title: Effect of cod liver oil on symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: In this pilot study, 43 patients with rheumatoid arthritis ingested 1 g of cod liver oil (one capsule) daily for 3 months. Decreases occurred in morning stiffness (52.4%; P<10(-3)), painful (42.7%) and swollen (40%) joints (P= 10(-3) each), and pain intensity (67.5%). Ratings of "good" or "very good" were awarded by 68% of the patients for efficacy and by 95% for tolerability. Eleven patients reported nonsevere adverse effects that in 3 cases may have been related to the study preparation. Cod liver oil can be recommended for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
authors.affiliation: PhytoPharm Consulting, Institute for Phytopharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Joerg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gruenwald
authors.forename: Hans Joachim
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Graubaum
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Harde
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003060:Cod Liver Oil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D003060:Cod Liver Oil