Once a favored home remedy of grandmothers and great-grandmothers, cod liver oil's fishy taste and pungent odor led to its fall from favor as more "modern" vitamins and remedies came on the scene. But recent interest in the health benefits of fish oil, coupled with modern processing methods that render cod liver oil less smelly and offensive tasting, have this old-fashioned remedy making news once more. Cod liver oil contains vitamins D and A, as well as essential fatty acids. But some doctors question whether cod liver oil could offer too much of a good thing, putting some people at risk of vitamin A toxicity.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A contributes to the health of your eyes, skin and gums. Your body uses vitamin A to make white blood cells that fight off infection. Vitamin A also plays a role in bone health, reproduction and cell division. Your body turns carotenoids in vegetables and fruits into vitamin A. Orange vegetables and fruits such as carrots or mangoes are good sources of carotenoids. You can also obtain vitamin A from animal products, particularly liver, including cod's liver.
How Much Vitamin A?
The Institute of Medicine has established upper limits of vitamin A for adults and children. Most people should not exceed these upper limits. Adult males need about 3,000 International Units of vitamin A daily, while adult females who aren't pregnant or breastfeeding need about 2,310 IU daily. Children ages 9 to 13 have an upper limit of 2,000 IU. From ages 4 to 8 the upper limit is 1,320 IU, and from ages 1 to 3, 1,000 IU. A diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables daily will provide adequate vitamin A for most people in the United States. Some alcoholics and those on very restricted diets may need vitamin A supplements.
Toxicity
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. Your body stores vitamin A in fatty tissue. Some vitamins, such as vitamin C, are water soluble. Your body sheds excess vitamin C through urine. But excess vitamin A continues to build up in your body. Too much vitamin A can result in bone abnormalities and birth defects.
Toxicity and Cod Liver Oil
Dr. John Cannell of the Vitamin D Council notes that the amount of vitamin A in cod liver oil varies by brand, but can range from 5,000 to 15,000 IU per tablespoon. This amount is considerably higher than the upper limits established even for adults and far exceeds the dosage recommendation for children. Don't consume cod liver oil daily or give cod liver oil to children without checking with your physician about possible adverse effects.
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