Far from its traditional use as an unpleasant liquid vitamin supplement for children, cod liver oil is popularly sold in capsule form and prescribed for a range of ailments and illnesses, including rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Fish oils also have preventative and therapeutic benefits in heart disease and stroke and have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating high cholesterol or lipid levels in the body. However, research on the many benefits of cod liver oil is not yet conclusive.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Benefits
In addition to its content of vitamins A and D, cod liver oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which may help lower the risks of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and arthritis. Taking cod liver oil may provide preventative benefits even in individuals who already have cardiovascular disease; it helps reduce hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, which may lead to coronary heart disease and stroke. These healthy fats are also important for brain development and function and may improve memory, concentration, attention, depression and anxiety symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory Benefits
Cod liver oil helps to boost immune function and counter inflammation in the body. This benefit is important for preventing and treating inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, allergy-related illnesses and skin conditions such as psoriasis. MedlinePlus reports that cod liver oil may help reduce lung inflammation to facilitate airflow and reduce coughing in children with asthma. Reducing inflammation in the body is also important to help lower the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease.
Lowering High Cholesterol
Cod liver oil is also a significant supplement in the treatment of high cholesterol. MedlinePlus notes that it may be even more effective when prescribed in conjunction with statin medications to lower cholesterol. This may be because cod liver oil and other fish oil help prevent cholesterol from being absorbed into the body from the small intestines. Reducing cholesterol is important to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and other illnesses.
When to Avoid Cod Liver Oil
The University of Maryland Medical Center advises that cod liver oil should not be used if you are taking aspirin, hormone medications or blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin. Patients with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, liver disease, diabetes, kidney stones, sarcoidosis or an overactive parathyroid gland should avoid this supplement unless advised to take it by their doctor. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid taking cod liver oil supplements. Cod liver oil may contain high levels of vitamin A, which can cause birth defects. Additionally, as the oil is extracted from fish livers that filter toxins, a risk is present that the oil may contain contaminants, even if it is purified.
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