Cod Liver Oil Supplementation Research Articles

Blood Glucose Level and Pancreas Histological Section of Male Rabbits after Being Fed Commercial Feed Supplemented with Cod Liver Oil

Fish oil contains eicosapentaenoic acid (E.P.A.) and docosahexaenoic acid (D.H.A.) which are beneficial for heart health, controlling blood glucose, reducing atherosclerosis, and lowering the risk of cancer. This study aims to determine the effect of commercial feed supplemented with cod liver oil on blood glucose levels and pancreatic histology of male rabbits. Twenty rabbits were divided into four groups, namely commercial feed supplemented with cod liver oil 3% (P1), 4.5% (P2), 6% (P3), and commercial feed without cod liver oil supplementation (control). Each group consisted of five rabbits, and the treatment was given for four weeks. The parameters observed were blood glucose levels in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th weeks and the histology of the male rabbits’ pancreas. Data were analyzed by Anova. The results showed that in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd weeks there was no significant difference (P>0.05). In contrast, in the 4th and 5th weeks, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) between the control and treatment of cod liver oil supplementation on blood glucose levels in male rabbits, and the observational results on the histology of rabbits showed normal pancreatic histology. In conclusion, cod liver oil supplementation on commercial feed controlled blood glucose levels, and there was no disturbance in the histological structure of the pancreas of male rabbits.Keywords: fatty acid, glucose, cod liver oil, pancreas, rabbit

Prevention of covid-19 and other acute respiratory infections with cod liver oil supplementation, a low dose vitamin D supplement: quadruple blinded, randomised placebo controlled trial

ObjectiveTo determine if daily supplementation with cod liver oil, a low dose vitamin D supplement, in winter, prevents SARS-CoV-2 infection, serious covid-19, or other acute respiratory infections in adults in...

Nutrients that modulate gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review of cohort studies Jan 2019-Jan 2020.

The role of eating habits of pregnant women in the development and treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is well established. To estimate the contribution of specific nutrients and dietary patterns in the development or privation of GDM in pregnant women. A systematic review of cohort studies, published between January 2019 and January 2020, of English articles using PubMed, Scopus and Europe PMC databases. Search terms included diabetes, pregnancy, dietary, food, and nutrients. Only cohort studies about the association between eating habits before and during pregnancy and the risk of GDM in English were included. The studies used dietary patterns, specific nutrients or records of food intake of the participants using a questionnaire. Two authors independently extracted data from articles-including dietary patterns, food intake, nutrients, number and demographic data of participants, data about pregnancies-using predefined criteria. In total, 28 cohort studies were organised to examine the correlation between dietary patterns and the prevention of GDM. Studies were conducted in 13 countries and included 3058242 participants. Of those, 13 (46%) studies focused on the consumption of vitamins, probiotics, micronutrients, folate, vegetables and fruits. Moreover, seven (25%) studies focused on what is considered to be "unhealthy" eating habits, including prudent and Western dietary patterns. The mediterranean pattern was used in three (11%) studies. Ongoing studies support advice to adhere to a healthy balanced diet, with the addition of folic acid and a multi-vitamin suitable for pregnancy. There is new evidence suggesting probiotics and cod-liver oil supplementation may improve glycaemic control and also the important consideration of the psychological influences of eating.

Effect of Cod Liver Oil Supplementation in Feed on the Haematological Values and Concentration of Epididymis Spermatozoa of Local Rabbits

This the study aimed to determine the effect of cod liver oil supplementation in commercial feed on the haematological values and concentration of epididymis spermatozoa of local rabbits. The experimental design used was Completely Randomized Design with four feed treatments, i.e. commercial feed without supplementation of cod liver oil (P0) as control, commercial feed supplemented by 1.5% (R1), 3% (R2), and 4.5% (R3) of cod liver oil. Each trial consisted of eight rabbits and feed experiment was given starting by 13 weeks to 26 weeks of years old. The variables measured were the count of red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), platelets, haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and concentration of epididymis spermatozoa of local rabbits. The results showed that supplementation of cod liver oil with a different grade in feed commercial had a significant effect (P<0.05) on the haematological values and concentration of epididymis spermatozoa of local rabbits. It can be concluded that cod liver oil supplementation in commercial feed at 4.5% level capable maintain normal haematological values and can increase the concentration of epididymis spermatozoa of local rabbits. Introduction

Lifestyle and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D among community-dwelling old adults with dementia, mild cognitive impairment, or normal cognitive function.

Several studies have indicated that older adults with cognitive impairment have a poorer lifestyle than their healthy peers including lower 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels (25OHD). To investigate the associations between lifestyle and 25OHD depending on cognitive status among old adults. Community-dwelling old adults (65-96years) participated in this cross-sectional study based on the Age-Gene/Environment-Susceptibility-Reykjavik-Study. The analytical sample included 5162 subjects who were stratified by cognitive status, i.e., dementia (n = 307), mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 492), and normal cognitive status (NCS, n = 4363). Lifestyle variables were assessed and 25OHD was measured. The associations between lifestyle and 25OHD were calculated using linear models correcting for potential confounders. According to linear regression models, 25OHD was significantly lower in older people with dementia (53.8 ± 19.6nmol/L) than in NCS participants (57.6 ± 17.7nmol/L). Cod liver oil (7.1-9.2nmol/L, P < 0.001) and dietary supplements (4.4-11.5nmol/L, P < 0.001) were associated with higher 25OHD in all three groups. However, physical activity ≥ 3h/week (2.82nmol/L, P < 0.001), BMI < 30kg/m2 (5.2nmol/L, P < 0.001), non-smoking (4.8nmol/L, P < 0.001), alcohol consumption (2.7nmol/L, P < 0.001), and fatty fish consumption ≥ 3x/week (2.6nmol/L, P < 0.001) were related to higher 25OHD in NCS only, but not in participants with dementia or MCI. Older people living in Iceland with dementia are at higher risk for 25OHD deficiency when compared to healthy individuals. Physical activity reported among participants with dementia, and MCI is low and is not significantly associated with 25OHD. Lifestyle factors among NCS participants are associated with 25OHD levels. Importantly, healthy lifestyle should be promoted among individuals with MCI and dementia.

Estrogen Level in Female Local Rabbit Fed Commercial Cod Liver Oil Supplementation

This study aimed to determine the estrogen level in female local rabbit after being fed commercial supplementation by cod liver oil. The experimental design used was Completely Randomized Design with four feed treatments, i.e. commercial feed without supplementation of cod liver oil (P0) as control, commercial feed supplemented by 3% (P1), 4.5% (P2), and 6% (P3) of cod liver oil. Each treatment consisted of ten rabbits as replication and treatment was given to rabbits from aged 4 to 6 months. The parameters observed were the estrogen level. The results showed that supplementation of cod liver oil with different grade on commercial feed had significant effect (P<0.05) to rabbit estrogen level. It can be concluded that supplementation of cod liver oil on commercial feed up to 4.5% can increase the estrogen level of female local rabbit.

Effect of cod liver oil supplementation in commercial feed on reproductive organs weight and ovarian follicles size of local rabbits

This study aimed to determine the effect of cod liver oil supplementation in commercial feed on reproductive organs weight and ovarian follicles size of local rabbits. The experimental design used was Completely Randomized Design with four feed treatments, i.e. commercial feed without supplementation of cod liver oil (CLO) as control (P0), commercial feed supplemented by 3% CLO (P1), 4.5% CLO (P2), and 6% CLO (P3). Each treatment consisted of ten rabbits as replication and treatment were given to rabbits from aged 4 to 6 months. The parameters observed were the weight of the reproductive organs, namely the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and the size of the ovarian follicles, namely primary, secondary, tertiary and preovulatory follicles of local rabbits. The results showed that various levels of cod liver oil supplementation in commercial feed differed significantly (P&lt;0.05) to the weight of the reproductive organs and the size of the ovarian follicles of local rabbits. It can be concluded that cod liver oil supplementation at 4.5% level in commercial feed capable increase the reproductive organs weight and ovarian follicles size of local rabbits.

Maternal Fatty Fish Intake Prior to and during Pregnancy and Risks of Adverse Birth Outcomes: Findings from a British Cohort.

Fish is an important source of the essential fatty acids contributing to foetal growth and development, but the evidence linking maternal fatty fish consumption with birth outcomes is inconsistent. In the UK, pregnant women are recommended to consume no more than two 140 g portions of fatty fish per week. This study aimed to investigate the association between fatty fish consumption before and during pregnancy with preterm birth and size at birth in a prospective birth cohort. Dietary intake data were acquired from a cohort of 1208 pregnant women in Leeds, UK (CARE Study) to assess preconception and trimester-specific fatty fish consumption using questionnaires. Multiple 24-h recalls during pregnancy were used to estimate an average fatty fish portion size. Intake was classified as ≤2, >2 portions/week and no fish categories. Following the exclusion of women taking cod liver oil and/or omega-3 supplements, the associations between fatty fish intake with size at birth and preterm delivery (<37 weeks gestation) were examined in multivariable regression models adjusting for confounders including salivary cotinine as a biomarker of smoking status.. The proportion of women reporting any fatty fish intake decreased throughout pregnancy, with the lowest proportion observed in trimester 3 (43%). Mean intakes amongst consumers were considerably lower than that recommended, with the lowest intake amongst consumers observed in the 1st trimester (106 g/week, 95% CI: 99, 113). This was partly due to small portion sizes when consumed, with the mean portion size of fatty fish being 101 g. After adjusting for confounders, no association was observed between fatty fish intake before or during pregnancy with size at birth and preterm delivery.

Comparison of fish and oil supplements for a better understanding of the role of fat level and other food constituents in determining bioaccessibility.

In order to investigate the effects of fat level and protein and other components on lipid bioaccessibility, the bioaccessibility of total lipids and particular fatty acids (FAs) of fish samples with different fat levels (5.4% w/w, 10.2% w/w, and 16.6% w/w) and cod liver oil supplement in different quantities (82, 154, 313, 604, and 1,027 mg) was determined by an in vitro digestion model. Digestion of the fish and oil (up to 154 mg) samples as measured by TAG disappearance was complete. Lipolysis was impaired by high amounts of oil (313 mg and higher). Bioaccessible FA profiles had similarities with the initial (before digestion) FA profiles. However, total MUFA and oleic acid contents were higher in the bioaccessible fraction. The bioaccessibility of EPA and DHA was generally lower than that of oleic acid and total MUFA. Fat level did not affect FAs’ bioaccessibility. On the other hand, protein and other components may have interfered in lipid bioaccessibility and it was found that the reduction of bioaccessibility was stronger when the ratio of the lipid fraction to the nonlipid fraction (mainly protein) was smaller.

A randomized trial comparing omega-3 fatty acid plasma levels after ingestion of emulsified and non-emulsified cod liver oil formulations

Objectives: Emulsified formulations of omega-3 fatty acids may increase plasma concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) compared with non-emulsified formulations. The current study evaluated plasma concentrations of DHA + EPA as well as DHA and EPA individually following administration of emulsified vs non-emulsified cod liver oil formulations.Methods: In this randomized, 2-period, crossover study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02428699), 47 healthy adults received single doses of an emulsified cod liver oil formulation and a non-emulsified cod liver oil formulation, each containing 10% cod liver oil plus 10% cod oil and closely matched DHA and EPA content. Blood samples were collected for 24 h after dosing to analyze DHA and EPA plasma concentrations using a validated methodology. DHA + EPA, DHA, and EPA pharmacokinetics were compared using an analysis of covariance model. The incremental area under the plasma concentration curve at 24 h (iAUC0–24 h) for DHA + EPA was the primary endpoint.Results: DHA + EPA, DHA, and EPA plasma concentrations reached higher levels in plasma following administration of the emulsified vs non-emulsified formulation. The emulsified cod liver oil formulation produced iAUC0–24 h values for DHA + EPA, DHA, and EPA that were 1.66, 1.78, and 1.64 times higher, respectively, than the non-emulsified formulation; iAUC0–10 h values were 1.84, 1.96, and 1.79 times higher, respectively (all p < 0.01). Maximum concentrations of DHA + EPA, DHA, and EPA in plasma were significantly higher for the emulsified than the non-emulsified formulation (p < 0.001).Conclusions: DHA + EPA, DHA, and EPA plasma concentrations were significantly higher for the emulsified cod liver oil supplement vs the reference non-emulsified cod liver oil supplement.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02428699.

Impact of cod liver oil supplementation on the histological changes of the tongue dorsal surface in insulin treated streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common chronic metabolic disease that affecting all age. However, it has many complications such as stomatitis, delayed wound healing, mucosal neuro-sensory disorders. Cod liver oil (CLO) is an important source of ω-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory effect. Objective: The present study designed to investigate the protective effect of cod liver oil (CLO) supplementation in ameliorating the histological changes of the tongue dorsal surface in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Design: Forty adult male Swiss albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=10). Group (I) rats were received single intraperitoneal injection of 1 ml/kg citrate buffer. Group (II) rats were received single intraperitoneal injection of 60mg/kg STZ freshly dissolved in 1 ml/kg citrate buffer, blood samples were obtained and fasting glycaemia was measured to confirm the development of diabetes. Group (III) after confirmation of diabetes rats were received subcutaneous injection of human insulin with a dose (5 IU/kg/d). Group (IV) rats were treated as in group (III) and received pure cod liver oil with a dose (60mg/Kg /d) by intra-gastric intubation. After four weeks, animals were scarified and tongues were dissected and the prepared sections were examined histologically by H&E, histochemically by Masson Trichrome stain (MTC) and morphomtrical analysis. Data obtained from morphomtrical analysis were statistically described in terms of mean ± standard deviation (± SD). Results: Histological examination of Group I revealed the normal features of the dorsal surface of tongue and shape of filiform papillae. In Group II has evident hyperkeratosis and loss of conical shape of filiform papillae. Group (III) has better epithelium and keratin layer and shape of filiform papillae. Group IV has histological features resembling nearly those of group I. The morphometric analysis confirmed the previous results as group I showed the highest mean epithelium thickness, followed by Group IV, then Group III and the least value was for Group II. Conclusions: diabetes has a deleterious effect on dorsal surface of the tongue. Insulin can’t completely inhibit the complications of diabetes. However, ω-3 fatty acids present in CLO has protective effect on these abnormalities caused by diabetes.

EFFECT OF VITAMIN E AND COD LIVER OIL SUPPLEMENT WITH BIVALENT OIL BASED VACCINE OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE AND INFECTIOUS BRONCHITIS DISEASE ON IMMUNE RESPONSE OF THE BROILERS.

This study was aimed to enhance the immune response of the broilers by vitamin E and Cod liver oil supplement with locally inactivated bivalent vaccine of Newcastle disease and Infectious bronchitis viruses. One hundred and twenty broiler chicks Ross 308 were divided to four groups at 30 chicks of each group. The 2nd group was vaccinated with 0.5ml/chick of locally inactivated ND-IB vaccine at 5 days old. The 3rd group was vaccinated with 0.5ml locally ND-IB vaccine and 0.1 ml/chick of VE. The 4th group was vaccinated with 0.5ml of locally ND-IB vaccine and 0.1ml/chick of Cod liver oil, while the first group was left without vaccination as a control group. All groups were vaccinated with attenuated ND-IB at 3 days old and attenuated IBD at 14 days old. The results of ELISA test revealed that the 3rd and 4th groups showed significantly increased (P≤0.05) in Ab titers against ND virus at aged 35 days, also, the 4th group showed significantly (P≤0.05) increased in Ab titers against IB virus at day 35 of age as compared with the other groups. The 4th group showed a significant (P≤0.05) increased in bursal index as compared with the other groups. The results of challenge test revealed that vaccinated groups resist the velogenic ND and IB viruses with relatively high productive range particularly the 4th group as compared with other groups. In conclusion, the VE and Cod liver oil supplement with local bivalent oil based vaccine of ND and IBV may enhance the immune response of the broilers particularly the 4th group which vaccinated with 0.5 ml of local bivalent oil based vaccine of ND-IB vaccine and 0.1 ml Cod liver oil.

Cod Liver Oil Supplementation Effects on 2,3‐ Diphosphoglyceric Acid Blood Levels in Atherogenic Rabbits

2,3 Diphosphoglyceric Acid (2,3‐DPG) promotes release of oxygen from hemoglobin in the blood of higher animals, and may reduce atherogenic plaque development in hyercholesterolemic rabbits. Eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) converts arachidonic acid in cell membranes to Prostaglandin I‐3, which inhibits platelet aggregation and reduces blood clot formation. Atherogenesis and increased blood vascular fibrin clot formation can be induced in rabbits by feeding a diet containing 2% cholesterol for a month. Blood clot formation at the intimal surface in the aorta reduces oxygen availability which leads to lipid infiltration and plaque development. The effect of feeding atherogenic rabbits cod liver oil (CLO) containing 10% EPA, was studied here to determine its effect on blood levels of 2,3 Diphosphoglyceric Acid (2,3‐DPG).For a month, 12 white, New Zealand strain, male rabbits were fed atherogenic diet (AD) of 92% Purina Rabbit Chow(PRC), 6% Corn Oil and 2% Cholesterol. In the next 8 weeks, 6 rabbits were fed a control diet (CD) of PRC and 6 continued to be fed AD. Half of the CD and AD groups receied 0.8ml CLO daily. Blood 2,3‐DPG means after 2 weeks were: 1.51ug/ml in (CD ) vs 1.75 in the (CD + CLO) and 1.39 in ( AD) vs 1.81 in ( AD+ CLO) animals. After 8 weeks the means were 2.12 (CD) vs 2.35 (CD+CLO), and 1.51 (AD) vs 1.82 (AD+ CLO). The ( CD+CLO ) animals had the highest 2,3 DPG levels of all groups and the least aortal lipid infiltration. (AD+CLO) 2,3 DPG levels were significantly higher than in (AD) controls and they had lower lipid infiltration in their aortae. Blood plasma cholesterol levels in the AD groups were significantly lower in the ( AD+CLO ) vs the (AD) control rabbits.

Cod liver oil supplement consumption and health: cross-sectional results from the EPIC-Norfolk cohort study.

Supplement users (SU) make healthy lifestyle choices; on the other hand, SU report more medical conditions. We hypothesised that cod liver oil (CLO) consumers are similar to non-supplement users, since CLO use might originate from historical motives, i.e., rickets prevention, and not health consciousness. CLO consumers were studied in order to identify possible confounders, such as confounding by indication. The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC) investigates causes of chronic disease. The participants were 25,639 men and women, aged 40–79 years, recruited from general practices in Norfolk, East-Anglia (UK). Participants completed questionnaires and a health examination between 1993 and 1998. Supplement use was measured using 7-day diet diaries. CLO was the most common supplement used, more prevalent among women and associated with not smoking, higher physical activity level and more favourable eating habits. SU had a higher occurrence of benign growths and bone-related diseases, but CLO was negatively associated with cardiovascular-related conditions. Although the results of SU characteristics in EPIC-Norfolk are comparable with studies worldwide, the CLO group is different from SU in general. Confounding by indication takes place and will need to be taken into account when analysing prospective associations of CLO use with fracture risk and cardiovascular diseases.

Consumption of Lean Fish Reduces the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Population Based Cohort Study of Norwegian Women

BackgroundThe effects of fish consumption and n-3 fatty acids on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have recently been debated.ObjectiveWe explored the risk of T2DM in relation to consumption of lean fish, fatty fish, fish products and total fish as well as cod liver oil supplements in a representative sample of Norwegian women.DesignThis was a prospective population based cohort study in 33740 women free of T2DM, stroke, angina or heart attack and with detailed information on important co-variates and dietary intake at baseline. Risk ratios and corresponding 95% CI were estimated using Poisson regression with log-person time as offset.ResultsLean fish consumption was inversely associated with T2DM compared to zero intake. Risk ratios and 95% CI for intake of 75 and 100 g lean fish per day were 0.71 (0.51, 0.98) and 0.67 (0.46, 0.98), respectively. There was no effect of intake of fatty fish, fish products, total fish or use of cod liver oil supplements on the risk of T2DM.ConclusionLean fish consumption of 75–100 g/d had a beneficial effect on T2DM. It remains unclear whether lean fish in itself has a protective effect on T2DM or that lean fish consumers have a protective life-style that we were not able to take into account in this study. Unfavorable effects of fatty fish consumption or use of cod liver oil supplements on T2DM were not observed.

Effect of cod liver oil supplementation on the stearoyl-CoA desaturase index in obese children: A pilot study

To investigate the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) activity, we treated 10 obese children (mean age: 12.9 years) with cod liver oil once daily for 12 weeks. The effects of cod liver oil supplementation on SCD activity, as estimated by the palmitoleate/palmitate ratio, depended on the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contents at baseline. Baseline DHA contents were negatively correlated with baseline SCD activity. After the treatment, baseline DHA contents were found to be significantly associated with the reduction of SCD activity. Cod liver oil supplementation may be a complementary treatment for obese children with low baseline contents of DHA.

Seasonal variation in 25(OH)D at Aberdeen (57°N) and bone health indicators--could holidays in the sun and cod liver oil supplements alleviate deficiency?

Vitamin D has been linked with many health outcomes. The aim of this longitudinal study, was to assess predictors of seasonal variation of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) (including use of supplements and holidays in sunny destinations) at a northerly latitude in the UK (57°N) in relation to bone health indicators. 365 healthy postmenopausal women (mean age 62.0 y (SD 1.4)) had 25(OH)D measurements by immunoassay, serum C-telopeptide (CTX), estimates of sunlight exposure (badges of polysulphone film), information regarding holidays in sunny destinations, and diet (from food diaries, including use of supplements such as cod liver oil (CLO)) at fixed 3-monthly intervals over 15 months (subject retention 88%) with an additional 25(OH)D assessment in spring 2008. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine (LS) and dual hip was measured in autumn 2006 and spring 2007 (Lunar I-DXA). Deficiency prevalence (25(OH)D<25 nmol/L) was reduced in women who went on holiday to sunny destinations 3 months prior to their visit, compared to women who did not go on holidays [5.4% vs. 24.6% in Spring (p<0.001) and 3.8% vs. 25.6% in Winter (p = 0.001), respectively]. Similarly deficiency was lower amongst those who took CLO supplements compared to women that did not consume these supplements [2.0% vs. 23.7% in Spring (p = 0.001) and 4.5% vs. 24.8% in winter (p = 0.005), respectively]. There was no seasonal variation in CTX; 25(OH)D predicted a small proportion (1.8% variation) of LS BMD in spring 2007 [unstandardized β (SE): 0.039 (0.016), p = 0.017]. Seasonal variation of 25(OH)D had little effect on BMD and no effect on CTX. It appears that small increments in vitamin D (e.g. those that can be achieved by cod liver oil supplements of 5 µg/day) are sufficient to ensure that 25(OH)D is above 25 nmol/L for most people throughout the year. Similarly, holidays in sunny destinations show benefit.

An improved method for vitamin D3 quantification in cod liver oil supplements

Sample preparation for the determination of vitamin D typically involves saponification and/or liquid/liquid solvent extraction. Cod liver oil has substantial amounts of vitamin D and has a traditional use as a vitamin D supplement, however, its oily sample matrix creates difficulty in extraction and remaining lipid residues limit UV detection. Conventional quantification requires two HPLC columns and runs (normal phase preparative and reverse phase analytical) or recently expensive mass spectrometers to measure vitamin D. Here we describe a method using normal and reverse phase SPE to achieve good cleanup of residual lipids. The complete serving size of eight commercially available cod liver oil supplements were prepared using a 2g NH2 SPE column followed by 500mg C‐18 column before analytical quantification. Using this method, a limit of detection of 20IU/serving was achieved.This method provides a simpler alternative for vitamin D detection in cod liver oil samples using SPE and a single HPLC run with UV detection and may have additional use in the quantification vitamin A and tocopherols.

Modulatory effect of cod liver oil on bone mineralization in overiectomized female Sprague Dawley rats

Osteoporosis represents a major public health problem through its association with fragility fractures, primarily of the hip, spine and distal forearm. The risk of osteoporosis increased in postmenopausal women due to decline in estrogen levels. Replicable hormone therapy is associated with undesirable side effects. Cod liver oil (CLO) is a rich source of docosahexaenoic acid eicosapentaenoic acid linolenic acid and vitamins A, E and D. In this study, the effect of CLO will be tested in the prevention of bone loss in the ovariectomized (OVX) female rats. One group of OVX rats (n = 12) received an estrogen implantation at the time of operation and the second group was supplemented orally with CLO (200 μl/kg body weight) daily for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood was analysed for serum calcium, phosphorous, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and estrogen and femur for calcium determination. Estrogen implantation as well as CLO supplementation in OVX rats increased the calcium level in femur as compared with sham rats (p < 0.05). It is concluded that supplementation of CLO have a positive effect on bone mineralization in rat, and this could offer a new strategy to avoid the side effects of replaceable hormonal therapy.

Interventional effect of vitamin A supplementation on re-vaccination to hepatitis B virus among rural infants and young children in China

The objective of this study was to observe the interventional effect of cod liver oil supplementation on re-vaccination to hepatitis B virus (HBV) among infants and young children. All 7-36 months old infants and young children, who had been vaccinated with obligatory HBV vaccines routinely by the national technical and administrative procedures for HBV vaccination on children of China, were convened among villages in Linyi, Shandong province, from October 2008 to March 2009. After detection of serum anti-HBV, one hundred children with lower serum anti-HBV were picked out for the randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled vitamin A supplementation study. The children in the intervention group (50 subjects) took 0.5 g condensed cod liver oil (containing 25 000 IU vitamin A and 2500 IU vitamin D(2)) every 15 days for six times. The children in the control group (50 subjects) were given corn oil with same volume. All children were re-vaccinated at the 30th and the 60th day of the experiment. The serum samples were collected from each child at the 90th day of the experiment. Retinol concentration in serum samples was analyzed with HPLC method before and after the intervention. The levels of serum anti-HBs were detected by the electro-chemi-luminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). Total 74 children finished the supplemental experiment and blood collection, 37 subjects in each group, respectively. After intervention, the serum retinol level in the experimental and control group were (404.1 ± 123.1) and (240.8 ± 92.8) µg/L (t = 6.441, P < 0.01), respectively. The serum anti-HBs levels in the experimental and control group were (2737.2 ± 2492.6) and (1199.7 ± 2141.6) U/L (t = 2.846, P < 0.01), respectively. The rate of weak or no-answer case in experimental and control groups was 0.00% (0/37) and 10.81% (4/37) (χ(2) = 4.229, P = 0.040), respectively. The results showed that vitamin A supplementation might enhance the re-vaccination reaction against HB vaccine in infants and young children.