|
For the first time, scientists have found human proof showing
that cod liver oil aids in slowing down, and may even reverse,
the destruction of joint cartilage in patients who suffer
from osteoarthritis, a painful and often disabling condition.
The study consisted of 31 patients scheduled to receive total
knee joint replacement surgery. Half were given two daily
capsules of 1,000 mg extra strength cod liver oil and the
other half given placebo oil capsules for a 10- to 12-week
period. During the time of the surgery, researchers collected
samples of the participants’ cartilage and joint tissue
from their knees to study and analyze.
Results from the study show 86 percent of pre-operative patients
with arthritis who took the cod liver oil capsules had absent
or significantly reduced levels of enzymes that caused cartilage
damage, as opposed to 26 percent of those given a placebo
capsule. Results also showed a reduction in certain enzymes
that cause the patients to suffer from joint pain among those
who took the cod liver oil.
The findings suggest that cod liver oil could delay the onset
of osteoarthritis, and it could play a major role in reducing
the number of knee and hip replacements carried out. Further,
taking cod liver oil would likely reduce the harmful symptoms
associated with osteoarthritis.
EurekAlert!
February 12, 2004
| 