You can take calcium with cod liver oil. Some cod liver oil capsules even come fortified with calcium. The oil's rich vitamin D content makes it a useful supplement to help your body absorb calcium. Your body needs vitamin D to use calcium from the digestive system. As with all supplements, don't exceed the stated doses. If you have any existing heart, circulation or other medical conditions, speak to your doctor before taking cod liver oil.
Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil comes from the liver of the large cold water fish known as cod. Health stores sell the oil in capsules or bottles, though the former are a little easier to take. Cod liver oil usually contains small doses of vitamin E to keep the oil fresh, according to MedlinePlus. Some manufacturers also add vitamin or mineral fortification, including iron and calcium. Cod liver oil is particularly rich in vitamin D, a vital vitamin for calcium absorption.
Vitamin D
Your body gets vitamin D from relatively few food sources. Instead, much of your vitamin D levels come from sunlight reacting with special cells in the skin. Vitamin D is essential in the uptake and use of calcium from food. Cod liver oil contains very high concentrations of vitamin D. Taking 1 tbsp. of cod liver oil provides 1,360 IU, or 340 percent of your daily value of vitamin D, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium adds density and strength to teeth and bones. Women with osteoporosis, a bone-weakening condition, need extra calcium and vitamin D. Taking cod liver oil along with calcium is linked with a decrease in the symptoms of osteoporosis in the elderly, particularly in the thigh bones. Deficiencies in vitamin D or calcium appear to speed up osteoporosis. That means that taking cod liver oil with calcium is a useful way to combat the disease.
Considerations
While cod liver oil appears safe to take with calcium, in rare cases and in very high doses it can lead to vitamin A toxicity. Some people experience bad breath after taking cod liver oil. If you have a sensitive stomach you may also feel nauseated when taking cod liver oil while hungry. Take the supplement with a meal to reduce the side effects. A diet rich in dairy, dark green vegetables and fish should provide enough calcium. If your diet lacks these foods, consider taking a calcium supplement with your cod liver oil.
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