Study: Cod Liver Oil May Reverse Osteoarthritis

Cod liver oil is effective in treating the joint pain of arthritis and can slow or reverse the destruction of joint cartilage that leads to osteoarthritis, according to researchers at Cardiff University in Wales.

Omega-3 fatty acids in Cod Liver Oil work by switching off the aggrecan- and collagen-degrading enzymes that cause the destruction of joint cartilage. The result is reduced inflammation and less pain.

"Two years ago, research teams led by Professor John Harwood and myself at Cardiff University reported findings suggesting that the Omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil can reduce cartilage degradation and inflammation in arthritic disease," said Professor Bruce Caterson. "Our most recent work shows that by exposing human osteoarthritis cartilage to cod liver oil in the laboratory for just 24 hours we can turn off, or reverse, the action of the degradative enzymes and inflammatory factors affecting the tissue.

"This is where science and old wives' tales coincide. Our findings are consistent with advice that taking cod liver oil in early adulthood could prevent the onset of osteoarthritis and would reduce the harmful symptoms associated with the disease," added Caterson.

Other sources: Cardiff University