Cod liver oil benefits
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Benefits of Cod Liver Oil: A Comprehensive Overview
Cod Liver Oil and Type 1 Diabetes Prevention
Lower Risk of Childhood-Onset Type 1 Diabetes
Cod liver oil, rich in vitamin D and long-chain n-3 fatty acids, has been associated with a reduced risk of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes. A large population-based case-control study in Norway found that children who consumed cod liver oil during their first year of life had a significantly lower risk of developing type 1 diabetes compared to those who did not (adjusted odds ratio: 0.74)1. This protective effect is likely due to the anti-inflammatory properties of the long-chain n-3 fatty acids present in cod liver oil.
Cardiovascular Health Benefits
Reduction in Elevated Lipid Parameters
Cod liver oil has shown promising results in reducing elevated lipid parameters. In a single-blind placebo-controlled study, patients who took cod liver oil in addition to rosuvastatin experienced more significant reductions in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels compared to those who took rosuvastatin alone2. This suggests that cod liver oil can enhance the lipid-lowering effects of statins.
Potential Role in Preventing Myocardial Infarction
Although the evidence is not conclusive, some studies suggest that cod liver oil may help reduce the incidence of myocardial infarction (MI). An open-label placebo-controlled study found that patients at risk of cardiovascular events who took cod liver oil had fewer incidences of MI, although the difference was not statistically significant5. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Anti-Inflammatory and Rheumatoid Arthritis Management
NSAID-Sparing Effects in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Cod liver oil can act as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-sparing agent in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A double-blind placebo-controlled study demonstrated that patients who took cod liver oil were able to reduce their daily NSAID requirement by more than 30% compared to those who took a placebo3. This indicates that cod liver oil can help manage RA symptoms while potentially reducing the side effects associated with long-term NSAID use.
Inhibition of Neutrophil and Monocyte Chemotaxis
Cod liver oil has been shown to inhibit neutrophil and monocyte chemotaxis, which are key processes in the inflammatory response. A study on healthy males found that supplementation with cod liver oil significantly reduced the chemotaxis of these immune cells6. This anti-inflammatory effect may contribute to the overall health benefits of cod liver oil.
Respiratory Health and Immune Function
No Significant Effect on COVID-19 and Acute Respiratory Infections
A large randomized placebo-controlled trial in Norway found that cod liver oil supplementation did not reduce the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, serious COVID-19, or other acute respiratory infections4. Despite its known benefits for immune function, cod liver oil did not show a protective effect against these specific respiratory conditions in the study.
Reduction in Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Children
Cod liver oil has been traditionally used to prevent and treat upper respiratory tract infections in children. A cluster-randomized study found that cod liver oil supplementation, along with a multivitamin/mineral supplement, significantly reduced pediatric visits for upper respiratory illnesses during the winter and early spring8. This suggests that cod liver oil can be beneficial in supporting respiratory health in young children.
Mental Health Benefits
Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Effects
Cod liver oil has demonstrated potential mental health benefits, including antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. In a study on rats, repeated administration of cod liver oil significantly increased locomotion, reduced anxiety, and improved depression-like behaviors9. These effects are likely due to the omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil, which play a crucial role in brain function and mental health.
Conclusion
Cod liver oil offers a range of health benefits, from reducing the risk of type 1 diabetes and improving lipid profiles to acting as an anti-inflammatory agent and supporting mental health. While it may not significantly impact the incidence of COVID-19 or myocardial infarction, its overall health benefits make it a valuable supplement for various conditions. Further research is needed to fully understand its potential and optimize its use in clinical practice.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Use of cod liver oil during the first year of life is associated with lower risk of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes: a large, population-based, case-control study.
Cod liver oil use during the first year of life is associated with a lower risk of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes, possibly due to the antiinflammatory effects of long-chain n-3 fatty acids.
Observational Study
Highly CitedRole of Cod Liver Oil in Reducing Elevated Lipid Parameters
Cod liver oil in addition to rosuvastatin effectively reduces cholesterol levels more effectively than rosuvastatin alone.
RCT
Large Human Trial
Rigorous JournalCod liver oil (n-3 fatty acids) as an non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug sparing agent in rheumatoid arthritis.
Cod liver oil supplements containing n-3 fatty acids can help reduce daily NSAID requirement by >30% in rheumatoid arthritis patients without affecting clinical parameters or side-effects.
RCTRigorous JournalHighly CitedPrevention of covid-19 and other acute respiratory infections with cod liver oil supplementation, a low dose vitamin D supplement: quadruple blinded, randomised placebo controlled trial
Cod liver oil supplementation in winter did not reduce the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, serious covid-19, or other acute respiratory infections compared to placebo.
RCTLarge Human TrialRigorous JournalRole of Cod Liver Oil in Preventing Myocardial Infarction
Adding cod liver oil to the diet does not significantly reduce the risk of myocardial infarction in at-risk patients.
RCTLarge Human TrialRigorous JournalCod liver oil inhibits neutrophil and monocyte chemotaxis in healthy males.
Cod liver oil supplementation significantly reduces neutrophil and monocyte chemotaxis in healthy males, potentially reducing inflammation and ischemic heart disease.
Non-RCTHighly CitedDietary cod-liver oil improves endothelium-dependent responses in hypercholesterolemic and atherosclerotic porcine coronary arteries.
Dietary cod-liver oil supplementation improves endothelium-dependent relaxations in hypercholesterolemic and atherosclerotic porcine coronary arteries, partly due to increased release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor and improved relaxation of coronary smooth muscle to the factor.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyHighly CitedCod Liver Oil, Young Children, and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Cod liver oil and children's multivitamin/mineral supplements can decrease pediatric upper respiratory illness visits by 36%-58%, but economic and regulatory issues limit its availability for low-income children.
Non-RCTAntidepressant and anxiolytic effects of cod liver oil in rats.
Cod liver oil has antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects in rats, increasing locomotion and reducing anxiety.
Non-RCTAnimal Study