With nearly innumerable dietary supplements available on the market, it can be hard to chose one over the other, especially when faced with similar choices. Fish oils come in several varieties, though most contain similar nutrients. If you're considering using cod-liver oil or other fish oil supplements, speak to your physician or health care provider first.
Fish Oil or Cod-Liver Oil
Fish oil supplements are derived from various fish species and are known as a rich source of key vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. The liver of the cod fish is one source of fish oil, though other sources include herring, trout, tuna, mullet, sturgeon, sardines and, though not a fish species, even whale or seal blubber, according to Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health.
Nutrients
Fish oils, especially cod-liver oil, are very high in vitamin D. One tbsp. of cod-liver oil contains 340 percent of a person's recommended dietary allowance for vitamin D, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements, part of the National Institutes of Health. The office also reports that vitamin D might play a role in preventing and treating such health conditions as osteoporosis, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Some fish oils and supplements might contain different levels of nutrients, so always check the package's labels for complete nutritional information.
Benefits
According to the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, a part of the national Institutes of Health, fish oil supplements are effective at reducing a number of cardiovascular disease risk factors and also might help with arthritis. Medline Plus reports that fish oil is effective in reducing the presence of high triglycerides, which are associated with heart disease, and are likely effective in helping people with healthy hearts stay free from heart disease. As cod-liver oil is a type of fish oil, it too provides these benefits, but there is little evidence that points to any significant differences between fish oil types.
Dietary Supplement Warnings
Dietary supplements are not considered a drug under federal law, and the Food and Drug Administration does not have to approve any dietary supplements before a manufacturer introduces them into the market. It is up to each manufacturer to ensure the products are safe. However, the FDA can recall unsafe products and issue warnings about potentially unsafe or unhealthy products. You should check the FDA's website, fda.gov, to research any supplement you're considering to see if there are any known health risks or warnings.
Member Comments