Cod liver oil is a fish oil supplement that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help protect your heart from cardiovascular disease. Supplementing your diet with cod liver oil may also help lower your triglyceride levels and blood pressure. Before you begin treatment with this type of fish oil, discuss the side effects of taking cod liver oil supplements with your health-care provider.
Stomach Upset
Treatment with cod liver oil may irritate your stomach, which may induce stomach upset side effects. You may experience heartburn, nausea or loose stools. Excessive gas accumulation along your digestive tract may also cause frequent belching or flatulence. While taking cod liver oil, you may notice that your breath emits an unpleasant, fish-like odor -- even if you maintain proper oral hygiene. Contact your doctor for additional guidance if these stomach-related side effects become bothersome.
Bleeding Complications
The recommended daily dose of cod liver oil is 20 to 30ml, according to RxList, which is equivalent to approximately 1 to 2 tbsp. for adults. If you take more than 2 tbsp. of cod liver oil daily, you may be at risk of developing bleeding complications. High doses of cod liver oil may prevent your blood from clotting normally and may cause recurrent nose bleeds. Seek additional care from your medical provider if you experience any unusual bleeding problems while taking this type of fish oil supplement.
Vitamin A Overdose
Health professionals with UC Berkeley say that a 1 tsp. dose of cod liver oil contains 4,500 IU of vitamin A -- which is nearly double the recommended 2,333 to 3,000 IU that adults should receive daily. Long-term treatment with cod liver oil may cause toxic levels of vitamin A to accumulate in your body. Though vitamin A toxicity is rare, symptoms associated with vitamin A overdose include diminished appetite, joint pain, dry, itchy skin and headache. In the absence of appropriate treatment, vitamin A overdose may cause coma, excessive bleeding or hemorrhage and liver damage. Contact your doctor immediately if you exhibit any of the symptoms of a vitamin A overdose while taking cod liver oil supplements.
Vitamin D Overdose
Excessive or prolonged treatment with cod liver oil may also raise the amount of vitamin D in your body to dangerous levels. Vitamin D toxicity may elevate your blood calcium levels, which may cause symptoms of weakness, constipation, nausea, diminished appetite, confusion, heart rate changes, nausea and vomiting, MayoClinic.com says. Seek care from your health-care provider if any of these symptoms emerge while you receive treatment with cod liver oil.
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