Increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids may help protect your heart from disease. One of the easiest ways to boost your omega-3s is by getting at least two servings of fish each week. If eating fish is out of the question, consider including cod liver oil supplements as part of your daily diet. Be sure to talk with your medical provider about the benefits and risks associated with cod liver oil before taking this supplement.
Benefits
Taking cod liver oil may help decrease your triglyceride, cholesterol and blood pressure levels, which can help reduce your risk of heart disease. Cod liver oil supplements are particularly beneficial if you have a family or personal history of cardiovascular disease. They may help prevent stroke, heart attack and atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. You may also benefit from cod liver oil treatment if you have an inflammatory condition such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease or osteoarthritis. A daily cod liver oil supplement may help reduce inflammation and may alleviate joint swelling, stiffness or pain and chronic bowel problems. Additional benefits associated with cod liver oil include cancer prevention and enhanced mental health, though additional research is necessary to validate these claims.
Adverse Effects
While taking a cod liver oil supplement, you may experience mild adverse side effects. Stomach discomfort, heartburn, belching, bad breath and loose stools are the most common side effects associated with fish oil supplementation. Cod liver oil is also high in vitamins A and D; prolonged or excessive treatment with cod liver oil supplements may significantly elevate the levels of these vitamins in your bloodstream, which may cause problems. Too much vitamin A can weaken your bones and may also result in birth defects. Unusually high levels of vitamin D can also result in excessive calcium absorption, a condition called hypercalcemia. Elevated vitamin D levels may lead to unintended weight loss, frequent urination, constipation, weakness or excessive fatigue. If you develop any of these adverse side effects while taking cod liver oil, seek care from your medical provider.
Contraindications
Talk with your doctor about any health concerns you may have before you begin taking cod liver oil. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking cod liver oil unless otherwise recommended by a doctor. The high vitamin A content of this fish oil may cause fetal development problems in expectant mothers. Avoid treatment with cod liver oil if you are sensitive to aspirin. Use of cod liver oil by hypersensitive people may result in breathing complications, including wheezing or shortness of breath.
Medication Interactions
Always inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking before beginning treatment with a new prescription or supplement, including cod liver oil. Treatment with high doses of cod liver oil may prevent your blood from clotting normally and may enhance the effects of blood thinners. Additionally cod liver oil may increase the efficacy of medications that lower blood pressure and may increase your risk of experiencing a sudden drop in blood pressure. Do not take cod liver oil supplements in conjunction with blood thinners or antihypertensive drugs unless otherwise instructed by your health care provider.
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