The results of a five-year study show that cod liver oil can reduce the amount of anti-inflammatory drugs taken by persons suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by 30%.
According to a press release from PR group Bell Pottinger, investigators from rheumatology units at Dundee and Edinburgh universities conducted the study. RA patients were recruited over the said period and randomly assigned to two treatment groups: Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil 10g/day, or a control group provided with a dummy pill. The results showed that nearly 40% of those taking the cod liver oil daily were able to reduce their anti-inflammatory intake by over 30%. Most importantly, the release said, the study showed that the reduction in intake of anti-inflammatory drugs in those taking the cod liver oil supplements was not associated with any worsening of pain or disease activity.
In commenting on the study, principal investigator Professor Jill Belch, at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School Dundee said the study “reinforces previous research that has shown cod liver oil, and its high content of Omega-3 essential fatty acids, to have significant anti-inflammatory properties in patients.” Meanwhile, Ailsa Bosworth, CEO and Founder of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society said people with RA still rely heavily on anti-inflammatories “even though the safety of these drugs is under scrutiny. It’s in this context that this new research provides some promising new evidence that cod liver oil may reduce the need” for them. Bosworth said the group looks forward to more research in this area, “which will hopefully show more clinical breakthroughs and provide more good news” for RA patients.
