Written by Jessica Patella, ND. In research with 97 arthritis patients, 39% of participants were able to reduce NSAID use by more than 30% for those taking 10 grams of cod liver oil per day.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most frequently prescribed medications worldwide and in the United States (1,2). The most commonly known NSAIDs are asprin and ibuprofen. Although these over-the-counter medications are helpful for pain and inflammation, there is an increasing concern with the number of side effects (1). NSAIDs have been linked to gastrointestinal toxicity, elevated blood pressure, aggravation of heart failure in elderly persons and increased risk of cardiovascular events (1).
The side effects are of particular concern in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that results in debilitating inflammation in the joints (1). NSAIDs are frequently used in higher doses to decrease the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oils are a natural anti-inflammatory and recent research has shown supplementing with cod liver oil decreases the inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients, which resulted in decreased use of NSAIDs (1).
The research included 97 participants (37-78 years of age; 69 female, 28 male) over a 9-month period with rheumatoid arthritis, who were already using NSAIDS. The participants were randomly divided into a supplement group or placebo group. The supplement group received 10g of cod liver oil per day (10 capsules per day with 150mg EPA, 70mg DHA per capsule). The placebo group received identical air-filled capsules (10 capsules per day). Fifty-eight (60%) of the participants completed the study (65% in the supplement group, 54% in the placebo group).
Nineteen out of 49 participants in the supplement group (39%) and 5 out of 48 participants in the placebo group (10%) were able to reduce their daily intake of NSAIDs by more than 30% at 9 months (1). Overall, the participants in the supplement group decreased their daily NSAID requirement by 40 +/- 7.6% and those in the placebo group decreased by 16 +/- 5.5% (1).
In conclusion, 10g of cold liver oil per day reduced the daily intake of NSAIDs by more than 30% in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This was achieved without worsening the disease activity. A drawback to this study was the number of participants that withdrew. The main reason was due to an unwillingness to take 10 large capsules per day. This was, however, the first study to review cod liver oil in the reduction of NSAID use in rheumatoid arthritis.
Source: Galarraga, B., et al. “Cod liver oil (n-3 fatty acids) as an non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug sparing agent in rheumatoid arthritis.” Rheumatology 47.5 (2008): 665-669.
© 2008 The Author(s)
Posted July 9, 2012.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.
References:
- Galarraga B, et al. Cod liver oil (omega-3 fatty acids) as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug sparing agent in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology 2008:47: 665-669.
- Laine L. Approaches to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in the high-risk patient. Gastroenterology 2001;120:594–606.
