Cod liver oil may sound like a frightening remedy left over from your grandmother's childhood, but it is again becoming popular. One of the reasons is because it contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower triglyceride levels in the body and keep your heart healthy. Omega-3 fatty acids are in other fish oils, too, but cod liver oil tends to be richer in certain vitamins. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplement.
Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil is derived from cod liver and has a mildly fishy taste. You can purchase the oil in bottles; it generally is flavored with lemon or other citrus tastes to make it more appealing. Or you can buy it in soft capsule form. The supplements are readily available in grocery, discount or health food stores, as well as on the Internet. Cod liver oil is also used in soaps and detergents, as protective coatings and as a base for some vegetable shortening.
Omega 3
Omega-3 fatty acids are in the oil of numerous fish besides cod. Products labeled as containing omega-3 or fish oil may be manufactured from a variety of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including tuna, salmon, mackerel, sturgeon, bluefish, mullet, anchovy, sardines, herring, trout and menhaden. These supplements also may contain a small amount of vitamin E to help prevent spoilage and may be fortified with additional vitamins and minerals. You can buy fish oil liquid and gel supplements at a wide range of retail and online outlets.
Vitamins
Cod liver oil tends to be higher in vitamins A and D than other fish oils. Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy eyes, skin, hair and nails; it also helps prevent night blindness and ward off bacterial infection. Vitamin D is vital for the health of bones and teeth. However, both these vitamins are fat soluble, which means excess amounts can accumulate in the body, leading to rare but possible overdoses. Talk to your doctor about any supplements you take.
Benefits
Many doctors recommend cod liver oil or other oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids for several reasons. Fish oil may help reduce blood pressure or triglycerides, which are a fat related to cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends eating two servings of fish a week to get the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil is also being tested as a means to prevent heart disease and stroke, help with depression, relieve dry eyes, help prevent painful menstrual periods and as a treatment for conditions such as diabetes and asthma.
References
- Omega 3 Oils: Cod Liver Oil as a Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Medline Plus: Fish Oil
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Dietary Supplements Labels Database: Cod Liver Oil
- Vanderbilt University: Health Psychology: Fatty Acids and Heart Health: Anything to the Fishiness?
- McKinley Health Center: Vitamins and Minerals
Member Comments