Toxicity of Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil is created from the livers of codfish. You can buy it over-the-counter in grocery markets in liquid and gel capsule form. Cod liver oil contains vitamins A and D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Toxicity can occur if your body absorbs too much of the fat-soluble vitamins A and D.. Some cod liver oil can get contaminated with mercury, as cod and other fish can absorb pollutants from their native waters. Talk to your physician and obtain advice before taking this supplement.

Benefits

Taking a cod liver oil supplement has benefits such as decreasing arthritic inflammation, Herbal Supplements Guide.com indicates. Your chances of having a heart attack or stroke decrease as a benefit from the omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil. This type of fatty acid helps clear your arteries of blockages caused by high levels of low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides, both of which are forms of cholesterol.

Vitamin D

If you spend extended periods in the sun, you will benefit from exposure to and your body's absorption of vitamin D. If you take a cod liver oil supplement, you will absorb increased amounts of vitamin D, which can lead to toxicity if taken in excess. Fish oil, a supplement of omega-3 fatty acids that lowers your risks of heart disease, will work better for you and be safer than cod liver oil if you spend a lot of time in the sun. Fish oil contains only omega-3 fatty acids and does not contain vitamins A or D.

Vitamin A

Although vitamin A provides nutrition for your eyes, taking it in a cod liver oil supplement might cause toxicity problems, says Laurel Dewey, a nutritional specialist, in her text, "Amazing Herbal Remedies." Vitamin A builds up in your body and is excreted slowly. Your physician should be in charge of monitoring your vitamin A needs. Before you begin taking a cod liver oil supplement, talk to your doctor for advice.

Mercury Poisoning

Cod liver oil supplements at times become contaminated with mercury. If you believe you might have suffered mercury poisoning, call your local poison control authority and seek medical treatment right away.

Symptoms of Toxicity

Symptoms of cod liver oil toxicity occur as increased blood calcium levels, heart rhythm changes, confusion, nausea, weakness, poor appetite, nausea and weight loss, Dewey reports.