Lupus affects an estimated 1.5 million people in the United States and 5 million worldwide, according to the Lupus Foundation of America. The most prevalent and serious form of lupus is systemic lupus erythematosus, which can damage vital organs such as the heart and lungs. The disease targets females more than males; African American women incur as much as three times the risk of developing lupus, for unknown reasons. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, and may be of benefit to those with lupus.
Autoimmune Disease
Lupus is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation. A lupus patient's immune system cannot distinguish between foreign invaders and its own tissues; therefore it attacks healthy organs and causes serious damage to the kidneys, brain, skin, blood vessels and the joints over time. At present, no cure exists for lupus. Patients use a variety of medications such as corticosteroids to manage symptoms.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Cod liver oil contains the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. These essential fatty acids produce an anti-inflammatory effect that may benefit patients with lupus. In 2008 researchers from Queens University in Northern Ireland studied 60 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus over a 24-week period. The subjects that received 3 g of omega-3 fatty acids demonstrated a marked improvement in their symptoms. The results of this study were published in the journal "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases."
Natural Killer Cells
Natural killer cells refer to a species of white blood cells. Natural killer cells are cytotoxic -- toxic to cells -- and in healthy people they represent a core component of the immune system. However, in patients with autoimmune diseases such as lupus, natural killer cells intensify symptoms. The omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil reduce the number of natural killer cells, according to recent research. A May 2008 study conducted by Australian researchers found natural killer cell numbers lowered in subjects supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids over a six-month period. The results of this study were published in the journal "Arthritis Research and Therapy."
Vitamin D
Cod liver oil provides a rich source of vitamin D, and research indicates that patients with lupus show lower levels of vitamin D and so may benefit from supplementation. A July 1995 study conducted by Danish researchers and published in the journal "Clinical Rheumatology" found lower levels of vitamin D-3 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus compared to patients with other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Seek medical clearance before you supplement cod liver oil for lupus.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Lupus; March 2011
- Lupus Foundation of America: Understanding Lupus
- Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases: A Randomised Interventional Trial of Omega-3-Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Endothelial Function and Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus; S.A. Wright et al.; June 2008
- Lupus Foundation of America: Olés for Omega-3s;
- Arthritis Research and Therapy: Leukocyte Numbers and Function in Subjects Eating n-3 Enriched Foods: Selective Depression of Natural Killer Cell Levels; Violet R. Mukaro et al.; May 2008
- Clinical Rheumatology: Vitamin D3 Metabolism in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases: Low Serum Levels of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus; K. Müller et al.; July 1995
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