Does Cod Liver Oil Work?

Although cod liver oil is supposedly useful for several conditions, many people may still wonder if cod liver oil works. In clinical studies on the effectiveness of cod liver oil, there was evidence that it may help to lower triglycerides, decrease blood pressure, and treat kidney problems due to diabetes. However, more research is necessary to determine the safety and effectiveness of this product.

Cod Liver Oil Capsules

Does Cod Liver Oil Really Work?

Cod liver oil is supposedly useful for a variety of different uses. There is some evidence that it works for some (but not all) of these claims. This article will address the effectiveness of cod liver oil for several different uses, including:

Heart health
Kidney problems due to diabetes
Arthritis
Depression.

Is Cod Liver Oil Effective for Heart Health?

Some studies suggest that cod liver oil seems to work quite well for treating high triglycerides (known medically as hypertriglyceridemia), although not all studies have shown this to be the case. However, cod liver oil doesn't seem to lower cholesterol. One study suggested that it probably does not have much of an effect on cholesterol levels at all.

Cod liver oil tends to modestly lower blood pressure, a beneficial attribute, because high blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for heart disease. Some researchers think that cod liver oil may work to treat certain irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), but the evidence at this point is inconclusive.

Does Cod Liver Oil Work for Kidney Disease?

Early research suggests that cod liver oil may reduce albuminuria in people with kidney disease due to type 2 diabetes. Because albuminuria is a sign of kidney damage, this research suggests that cod liver oil might reduce the kidney damage often seen in people with this condition. However, much more research is necessary before cod liver oil can be recommended for this use.

(Does Cod Liver Oil Work? Continued: Page 2)