According to a report in the "Archives of Internal Medicine," as many as 77 percent of Americans are vitamin D deficient. Because of this deficiency, many people are looking for ways to supplement their vitamin D intake. While the easiest way to acquire vitamin D is to spend some time in the sunlight, the rise in skin cancer has dermatologists suggesting staying out of the sun. Vitamin D can be found in some food sources, though they are limited and really do not provide enough vitamin D to obtain healthy levels. Many people are now considering cod liver oil as a source of vitamin D.
What is Cod Liver Oil?
Cod liver oil is exactly what it sounds like. It is oil obtained from the liver of a cod fish. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D and effective in lowering triglycerides. The fatty acids in cod liver oil prevent the blood from clotting easily and also reduce pain and swelling. Taking too much cod liver oil can thin the blood too much and increase the risk of bleeding. Too much can also cause nausea and diarrhea. If your physician has prescribed medications for high blood pressure or anticoagulants for blood clotting issues, consult with him before taking cod liver oil. One tablespoon of cod liver oil contains 1,360 international units of vitamin D.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient that you produce naturally when your skin is exposed to the ultraviolet B rays from the sun. Because of Americans' indoor lifestyle, many do not receive adequate sun exposure to create enough vitamin D. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, vitamin D is measured in the blood as 25-hydroxy vitamin D, or 25(OH)D. Normal blood levels should fall between 30 and 80 nanograms per milliliter. If your levels are below 30 ng/ml, then you are considered deficient.
Cod Liver Oil and Rickets
Rickets is a bone disorder that is found in children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. It is caused by vitamin D deficiency and affects the formation and mineralization of bones. It can result in physical abnormalities, dental abnormalities, bowlegs, pain and decreased muscle strength. Because of its connection to vitamin D and the high concentrations of vitamin D, cod liver oil has been used for years as a treatment and prevention for rickets. The earliest recorded use of cod liver oil as a treatment for rickets was back in 1824 in Germany.
Cod Liver Oil Supplements
Cod liver oil can be found straight as the oil and taken by the teaspoon, but a much more palatable version can be found in capsules. U.C. Berkeley Wellness Guide to Dietary Supplements cautions taking cod liver oil supplements without first knowing what is in the cod liver oil. Many supplements may contain high levels of vitamin A, which could cause toxicity. Too much vitamin A can interfere with bone growth and cause birth defects. When looking for a cod liver oil supplement, look for a label that says that the vitamin A content has been reduced. As with any vitamin supplementation, consult with your physician before beginning any new treatments.
References
- "Scientific American"; Vitamin D Deficiency Soars in the U.S., Study Says; Jordan Lite; March 23, 2009
- U.C. Berkeley Wellness Guide to Dietary Supplements: Cod Liver Oil
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
- Family Doctor: Rickets: What it is and How It's Treated
- "Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics"; Vitamin D, Cod-Liver Oil, Sunlight, and Rickets: A Historical Perspective; Kumaravel Rajakumar, MD; August 1, 2003
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