Matís has initiated research on the efficacy of Omega Cold cod liver oil with added free fatty acids. The purpose of the research is to examine whether the cod liver oil affects people's susceptibility to viral infections, such as the common cold, influenza or COVID, and the illness caused by such infections.
More About the Research
The cod liver oil most commonly available on the market today has been purified to remove so-called free fatty acids. Before cod liver oil began to be purified in this way, it contained free fatty acids in some quantity. The Omega Cold cod liver oil used in this research is purified cod liver oil similar to what is most common on the market today, but resembles the old cod liver oil in that it contains free fatty acids (2%). Studies commissioned by Lipid Pharmaceuticals ehf. in the United States showed that small amounts of these fatty acids in test tubes killed viruses that cause COVID-19 and the common cold. This research is the first step in examining whether cod liver oil with free fatty acids can inhibit the progression of these viruses in people. The research therefore involves comparing two groups of people with regard to the common cold and other respiratory infections: those who take Omega Cold cod liver oil and those who take vegetable oil instead. The aim is for a total of 400 people to participate in the research.
The research is conducted by the University of Iceland and Lipid Pharmaceuticals ehf. and is funded by the Technology Development Fund. Matís is managing the implementation of the research. The National Bioethics Committee has approved the research.