The use of cod liver oil during pregnancy remains controversial as research continues to define the specific benefits and risks associated with this common dietary supplement. Before making a decision about whether to take cod liver oil during pregnancy, discuss the pros and cons with your doctor.
Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, critical components of fetal brain development. Unlike other fish oil supplements, which are made from the body of the fish instead of the liver, cod liver oil also has high levels of vitamins D and A. Some fish oil supplements have been processed to reduce vitamin A.
Beneficial Effects
A 2003 study in the journal "Pediatrics" found that supplementation with 2 tsp. per day of cod liver oil from the 18th week of pregnancy until three months after birth raised the IQ levels of the babies when they were tested at four months of age. Another study published in 2000 in the journal "Diabetologica" found that the use of cod liver oil during pregnancy lowered the risk of the child developing type 1 diabetes. Cod liver oil use in pregnancy has also been linked to a higher birth weight for the baby, which lowers the risk of disease later in life. The vitamin D in cod liver oil may be useful for the prevention of rickets in the infant.
Concerns
The major concern voiced about cod liver oil during pregnancy is that the vitamin A it contains may be dangerous to the developing fetus in high amounts. Two tsp of cod liver oil contain between 8,000 to 10,000 IU of vitamin A. Women who do take cod liver oil during pregnancy should avoid ingesting more than 10,000 IU of vitamin A. Another concern about cod liver oil during pregnancy is a possible connection between using this oil and a higher risk of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Alternatives
A common alternative to cod liver oil during pregnancy is to take a fish oil supplement made from the body of fish such as salmon and a separate supplement containing vitamin D. These fish oil supplements contain the same omega-3 fats as cod liver oil, including DHA, the omega-3 fat linked to improved brain function. Another alternative is to get these components naturally through the diet by eating fish and seafood and either consuming foods fortified with vitamin D or getting sufficient sunshine for the body to produce its own.
References
- Bastyr Center for Natural Health: Cod Liver Oil During Pregnancy Makes Babies Smarter
- "Pediatrics": Maternal Supplementation With Very-Long-Chain n-3 Fatty Acids During Pregnancy and Lactation Augments Children's IQ at 4 Years of Age; I.B. Helland, et al.; Jan 2003
- BJOG: Relationship Between High Consumption of Marine Fatty Acids in Early Pregnancy and Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy; AS Olafsdottir, et al.; March 2006
- "BJOG": Relationship Between Dietary Intake of Cod Liver Oil in Early Pregnancy and Birthweight; AS Olafsdottir, et al.;April 2005
- "Diabetologia": Use of Cod Liver Oil During Pregnancy Associated With Lower Risk of Type I Diabetes in the Offspring; LC Stene; Sept 2000.
- UC Berkeley Wellness Guide to Dietary Supplements: Cod Liver Oil
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