SCIENTISTS have uncovered further evidence that cod liver oil can benefit people suffering rheumatoid arthritis.
A study published today in the journal Rheumatology showed that people taking a cod liver oil supplement could cut their reliance on anti-inflammatory drugs by more than 30 per cent.
Many patients suffering from the disease take non-steroidal ant
i-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. However, high doses of such drugs have been linked to side-effects including an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and gastrointestinal bleeding.
The new study, carried out by experts at the Ninewells Hospital and Medical School in Dundee and Dundee University, analysed 97 patients with arthritis who took NSAIDs. They were given either 10g of cod liver oil or "dummy" pills.
Details of the number of anti-inflammatory drugs taken were recorded at the start of the study and after four, 12, 24 and 36 weeks. At 12 weeks, patients were told to gradually reduce and, if possible, stop the drugs. A total of 58 patients (60 per cent) completed the study.
Out of 49 patients in the cod liver oil group, 19 were able to cut their daily NSAID requirement by more than 30 per cent at the nine-month point. Out of 48 patients in the placebo group, just five were able to reduce their daily requirement by more than 30 per cent.
The study's authors said the findings were important at a time "when there are increasing concerns" about the adverse effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Professor Jill Belch, from the Ninewells Hospital and Medical School in Dundee, said: "This study offers hope to many rheumatoid arthritis patients for whom cod liver oil supplements can offer natural pain management without the harmful side-effects associated with anti-inflammatory drugs.
"It 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 with rheumatoid arthritis."
Rheumatoid arthritis affects about 350,000 people in the UK, with women more likely to be affected than men. It is an auto-immune disease that causes pain, swelling and inflammation in the joints and can leave people feeling generally unwell and tired.
Rheumatoid arthritis also puts sufferers at higher risk from strokes and heart attacks. A study published last week found a vegan diet may help cut the risk of such attacks for sufferers.
BENEFITS OF THE 'GOLDEN OIL'NOT until the early part of the 20th century were the benefits of cod liver oil discovered. It was found to contain Vitamin A, essential for good eyesight and healthy skin, as well as Vitamin D, which promotes strong bones and teeth.
Generations of schoolchildren were given a daily spoonful of the oil, and research studies from 1918-2001 have given cod liver oil an A+ rating.
Described by nutritionists as a "golden oil", it contains large amounts of elongated omega-3 fatty acids – essential nutrients that are hard to obtain in sufficient amounts in the modern diet.
Doctors say there are few diseases that do not respond well to treatments which include cod liver oil.
