Cod Liver Oil

[Crommie]

Does anyone know if it is ok to have cod liver oil to build up my adrenalines. I have read it is a good idea. Advice appreciated.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Don't assume because you read it in the internet that it is useful to us.

There are studies claiming that it helps reduce inflammation but what probably gives rise to this claim is that a very small study found it could reduce the stress of mental tasks.

However:

"Fish oil—four grams, including 2,400 mg of omega-3 fatty acids (1,600 mg EPA + 800 mg DHA). In tests performed at the end of the six-week study, members of the fish oil group showed significantly lower cortisol levels. "

The reason that we have poor adrenal function is because the body knows there is plenty of corticosteroid in the body - so no more is required and the factory keeps the switch off. As we reduce the dose of pred, we eventually reach a level at which the body may need to top it up for good physiological function. On that basis, taking cod liver oil might well make the situation even worse! It MIGHT be useful if your problem is that you are under a lot of stress so the body is producing more cortisol than you need - which is bad for you. However - we need the pred to manage the symptoms due to inflammation and as we reduce pred, we need MORE cortisol.

[Crommie in reply to PMRpro]

Oh good to know. Thank you. 😎