Cod Liver & Diabetes

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. In 2007, there were 23.6 million Americans with diabetes. As researchers continue their quest for better methods of treating and preventing diabetes, one method under study is the use of cod liver oil due to its omega-3 fatty acid content and general health benefits.

Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil is a dietary supplement obtained from the liver of cod fish. Cod liver oil is popular because of its health benefits and its rich content of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Cod liver oil is also rich in vitamins A and D. According to Emedtv, cod liver oil lowers blood pressure and triglycerides, reduces inflammation and prevents blood clots. In addition, cod liver oil may reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by the body's inability to convert food into energy, resulting in hyperglycemia or high levels of glucose in the blood. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia will lead to serious complications, such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease and stroke. The three types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.

Research Study

A nationwide study in Norway published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition looked at 545 cases of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes and 1,668 population control subjects. It sought to investigate if the use of dietary cod liver oil or other vitamin D supplements by the mother during pregnancy or by the child during the first year of life is linked with a lower risk of type 1 diabetes among children. The conclusion supports that cod liver oil may reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes, which may be as a result of the anti-inflammatory effects of long-chain n-3 fatty acids.

Additional Effects

The complications of diabetes include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high triglycerides, which increase the risks of heart disease, kidney problems and strokes. Cod liver oil with its omega-3 fatty acids is known for lowering high blood pressure, high triglycerides and high cholesterol. This makes cod liver oil beneficial in lowering the risks of complications in patients with diabetes.

Considerations

Cod liver oil can leave a fishy aftertaste in the mouth or may cause heart burn or indigestion, as well as nausea. According to Emedtv, taking cod liver oil with meals and gradually increasing the dosage may reduce these symptoms.