosclerosis and hardening of the arteries. The causes include heredity, obesity, smoking, excessive dietary fat intake, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and excessive alcohol intake. The omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil may have some ability to treat atherosclerosis. Cod liver oil also contains vitamin D, and recent research links low levels of vitamin D to atherosclerosis.
Triglycerides and Arterial Plaque
High triglycerides -- high levels of fats in the blood -- contribute directly to atherosclerosis. The fats stick to the walls of the arteries and calcify into plaque; eventually this plaque interferes with blood flow. The omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil reduce the levels of triglycerides in the blood, and successfully treat atherosclerosis. An August 2005 study conducted by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention examined the arteries of Alaskan Natives -- a population with a high dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids -- and found them to have far less advanced atherosclerosis compared to the control subjects. This research appeared in the journal "Atherosclerosis."
EPA and DHA
The eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA found in cod liver oil also confers a blood thinning effect. This action treats atherosclerosis by making the blood less likely to clot and clog arteries. If you already take blood thinning medications such as aspirin, warfarin or clopedigrel, make sure you seek medical clearance before you supplement cod liver oil for atherosclerosis.
Vitamin D
Recent research found an association between deficiencies in vitamin D and the development of atherosclerosis in the carotid artery. Researchers from Columbia University and the University of Miami examined vitamin D levels in 203 subjects between the ages and 50 and 93 as part of the Manhattan Study. They found that low levels of vitamin D contributed significantly to the thickening of the plaque deposits on the walls of the subjects' arteries. One tbsp. of cod liver provides 340 per cent of the recommended daily allowance for vitamin D, according the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. The results of the Manhattan Study appeared in the June 2011 issue of the journal "Stroke."
Complications
Serious complications can result from atherosclerosis, including coronary heart disease, stroke, heart attack, liver, kidney and brain damage. Cod liver oil can treat atherosclerosis; however other lifestyle changes may need to be addressed. Regular exercise, moderate alcohol intake and the avoidance of deep fried, high fat foods such as donuts, commercial baked goods and french fries will help minimize risks of serious health problems.
References
- PubMed Health: Atherosclerosis
- Atherosclerosis: Adipose Tissue Triglyceride Fatty Acids and Atherosclerosis in Alaska Natives and non-Natives; J. McLaughlin et al.; August 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- "Stroke"; Vitamin D Deficiency Is Associated With Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis The Northern Manhattan Study; Angela L. Carrelli, M.D. et al.; June 2011
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
Member Comments