Does Cod Liver Oil Work? (Cont.)

Does Cod Liver Oil Work for Arthritis?

Although many people take cod liver oil to help with arthritis, research does not suggest that it really works for this use. In particular, one study found that adding cod liver oil to treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) did not provide any additional benefit.
 

Does Cod Liver Oil Work for Depression?

There is not enough evidence to determine whether or not cod liver oil works for treating depression. Early studies suggest that people who take cod liver oil daily may be less likely to develop depression, but this does not mean that it will help treat depression.
 

Final Thoughts on the Effectiveness of Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil may be effective for some uses. However, it is not free of side effects, and it is generally recommended that you take it under the supervision of your healthcare provider. Keep in mind that cod liver oil contains quite a bit of vitamins D and A, and even normal doses can result in toxicity due to these vitamins.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;