Cod liver oil contains omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid, also known as EPA; and docosahexaenoic acid, abbreviated to DHA, two fatty acids which have received much attention for their potential health benefits. However, cod liver oil also contains two fat-soluble vitamins, vitamins A and D. Controversy over the use of large amounts of cod liver oil to treat health conditions centers around the fact that large amounts of vitamins A and D pose health risks. Ask your doctor before taking high doses of cod liver oil.
Doses
No standard cod liver oil dosage exists. In studies, doses of 20 to 30 milliliters per day have been used to lower triglycerides and cholesterol as well as blood pressure. Since 5 ml equals 1 tsp, this dose equals 4 to 6 tsp per day. One brand of cod liver oil lists 850 IU of vitamin A per tsp, or 17 percent of your daily recommended intake and 400 IU of vitamin D, or 100 percent of the recommended daily intake per tsp.
Benefits
Cod liver oil benefits your heart by reducing cholesterol levels and blood pressure as well as by reducing inflammation that irritates blood vessel walls. Cod liver oil also decreases blood clot formation that occurs when platelets stick together. Platelet aggregation can lead to blood vessel wall damage as well as narrowing and blockages that decrease blood flow to the heart or brain. The anti-inflammatory benefits of cod liver oil may also reduce the pain and inflammation of arthritis.
Side Effects
High doses of cod liver oil increase the risk of developing side effects. Typical side effects include heartburn, nausea and diarrhea. Long-term use of cod liver oil may also increase the risk of developing skin cancer, according to eMedTV. Inhaling cod liver oil accidentally into the lungs during ingestion can cause pneumonia. Cod liver oil may also contain heavy metals or other toxins such as dioxin. Look for products containing the United States Pharmacopoeia seal, which indicates the product has undergone independent testing to verify its ingredients.
Toxicity
The risks from high doses of cod liver oil come more from the vitamin A and D content than from the omega-3 fatty acids. Since vitamins A and D are fat-soluble, they accumulate in your body and can build up to toxic levels when taken to excess. The tolerable upper intake of vitamin A for adults is 10,000 IU. Taking 10,000 IU of vitamin A in pregnancy can cause birth defects, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Liver abnormalities, bone mineral deficiency and nervous system defects can also develop at high doses of vitamin A. The maximum dose of vitamin D over age 9 is 4,000 IU per day; higher levels can cause dangerous calcium buildup in the tissues of the heart and other organs. High levels of EPA and DHA could theoretically increase bleeding if you take blood thinners.
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