The cod is both a popular food source as well as a traditional provider of cod liver oil, a substance known to have several key nutrients that can help people suffering from dry skin. In addition to alleviating dry skin, using too much cod liver oil may also cause dry skin if it leads to an excess level of vitamin A. While cod liver oil may help alleviate dry skin, you should always consult a qualified health care provider if you're experiencing ongoing or persistent skin problems.
Vitamin A Deficiency
According to Colorado State University, the body used vitamin A as a key nutrient. Vitamin A plays an important role in keeping the eyes, skin and mucous membranes moist and adequately hydrated, and people with a vitamin A deficiency may experience dry skin. Because cod liver oil is high in vitamin A, taking it to alleviate dry skin may be beneficial.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a medical term used to describe skin inflammations, also known as rashes. Dermatitis symptoms include swollen, itchy and dry skin, though it can appear in many different forms. Mayoclinic.com reports that omega-3 fatty acids may be used as an alternative medicinal treatment in some dermatitis cases. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in cod liver oil, are anti-inflammatory substances that can help improve dermatitis.
Vitamin A Toxicity
Cod liver oil contains high levels of vitamin A. While vitamin A is beneficial and a required nutrient for humans, too much of it can be detrimental. Too much vitamin A can be toxic and result in a condition known hypervitaminosis A, according to Oregon State University. This condition includes symptoms such as dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, headache, fatigue and dry skin. Chronic vitamin A toxicity can result in more serious symptoms such as liver damage as well as dry and itchy skin.
Psoriasis
According to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, there is some evidence to show fish oils, including cod liver oil, are effective treatment for psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes redness, irritation and dry skin patches. Medline Plus reports that intravenous fish oil treatments can decrease psoriasis symptoms. However, taking oral fish oil supplements does not appear to have any effect on the condition or its symptoms.
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