Cod liver oil (and other n-3 fats like Flax Oil) have not been tested for cluster headaches, though they may help with some associated conditions. These essential fatty acids are Anticoagulants. N-3 fats improve HRV, which is abnormally low in CH and may place clusterheads at greater risk of some heart problems. There is some evidence that cod liver oil may be of benefit in preventing migraine.

Anticoagulation

A large number of studies have confirmed the action of fish oil in 'thinning' the blood. Fish oil reduces levels of fibrinogen, fibrin, and Factor V, all of which promote clotting. The benefits seem to be most greatest in people with the genetic tendency to overproduce these factors. (abstract (cache)) N-3 oils in fish and flax also beneficially affect prostaglandin, thromboxane and leukotriene levels, which reduce clotting and related inflammatory processes.

HRV

Heart Rate Variability HRV is a statistical measure of how the heart rate adjusts to changes in the demands of the body. In clusterheads, HRV is low, which means that the heart does not adjust its rate properly. Low HRV is a risk factor for various types of heart disease (especially sudden failure), and is considered a reflection of an improperly functioning nervous system. Several studies have shown that n-3 fats can improve HRV, although these studies were not conducted specifically on people with cluster headaches. (abstract (cache))

One study found that CoQ10 and fish oil working together had an additive beneficial effect on a number of nervous system variables, including the circadian occurence of cardiac events. (abstract (cache))

Two studies did not find any improvement in HRV from fish oils:
(abstract (cache)) (abstract (cache))

Migraine Prevention

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One study compared fish oil to an olive oil placebo and found both oils reduced migraine approximately 75%; this forced the researchers to ask whether olive oil might have some effect on vascular headaches (abstract (cache))

Other Benefits

A large number of studies have correlated the consumption of fish and/or fish oils with lower levels of heart disease, stroke, depression, and other chronic degenerative diseases.

Why Fish Oil Often Fails

Two classes of essential oils occur in the diet: n-3 and n-6. N-3 oils tend to be anti-inflammatory, and n-6 oils tend to be pro-inflammatory. Simply adding a small amount of n-3 to the diet may benefit some conditions, but some diseases may depend on the balance of n-3 vs. n-6. Those who continue to eat large amounts of n-6 fats may not see an anti-inflammatory effect from taking a teaspoon of flax or cod liver oil taken daily.

The modern diet is rich in grain and grain fed beef, which throws off the balance between n-3 and n-6 fats. In grass fed beef, the n-3:n-6 ratio may be 1:4. In grain fed beef, the ratio may be 1:20. Add to that the large amount of dietary oil from corn, sunflower, and other seeds, and the body is overwhelmed by n-6 fats.

While studies that involve a small supplement of n-3 oils sometimes have postitive results and sometimes do not, those studies that involve larger changes to the diets generally see more positive effects from n-3 fats. Intravenous infusion of highly purified fish oil was also found to be quite effective for some inflammatory conditions (like psoriasis) when a small supplement sometimes helped, but often didn't.

Some studies compared fish oil to olive oil and found no difference between the groups receiving the two types of oil; while olive oil was initially thought of as a placebo, the researchers admitted that olive oil might also have a beneficial effect.

Cautions

People on prescription anticoagulants should avoid fish oil supplements except on the advice of their doctors. Excessive thinning of the blood have been reported when combining fish oil with warfarin. (abstract (cache))

Dosage and Forms

Many people are reluctant to take fish oil - the taste is peculiar and many people find that they can taste it after burping. The burping problem can be minimized by taking fish oil right before breakfast - the food holds it down, and the digestive system is better able to absorb it after resting overnight. Most manufacturers offer flavored oil (orange, lemon, or mint), and a few offer emulsifed fish oil that people with sensitive stomach may absorb better.

Capsules are available for those with a true aversion to the taste of fish oil. The cost is significantly higher for this route.

Fatty fish (including salmon, mackrel and herring) are good sources of n-3 fats. Lean fish (cod, and whiting) contain little n-3 oil. Farm raised fish (tilapia, catfish) may or may not be a good source of n-3 fats, depending on what they are fed. Many commercial feeds are rich in alfalfa, soy, or other grains that are primarily n-6. Depending on geography and economics, some raised fish are fed capelin meal, which is a good source of n-3.

Vitacost is the official cod liver oil supply for Med-Owl.

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