Cod liver oil contains the two essential omega-3 fatty acids -- EPA and DHA -- that have been documented to help lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of coronary artery disease. Cod liver oil contains all the benefits of fish oil, with added vitamins A & D. It's these extra vitamins that set cod liver oil apart from all other fish oils. Consult your doctor before adding any type of supplements to your diet.
EPA and DHA
Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential polyunsaturated fat that may prevent heart attacks, lower high blood pressure, fight arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, prevent osteoporosis, treat ADHD, depression and bi-polar disorder, lower your risk of macular degeneration and aid in weight loss. There are many types of omega-3s, but eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, are the most significant. Omega-3 fatty acids are dose-dependent -- although .6 g of EPA and DHA may help you lose weight, you may need three times that amount to lower your triglyceride levels.
EFA -- Arachidonic Acid
A less well-known omega-3, arachidonic acid, is essential for growth, fertility, digestive health, proper hydration and healthy hair and skin. Although egg yolks are an excellent source of EFA, liver is an even better source. Liver from land animals doesn't contain much DHA & EPA, but cod liver oil is high in all three omega-3 fatty acids.
Vitamin D
Your body uses vitamin D to maintain strong teeth and bones, keep your immune system functioning properly, stabilize your blood sugar levels and prevent certain types of cancers. According to the Weston A. Price Foundation, "Widespread vitamin D deficiency has also been strongly linked to the childhood epidemics of autism, asthma, and diabetes, both type 1 and 2. ...vitamin D, is a precursor to active hormones that regulate the expression of your genes." Cod liver oil can contain between 600 and 800 IU of vitamin D. The USDA recommends 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily.
Vitamin A
Cod liver oil contains high levels of vitamin A, which your body uses to maintain vision, healthy skin and the lining of your intestinal tract. A common criticism of cod liver oil is that it contains too much vitamin A, which could weaken bones or cause birth defects. The University of California Berkeley Wellness Guide to Dietary Supplements explains that 1 tsp. of cod liver oil can contain 4,500 IU of vitamin A, and that more than 6,00 IU of vitamin A daily could interfere with bone growth. The Weston A. Price Foundation, advocates of taking cod liver oil, argue that vitamin A is not as dangerous in conjunction with vitamin D, and that cod liver oil is high in both vitamins.
References
- Weston A. Price Foundation: A Response to Dr. Joe Mercola on Cod Liver Oil ; Sally Fallon Morrell; April 30, 2009
- University of California Berkeley Wellness Guide to Dietery Supplements: Cod Liver Oil
- Cholesterol and Health: The Benefits of Liver, Cod Liver Oil, and Dessicated Liver
- Medline Plus: Fish Oil
Member Comments