| Long before the days of omega-3 and the fish oil | | | | frequent depression were evaluated over a two |
| boom, early 20th century researchers were | | | | year period. At the conclusion of the study, the |
| patting each other on the back for simply making | | | | cod liver oil users reported a lower prevalence of |
| the connection between cod liver oil and vitamins | | | | depressive symptoms than non-users. It was also |
| A & D. At a time when scientific research | | | | noted that those who took cod liver oil longer |
| was no where near as advanced as it is today, | | | | reported a greater reduction in depressive |
| this was a magnificent find. Not only did it unveil a | | | | symptoms. |
| key source of growth and vision-supporting | | | | Bipolar disease is a behavioral disorder that |
| nutrients, it also offered great promise for the | | | | affects roughly 5.7 million U.S. adults. A landmark |
| treatment and prevention of rickets-a far more | | | | 1999 Harvard study determined that daily |
| concerning epidemic that affected malnourished | | | | supplementation of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA |
| children. | | | | and DHA could be helpful in extending remission |
| The 1970's changed everything. Researchers | | | | periods. Cod liver oil is an excellent source of both |
| studying the Inuit Eskimos made the connection | | | | EPA and DHA. |
| between fish, essential fatty acids, and | | | | Newborn Development |
| cardiovascular health. Today, cod liver oil has | | | | In light of its famed role in preventing rickets in |
| cemented its place among the world's most | | | | children, many experts believe that cod liver oil |
| trusted supplements. Its unique combination of | | | | may also have an effect on the health of |
| omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin D | | | | newborns. One study found that expecting |
| continues to fascinate researchers, as reflected in | | | | mothers who supplemented with cod liver oil |
| a seemingly endless list of potential health benefits. | | | | during their pregnancy were 11 times more likely |
| Let's examine some of the most impressive | | | | to deliver a heavier baby. Another study |
| findings. | | | | determined that babies who consumed cod liver |
| Cardiovascular Integrity | | | | oil during their first year of life were less likely to |
| Like all cold water, deep sea fish, cod is an | | | | develop type I diabetes. Researchers believe that |
| excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. In | | | | this is possible based on cod liver oil's |
| addition to naturally occurring vitamins (A & | | | | anti-inflammatory effect on the body |
| D), cod liver oil is rich in EPA (Eicosapentaenoic | | | | It's worth noting that either of the preceding two |
| Acid) DHA and (Docosahexaenoic Acid). Extensive | | | | studies made mention of specific amounts. |
| research has showcased the positive role that | | | | Rather, the presence of vitamin D, essential fatty |
| these two beneficial fatty acids play in supporting | | | | acids, or both could have a substantial impact on |
| healthy cardiovascular activity. There is also new | | | | early health and development. |
| evidence suggesting that vitamin D3 may offer | | | | Pain Management |
| even greater cardiovascular support. | | | | The daily use of NSAIDs is routine for scores of |
| In 2000, the Food and Drug Administration | | | | US adults, including many who suffer from |
| approved the use of a qualified health claim for | | | | Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). While they may |
| omega-3 fatty acids. The claim states that, | | | | provide temporary relief of pain related |
| although the research is not conclusive, evidence | | | | symptoms, frequents use of NSAIDs has been |
| suggests that consuming 3 grams of essential | | | | linked to a number of gastrointestinal and |
| fatty acids (EPA and DHA) daily, may lower the | | | | cardiovascular-related challenges. A recent study |
| risk of heart disease risk. | | | | examined the role of cod liver oil among individuals |
| Mental Health | | | | with RA. At the conclusion of the 9 month study, |
| A number of clinical studies have been conducted | | | | 39% of the cod liver oil group was able to reduce |
| to determine what benefit EFA may offer against | | | | the amount and/or frequency at which they used |
| some of today's most common neurological | | | | NSAIDs. Researchers attribute this success to the |
| conditions. In one, participants who suffered from | | | | oils notable anti-inflammatory properties. |