Arctic cod is a fish found in the Arctic waters near Labrador in the northeastern part of Canada. While the fish looks like other species of cod, it has a more slender body and deep forked tail. It is also the only fish found in the northern-most Arctic waters. And like other cod liver oils, Arctic cod liver oil is nutrient rich and a good source of essential fatty acids.
High in Vitamin A
One teaspoon of Arctic cod liver oil contains 1,500 IU of vitamin A, meeting 30 percent of your daily value. Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble that is necessary for eye and bone health, and normal growth and development. It also helps promote immune health by helping you produce the white blood cells you need to fight infection. As a fat-soluble vitamin your body stores any excess vitamin A in your liver, so if you consume too much vitamin A you can damage your liver, and it can also cause birth defects in children of pregnant women. This is important to note if you take any other vitamins in addition to supplementing your diet with Arctic cod liver oil.
High in Vitamin E
Vitamin E is only naturally found in a few foods. A 1 tsp. serving of Arctic cod liver oil contains 30 IU, meeting 100 percent of your daily value. Vitamin E is also a fat-soluble vitamin best known for its antioxidant capabilities. As an antioxidant, vitamin E protects your cell membranes from free radical damage, which may reduce your risk of developing chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease and cancer. Vitamin E also supports immune health.
High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Arctic cod liver oil is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic, DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids your body cannot make on its own and must be obtained from the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain health and normal growth and development. They also help reduce inflammation, which may help lower your risk of heart disease. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids can lower both blood cholesterol and blood pressure, also improving heart health.
Source of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is another fat-soluble vitamin that is only found in a few foods, including fish like Arctic cod liver. Although the amount of vitamin D is small, including Arctic cod liver oil as part of your dietary routine can help you meet your needs. One teaspoon contains 20 IU of vitamin D, meeting 5 percent of your daily value. Vitamin D helps you absorb calcium and promotes mineralization of your bones, making it an important nutrient for bone health. Vitamin D is also important for cell growth, immune function and reducing inflammation.
References
- Netrition; Arctic Cod Liver Oil; Nutrition Facts
- Canada's Arctic: Arctic Cod
- Office of Dietary Supplements; Vitamin A; April 2006
- Office of Dietary Supplements; Vitamin D; January 2011
- Office of Dietary Supplements; Vitamin E; December 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; Steven Ehrlich; June 2009
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