What Are The Benefits Of Taking Cod Liver Oil & Vitamin D Daily?

Cod liver oil and vitamin D supplementation provide important health benefits. Remember supplementation is just that -- a supplement to proper nutrition. Vitamin D is not found naturally in many foods, therefore supplementation, especially in the winter months, is important. The multiple benefits of vitamin D include bone strengthening, immune system modulation, cell division control and proper nervous system function. Cod liver oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which inhibit inflammation and may help prevent inflammation-related disorders and diseases.

Vitamin D Sources

The best method to acquire vitamin D, the Sunshine Vitamin, is through direct exposure to sunlight. Direct sunshine, for 10 to 15 minutes during non-peak hours, will provide a high quantity of vitamin D. During winter months and in Northern latitudes you should consume foods high in vitamin D or foods fortified with vitamin D and use supplements to receive any adequate amounts of the Sunshine Vitamin. These foods include pink salmon, sardines, mackerel, eggs, fortified milk and fortified orange juice.

Recommendations

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin whose daily recommended amounts is disputed in the medical community. The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends 5 micrograms, or 200 international units, daily of Vitamin D for infants, children, adolescents and adults up to age 50, and 10 micrograms, or 400 international units, for ages 51 to 70, and 15 micrograms, or 600 international units for ages 71 and older. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a daily intake of 400 international units for infants, children and adolescents. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University recommends that general healthy adults take 50 micrograms, or 2,000 international units, of supplemental vitamin D each day.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Benefits

Deficiency of vitamin D is linked to rickets, bone softening, muscle weakness and pain, osteoporosis, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Daily intake of vitamin D may help prevent these disorders. The Linus Pauling Institute states, "Vitamin D is essential for the efficient utilization of calcium by the body," thus helping to strengthening the body's skeleton. Vitamin D is a powerful immune system modulator, that may enhance immunity and control autoimmunity. Vitamin D inhibits rapid cell division and stimulates cell differentiation, and therefore may be beneficial in preventing certain types of cancer.

Cod Liver Oil and Inflammation

Cod liver oil has been used in connection with Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, and high triglyceride levels. Cod liver oil contains large amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, which are both omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent inflammation. The University of Michigan Health System reports, "Most people who eat a typical western diet are likely to be consuming less-than-optimal amounts of EPA and DHA," thus cod liver oil supplementation will help balance the anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory chemicals.

Cod Liver Oil Benefits

The main benefit of cod liver oil supplementation is the ingestion of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Reducing your inflammation levels may help prevent and manage inflammation-related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis. Medical experts disagree on the need and levels of cod liver oil supplementation. If you are healthy and consume ocean-caught fish two to three times a week, fish oil supplementation may not be necessary. The best solution is to work with a registered dietitian or nutritionist to determine your individual need of cod liver oil supplements.