Cod liver oil supplements, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, can help boost your immune system, control cholesterol numbers and even improve the health of your skin. However, while it is rich in benefits, cod liver oil may also present several specific adverse side effects. If you're worried about how cod liver oil impacts your personal health, talk to your doctor before incorporating this supplement into your dietary regimen.
Allergic Reactions
Some people may experience allergic reactions when taking cod liver oil supplements, ranging from the mild to the severe. Symptoms can include skin rashes or hives, tingling in your throat, difficulty breathing and swelling of your hands and your face.
Exposure to Toxins
Wild fish, including mackerel and cod, pick up and collect various environmental toxins over the course of their lives. Examples include mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs; these may sometimes make their way into the manufactured liver oil supplements. To limit your exposure to such toxins, only buy cod liver oil supplements verified by the USP, recommends Doug Podolsky in a March 31, 2010 article in "Consumer Reports" magazine. This ensures the cod liver oil has been tested and found pure.
Vitamin A Toxicity
Cod liver oil is rich in vitamins, including vitamin A. One teaspoon of cod liver oil contains approximately 4,500 IU of vitamin A. However, this fat-soluble vitamin may be toxic if you consume more than 10,000 IU a day. If you're taking other vitamins or nutritional supplements, along with vitamin A-fortified foods, make sure your cod liver oil supplementation doesn't push you past the toxic threshold.
Thinner Blood
Some of the appeal of cod liver oil comes from its ability to thin your blood, which can help prevent various cardiovascular health problems. However, it can also create dangerous conditions and risks if you're already on blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin or aspirin, or if you have a pre-existing bleeding or bruising condition.
References
- University of Cincinnati NetWellness; Understanding Omega-3 and Omega6; Glen Aukerman, MD; March 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Cod Liver Oil; January 2010
- "Consumer Reports"; Do Fish-Oil Supplements Need Warning Labels?; March 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin A; Jane Higdon, PhD; December 2003
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; Steven Ehrlich; June 2009
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