Research funded by Great Britain’s Arthritis Research Campaign recently reported that Omega-3 fatty acids — the main component of cod liver oil — appeared to be able to reduce both pain and damage in inflamed joints.
In the study, researchers injected subjects with a chemical designed to cause inflammation and then took cartilage samples four days later. The researchers reported that in the group treated with Omega-3, enzymes that would normally cause pain and damage to the cartilage had been “turned off” compared to the enzymes in the control group that were fully active.
Fergus Logan, who heads up the Arthritis Research Campaign, told the BC that, “We’re delighted that something as simple and non-controversial as cod liver oil has the potential to bring relief and restore the quality of life to so many people who suffer from osteoarthritis.”
Noncontroversial? At least until People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals gets wind of this.
Source:
Cod liver oil benefits confirmed. The BC, February 14, 2002.