Fish oil, such as that found in cod liver oil capsules, is considered by the National Institutes of Health to be effective in reducing high triglycerides and overall heart disease risk as it is rich in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. If you are pregnant, fish oil can offer benefits to the health of you and your baby. Discuss the benefits of cod liver oil capsules with your doctor before taking them, especially if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Cod Liver Oil and Type 1 Diabetes
A study published in the September 2000 issue of "Diabetologia" explored whether there was a relationship between supplements of cod liver oil mothers took while pregnant and the likelihood of the resulting child being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. The study, conducted in Norway, included participants, some with diabetes. Results from the study indicated that pregnant women who took cod liver oil during their pregnancy were less likely to have a child diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. The researchers hypothesized that the vitamin D and/or fatty acids in the cod liver oil could help protect against diabetes.
Cod Liver Oil and Cholesterol
While many fatty acids are beneficial to you and your baby's health, some research has indicated that the fatty acids found in fish oils are specifically effective in lowering cholesterol levels. In a study published in July 2006 in "Journal of Maternal and Fetal Neonatal Medicine," researchers compared n-3 fatty acids found in fish oil with n-6 fatty acids found in other oils. One group of pregnant women took cod liver oil supplements while the other took supplements made of corn oil. The researchers found that the group that took the cod liver oil experienced better overall cholesterol levels during pregnancy and their HDL, or good cholesterol, levels remained stable.
Fish Oil and Birth Weight
Higher birth weight is generally associated with a lower incidence of disease, while lower birth weight babies are more likely to have health issues. Icelandic researchers sought to find whether fish oil could impact birth weight when a pregnant mother took it as a supplement. In a study published in the April 2005 issue of "BJOG," a professional journal of obstetrics and gynecology, they discussed their research. They found that the 14 percent of women in their study who regularly took cod liver oil gave birth to babies with higher overall birth weights, even when other factors were considered. The researchers suggest that cod liver oil supplements could help people achieve higher birth weights for their babies. Talk to your physician about whether cod liver oil could be right for you.
Pregnancy-related High Blood Pressure
While most research has indicated that cod liver oil capsules are beneficial during pregnancy, some research has indicated that supplementing with cod liver oil could be problematic. A study published in the March 2006 issue of "BJOG" found that pregnant women who consumed large amounts of cod liver oil during the early part of their pregnancies were more likely to have hypertensive disorders such as pre-eclampsia or gestational hypertension. While more research is needed to definitively blame cod liver oil, you should discuss it with your physician before beginning a fish oil regimen, especially if you have experienced pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders in the past.
References
- Medline Plus: Fish Oil
- "Diabetologia"; Use of Cod Liver Oil During Pregnancy Associated With Lower Risk of Type I Diabetes in the Offspring; LC Stene et. al.; September 2000
- "Journal of Maternal and Fetal Neonatal Medicine"; Supplementation of n-3 Fatty Acids During Pregnancy and Lactation Reduces Maternal Plasma Lipid Levels and Provides DHA to the Infants; IB Helland et. al.; July 2006
- "BJOG"; Relationship Between Dietary Intake of Cod Liver Oil in Early Pregnancy and Birthweight; AS Olafsdottir et. al.; April 2005
- "BJOG"; Relationship Between High Consumption of Marine Fatty Acids in Early Pregnancy and Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy; AS Olafsdottir et. al.; March 2006
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