Cod liver oil benefit in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Researchers at the School of Medicine have uncovered further evidence that cod liver oil can benefit people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

A study published 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%.

The study led by Professor Jill Belch, analysed 97 patients with RA who took non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) They were given either cod liver oil containing essential fatty acids, or "dummy" pills and details of NSAID dose and clinical indicators linked to RA disease activity were recorded at the start of the study and after four, 12, 24 and 36 weeks.

At 12 weeks, patients were instructed to gradually reduce and, if possible, stop their NSAID intake. A total of 58 patients (60%) completed the study.

Out of 49 patients in the cod liver oil group, 39% were able to cut their daily NSAID requirement by more than 30% at the nine month point. Out of 48 patients in the placebo group, just 10% were able to reduce their daily NSAID requirement by more than 30%.

"This study offers hope to many rheumatoid arthritis patients for whom cod liver oil supplements can offer a natural pain management treatment without the harmful side effects associated with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs," said Professor Jill Belch.

"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 around 350,000 people in the UK, with women more likely to be affected than men. It is an auto-immune disease which 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.