Cod Liver Benefits

Cod liver oil can be obtained by eating fresh cod liver or by taking supplements, which are sold in both liquid and capsule form. It has been used medicinally for centuries in fishing communities, and it produces a variety of health-promoting benefits. As with any dietary supplement, you should talk to your health care practitioner before consuming cod liver oil.

Mechanism of Action

Cod liver contains a high amount of the omega-3 essential fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA. DHA and EPA make up one-third of your brain's gray matter; cod liver oil helps to protect the brain and promote healthy neural function. It is also a rich source of vitamins A and D, which are two fat-soluble vitamins that boost the immune system and promote skin health. According to "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database," cod liver oil has anti-inflammatory properties due to its ability to inhibit the synthesis of leukotriene, which is a fatty compound produced by your immune system that causes inflammation.

Helps Treat Hypertriglyceridemia

Triglycerides are harmful fatty acids, that play a role in the development of heart disease and atherosclerosis. Hypertriglyceridemia is a condition characterized by high triglyceride levels and "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database" states that cod liver oil can help to reduce triglyceride levels by 20 to 50 percent in patients with this condition. Cod liver oil's effect on triglyceride levels is thought to stem from the DHA and EFA omega-3s found in it.

Supports Healthy Skin

Cod liver oil may also be beneficial for the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis, states Internet Health Library. The omega-3s found in cod liver oil appear to reduce the inflammation associated with these skin disorders, while the vitamin A helps to balance hormones and improve the overall health of your skin. Internet Health Library states it may be especially beneficial for the treatment of hormonal related acne.

Depression

Cod liver oil may also be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of depression. According to a population based study published in the August 2007 edition of "Journal of Affective Disorders," the use of cod liver oil was found to reduce the likelihood for developing depression in healthy individuals, and long-term use of cod liver oil was found to reduce depressive symptoms in individuals with pre-existing depression.

Additional Uses and Precautions

Other purported benefits for cod liver oil include the treatment of diabetic nephropathy, hypertension, coronary heart disease, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, glaucoma and otitis media. "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database" warns, however, that more research needs to be done to confirm the efficacy of cod liver for these purposes. Cod liver oil may interact with certain medications such as hypertension and diabetic drugs and cause unwanted side effects such as a fishy taste, belching, nosebleeds, bad breath and heartburn. Some gastrointestinal side effects can be reduced by taking cod liver oil with meals.