It does not smell or taste particularly good, but cod liver oil has several important ingredients for good health. Pregnant women may want to take it to ensure healthy baby brain development. Whether you give your infant cod liver oil depends on your doctor's recommendations, the quality of the cod liver oil you obtain, and your personal choice on whether to supplement with it.
Cod Liver Oil Benefits
As reported in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," Dr. Lars Stene conducted a study of 545 children who were given cod liver oil. The doctor found that those who received the oil during the first year of life were 26 percent less likely to get Type 1 diabetes. Cod liver oil is an effective way to get young children to consume vitamin D. It also contains Omega 3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory in nature. Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is a polyunsaturated fatty acid ingredient that is important, too. Since infants and young children are less likely to eat fish, cod liver oil is a good alternative, especially with the choice of tolerable flavors like lemon and orange.
Cod Liver Oil Risks
Cod liver oil also contains a significant amount of vitamin A. The fish itself is not the source, but it has been added during the manufacturing process. High levels of A can lead to bone deformities or weakening of bone structures, according to the UC Berkeley Wellness Guide to Dietary Supplements online. Only 6,000 IU of vitamin A might potentially cause bone fractures. Look for reduced vitamin A levels before administering to infants or taking it during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Additionally, some producers of fish oil do not follow stringent processes of manufacturing, and there is a chance that toxic substances like mercury or polychlorinated biphenyl compounds are in the product.
During Pregnancy
Taking cod liver oil during pregnancy may be one way women can ensure babies will have certain health benefits. According to Alan R. Gaby, M.D., writing for the website of the Bastyr University Center for Natural Health, getting enough DHA, which cod liver oil has, promotes adequate brain functioning. About two teaspoons of cod liver oil a day will be enough. Any more than that and you could exceed 10,000 IU of vitamin A, which puts you at higher risk for birth defects.
Cod Liver Oil for Infants
Cod liver oil can be put into formula if the infant is not breastfeeding. The ratio is a quarter of a teaspoon daily mixed in with the formula for babies aged 1 to 6 months, according to Dr. Murray Clarke from the Cornucopia Institute. She prefers that DHA be administered through fish oil over any other source. As the infant grows, cod liver oil can be added to foods, as well. Use a quarter to a half a teaspoon daily in the food or milk.
References
- World Health: Giving Infants Cod Liver Oil May Prevent Type I Diabetes
- UC Berkeley: Wellness Guide to Dietary Supplements
- Dr. Murray Clarke: SAF Baby: Which DHA Is Safe and Most Beneficial for Brain Development?
- Mercury News: Lawsuit Claims PCBs Found in 10 Fish Oil Supplements; Product Labeling Sought
- Bastyr Center for Natural Health: Cod Liver Oil During Pregnancy Makes Babies Smarter
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