Ellen Campbell -Grizzle - PHARMACY TODAYJAMAICANS HAVE always believed that cod liver oil makes you strong and healthy. Many still take the oil with honey to mask the strong taste. Recent research done by Professor Bruce Caterson and his team at Cardiff University has confirmed that we were on the right track. It turns out that omega-3, a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids, found in cod liver oil, switches off the enzymes that damage cartilage and slows down the onset and progression of Osteo-Arthritis (OA).
This is good news for every one because OA is an inevitable consequence of ageing and wear and tear on the joints. Trauma, obesity and sports injuries can also lead to OA. This degenerative disease develops slowly and causes pain, swelling, loss of mobility and negatively affects quality of life. Eskimos who consume large amounts of fish oils that contain omega-3 have low incidence of OA. Data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) reveals that 33 per cent of persons aged 63 years and over have OA diagnosed using radiography. The WHO declared 2001-2010 the decade of bone and joint disease in an attempt to arrest the arthritis epidemic.
Professor Caterson, during his recent visit to Jamaica, unveiled how his findings will lead to the reduction of the 'ouch factor' that so many sufferers with arthritis experience. Mechanical forces as well as the enzymes, aggrecanases and collagenases, are the major culprits involved in cartilage destruction. The researchers set out to find out if omega-3 contained in cod liver oil would shut off the destructive enzymes. They selected subjects from persons awaiting total hip replacement.
In the double blind study, 14 of the 25 subjects were given 1000mg capsules of peppermint laced cod liver oil twice daily. The others were given a peppermint-laced oil as placebo. Analysis of the bone just before surgery compared to the outset of the study showed marked reduction of the culprit enzymes. Professor Caterson stated that 'while we have no proof that omega-3 prevents OA, the results show that there was marked effect on the destructive enzymes. It is better to start early than wait 'till your knees hurt'.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for good health but cannot be made by the body and must be obtained from diet. Of the family, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) are the most important to body function. They are found in oily fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel and cod liver oil and called marine omega-3 fatty acids. These substances are beneficial at different stages of life. Other researchers from Cardiff University completed a pilot that showed positive results on the memory function of mice.
BE CAREFUL WITH THE USE
OF COD LIVER OIL IF YOU:-
take anti-coagulant therapy such as warfarin
regularly use aspirin
have asthma and are
allergic to aspirin
are pregnant the presence of Vitamin A in this and any other preparation must be carefully monitored.
While creaking bones are warning signs of OA, there is no evidence that cracking the bones will stave off arthritis. Concerns have been expressed about the presence of environmental pollutants. Mercury and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) can be ingested by fish that swim in contaminated waters. Some manufacturers refine and purify cod liver oil. Several products are available including one that is now free of the awful taste of cod liver oil. Ask your pharmacist about the many combinations of cod liver oil now available. You have the right to know!
Ellen Campbell Grizzle, President, Caribbean Association of Pharmacists (CAP), Director , Information & Research, National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA).
