Page 45 - Spring2009

DEPRESSION: Regular use of cod liver oil is negatively associated with high levels of depressive symptoms in the general
population (J Affect Disord. 2007 Aug;101(1-3):245-9).

WOUND HEALING: The combination of zinc oxide and cod liver oil was found to be superior to the formulations con-
taining only one active ingredient. This combination was also found to be most efficient in accelerating wound healing
when it is retarded by repeated dexamethasone treatment (Dtsch Tierarztl Wochenschr. 2006 Sep;113(9):331-4).

BREAST MILK: Women using cod liver oil had a significantly higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapen-
taenoic acid (EPA) in their breast milk. “As this may have an impact on the health and development of breast-fed infants
in later life, regular maternal cod liver oil intake could be relevant for the infant as well as for the nutritional adequacy
of the maternal diet” (Ann Nutr Metab. 2006;50(3):270-6).

PAIN AND JOINT STIFFNESS: Cod liver oil application allows reduction of the dose of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
and improves chief clinical symptoms, reducing pain and morning joint stiffness (Klin Med Mosk 2005;83(10):51-7).

HIP FRACTURE: Multivitamin or cod liver oil supplementation was associated with a significantly lower risk of any frac-
ture. “We found no evidence to support any skeletal harm associated with increased serum indices of retinol exposure
or modest retinol supplementation in this population” (J Bone Miner Res. 2005 Jun;20(6):913-20).

HIGHER BIRTH WEIGHT: Women who used liquid cod liver oil in early pregnancy gave birth to heavier babies, even
after adjusting for the length of gestation and other confounding factors. “Higher birth weight has been associated with
a lower risk of diseases later in life and maternal cod liver oil intake might be one of the means for achieving higher
birthweight” (BJOG. 2005 Apr;112(4):424-9).

UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN: Children supplemented with cod liver oil had a decrease in
upper respiratory tract infections and pediatric visits over time (Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2004 Nov;113(11):891-901).

VITAMIN D STATUS: In Norway, three mølje meals (consisting of cod liver and fresh cod-liver oil) provided an amount
of vitamin D equal to 54 times the recommended daily dose. Subjects with food consumption habits that included fre-
quent mølje meals during the winter sustained satisfactory vitamin D levels in their blood, in spite of the long “vitamin
D winter” (Public Health Nutr. 2004 Sep;7(6):783-9).

DIABETES: Use of cod liver oil in the first year of life was associated with a significantly lower risk of type 1 diabetes. Use
of other vitamin D supplements during the first year of life and maternal use of cod liver oil or other vitamin D supplements
during pregnancy were not associated with lower risk of type 1 diabete (Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Dec;78(6):1128-34).

INTELLIGENCE IN CHILDREN: Children who were born to mothers who had taken cod liver oil during pregnancy and
lactation scored higher on intelligence tests at age four compared with children whose mothers had taken corn oil (Pe-
diatrics. 2003 Jan;111(1):e39-44).

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: Use of cod liver oil decreased occurrence of morning stiffness, swollen joints and pain
intensity in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (Adv Ther. 2002 Mar-Apr;19(2):101-7).

EAR ACHES IN CHILDREN: Children prone to ear aches (otitis media) receiving cod liver oil plus selenium needed lower
amounts of antibiotics during supplementation compared to before supplementation (Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2002
Jul;111(7 Pt 1):642-52).

DIABETIC NEUROPATHY: Use of cod liver oil in mice played an important role in the prevention of diabetic nephropa-
thy (Lipids. 2002 Apr;37(4):359-66).

FAT-SOLUBLE VITAMINS IN BREAST MILK: Maternal use of cod liver oil resulted in higher levels of fat-soluble vitamins
in breast milk, especially vitamins E and A. (Ann Nutr Metab. 2001;45(6):265-72).

SPRING 2009 Wise Traditions 43