Evidence supporting the use of: Fat liver oil
For the health condition: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Fat liver oil, often referred to as cod liver oil, has been studied for its potential benefits in treating Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) due to its high content of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and vitamin D. Several clinical trials have investigated its efficacy. A notable randomized controlled trial published in Rheumatology (2008) found that supplementation with cod liver oil allowed some RA patients to reduce their use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), suggesting an anti-inflammatory benefit. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to modulate immune function and reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines implicated in RA pathogenesis.
Meta-analyses and reviews generally conclude that fish oil, including cod liver oil, provides a modest reduction in joint tenderness and morning stiffness in RA patients. However, the effects are typically moderate, not curative, and are most pronounced in patients already receiving standard medical therapies. The quality of evidence is moderate, with some variability in study design, dosages, and duration.
Historically, cod liver oil has also been used traditionally for joint pain and general health, but modern support for its use in RA is primarily grounded in scientific rationale and clinical studies. Overall, the evidence supports its adjunctive use, not as a replacement for disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), but as a supplement that may help reduce inflammation and NSAID requirements in some RA patients.
Other ingredients used for Rheumatoid Arthritis
adrenal cortexalfalfa
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
alpha-pinene
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
borage oil
celery
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
turmeric
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
dong quai root
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fisetin
fish protein
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gamma tocopherol
genistein
ginger
green lipped mussel
krill oil
luteolin
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
myristoleate
omega-3 fatty acids
phospholipids
resveratrol
rose hips
sardines
slippery elm bark
sulforaphane glucosinolate
Urolithin A
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
watercress
white willow
alpinia galangal
smilax
fumaria parviflora
lingusticum wallichii
amber
teasel
guelder rose
gentiana macrophylla
abies spectabilis
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
clematis
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
Aralia
akebia
Antler
Apigenin
Abrus
Andrographolide
Amentoflavone
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
anthocyanidins
Ampelopsin
Actaea spicata
Acetylsalicylic acid
Arjunic Acid
Apocynin
Arctiin
Astragalin
Boswellic Acid
Baicalein
Bogbean
Boswellia
Black willow
Barbasco
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
Baicalin
Black Hellebore
Bee venom
Bergenia
Cod Liver Oil
Cortisol
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cyanidin
Chinese Fleeceflower
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chuchuhuasi
Cetylated Fatty Acids
C-Phycocyanin
Cannabidiol
Carnosic acid
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid
Eicosatetraenoic acid
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Evening Primrose Oil