Cod liver oil is a widely available supplement that can be found as free oil or in oil capsules. Taking fish oil might prevent or treat a number of conditions, including heart disease, depression, cognitive decline or inflammatory disorders. However, the oil also contains a number of compounds that can prove harmful when taken in high doses. Taking too much cod liver oil can prove dangerous due to the harmful side effects of the nutrients within the oil.
Vitamin A Overdose
One of the risks of overdosing on cod liver oil is over-consuming vitamin A. The oil proves an extremely rich source of vitamin A; just 1 tbsp. of cod liver oil contains more than the maximum safe daily dose of vitamin A for an adult. The excess vitamin A can cause a number of side effects, including skin peeling and scaling, vision changes and cerebral edema, according to the National Institutes of Health website MedlinePlus. Since the excess vitamin A remains stored in your liver, a vitamin A overdose can also lead to liver damage.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Overdose
An overdose on cod liver oil can also lead to the over-consumption of omega-3 fatty acids. In most cases, the over-consumption of cod liver oil can lead to relatively mild side effects such as nausea, a fishy taste, flatulence and diarrhea, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. However, in some cases, over-consuming omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can cause abnormal bleeding or depress your immune system over time, potentially leading to harmful side effects if you regularly overdose on cod liver oil.
Vitamin D Overdose
Cod liver oil also contains vitamin D, and an overdose on the oil might cause vitamin D toxicity, or hypervitaminosis D. If you regularly over-consume cod liver oil, the excess vitamin D can potentially lead to a loss of bone density, as well as calcium deposits in other organs such as your kidneys or heart. Fortunately, cod liver oil provides a modest source of vitamin D, and you would have to consume several tablespoons of the oil to develop vitamin D toxicity. However, if you combine a cod liver oil overdose with vitamin D supplements, you might develop hypervitaminosis D.
Considerations
You can prevent the dangers of a cod liver oil overdose by consuming the oil in moderation. Always talk to your doctor before taking fish oil, and follow your physician's dosage instructions to prevent an overdose. In addition, talk to your doctor before combining fish oil with other dietary supplements, or before taking fish oil supplements along with prescription medications, since interactions with medication can cause additional side effects.
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