Cod liver oil is a nutritional supplement made from the livers of cod fish. For many generations cod liver oil was given by spoon, especially to children, but it has been available in pill-form for many years now. Cod liver oil is rich in many essential nutrients and is often taken to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and cardiovascular conditions. Cod liver oil can be toxic in very large doses because it is a rich source of vitamin A, which accumulates in the body.
Appearance of Cod Liver Oil Pills
High quality cod liver oil is usually light-yellow in color, thin and highly viscous in texture and only somewhat "fishy" in smell and taste. Lower quality oil is darker in color and can have an intense fishy odor and taste. The oil is then put into clear gelatin capsules, which makes them look very similar to vitamin E supplements. Sometimes citrus and mint flavors are added to the cod liver oil to reduce the fishy aftertaste, especially from burping. Capsules are available from 100 mg to 1,000 mg dosages.
Nutrient Content of Cod Liver Oil
In the early 1900s, it was discovered that cod liver oil was an excellent source of vitamin A, important for good eyesight and healthy skin, and vitamin D, needed for strong bones and immunity, as cited in "Nutrition and Public Health." As such, it became a standard supplement in those years, especially for children for the prevention of rickets, or soft bones. In the 1970s, omega-3 fatty acids were identified and cod liver oil was found to be a rich source of EPA and DHA varieties. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential from dietary sources because your body cannot make them. They are important components in cellular membranes and nerve cells.
Benefits of Cod Liver Oil
Omega-3 fatty acids are best known for their clinically proven benefits to cardiovascular health, but also contribute to reducing inflammation, lubricating joints, improving wound repair and reducing the symptoms of senility and multiple sclerosis, according to "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition." Cod liver oil has been a popular folk remedy for arthritis for many decades. A Norwegian study published in a 2008 edition of the "International Journal of Epidemiology" found that cod liver oil pills given to female cancer patients reduced mortality by an average of 25 percent for all cancers.
Cautions
Cod liver oil is a rich source of vitamin A, which has many health benefits, but too much of it can lead to toxicity because it is fat-soluble and stored long-term in the body. Further, any fish product may be potentially contaminated by toxins, such as mercury or PCBs, due to water pollution and processing techniques. However, cod are a species of fish not known for accumulating harmful levels of toxins, unlike tuna and swordfish, according to "Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Metabolism."
References
- "Nutrition and Public Health"; Sari Edelstein; 2006
- "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition"; George Gropper; 2000
- "International Journal of Epidemiology"; Cohort Profile: The Norwegian Women and Cancer Study---NOWAC---Kvinner og kreft; E. Lund et al; February 2008
- "Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Metabolism"; Carolyn D. Berdanier; 2009
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