Cod liver oil is a popular supplement that is used by many, but some concerns have been raised about its safety. One concern about cod liver oil is mercury contamination. Mercury can damage your kidneys, but as long as your cod liver oil has been properly processed, it should be low in mercury.
The Basics
Cod liver oil is a supplement that people take both for its vitamin content and for the kinds of fats it offers. Cod liver oil is rich in vitamins A and D, and also is a potent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important because they can help control your blood pressure and reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Omega-3 fatty acids can also prevent blood clots.
Mercury
Mercury is known as a "heavy" metal because it can be toxic to your body. When you consume foods that contain mercury, the metal can accumulate in your tissues and cause damage. Eating large amounts of fish increases your risk of mercury poisoning because fish gradually absorb mercury from the water pollution. However, it typically takes years of exposure to mercury for symptoms to develop.
Mercury and Kidney Damage
The kidneys are particularly sensitive to mercury levels because the majority of mercury gets stored in your kidneys as your body tries to excrete it through your urine. As mercury accumulates in your kidneys, you can develop renal tubular necrosis. This affects the amount of urine you make, resulting in either oliguria or anuria, conditions marked by low urine output.
Cod Liver Oil and Mercury
Although consuming large amounts of fish can cause mercury poisoning, taking supplements such as cod liver oil is unlikely to cause mercury-related kidney damage. Most cod liver oil supplements are processed and purified in a way that minimizes the amount of mercury they contain. As a result, cod liver oil from reputable manufacturers, particularly if it is marked "pharmaceutical grade," is safe, though taking large amounts of cod liver oil can cause health problems.
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