Cod liver oil gained popularity early in the 20th century for its ability to prevent the bone disease rickets, but the oil's benefits go beyond this. Cod liver oil is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, nutrients that support your immune system, cardiovascular system and bone health. It may even reduce your risk of certain types of cancer. Despite its potential benefits, however, cod liver oil isn't appropriate for everyone.
Who Can Use Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil may be useful for specific health conditions if you're otherwise healthy. The vitamin D in this oil helps ease rheumatism, supports normal muscle function and may lower risk of high blood pressure. Cod liver oil's vitamin A helps improve the skin conditions acne and keratosis pilaris and may reduce risk of breast cancer. A 1-tsp. dose of cod liver oil daily lowers risk of middle ear infections in children, found a study published in the "Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology" of July 2002.
Health Conditions and Age
The high amount of vitamin A in cod liver oil may increase risk of birth defects, so limit your use of this oil if you're pregnant or may become pregnant. Cod liver oil is potentially harmful to those with heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, kidney stones, asthma, bleeding disorders like hemophilia, overactive parathyroid glands or the autoimmune disease sarcoidosis. If you have one of these conditions, consult your health-care provider before taking cod liver oil. Experts from the University of Maryland Medical Center recommend cod liver oil only for those older than 18, so talk with a health-care provider before giving this oil to a child. If you're allergic to fish, avoid cod liver oil.
Potential Drug Interactions
Cod liver oil may interact with certain medications. One of these is the immunosuppressant drug cyclosporine, used after organ transplants and to treat psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Cod liver oil may also affect HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, or statins, medications that lower cholesterol. This includes pravastatin and simvastatin. Taking cod liver oil with hormone medicine, aspirin or a blood thinner such as warfarin also poses potential health risks. Although cod liver oil is more likely to interact with these medications, it may also react with others. If you take any medication, before taking cod liver oil, discuss potential interactions with your health-care provider.
Safe Dosages
Your health-care provider will provide dosage information if you're taking cod liver oil by prescription. Otherwise, follow the dosage guidelines on the product you're using. Men need between 3,000 IU of vitamin A daily, while women need 2,333 IU. A 1-tbsp. dose of cod liver oil contains around 4,500 IU, more than most people's daily requirements. Just 6,000 IU of vitamin A daily can weaken bones, increasing likelihood of fractures, warn experts from the University of Maryland Medical Center. Due to risk of birth defects from excess vitamin A, pregnant women should get no more than 10,000 IU of vitamin A daily, approximately the amount in 2 tbsp. cod liver oil.
References
- "The Medscape Journal of Medicine"; Mother Was Right About Cod Liver Oil; George T. Griffing; January 2008
- The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary: Cod Liver Oil and a Vitamin/Mineral tablet May Prevent Middle Ear Infections in Children
- University of California Berkeley: Wellness Guide to Dietary supplements: Cod Liver Oil
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Cod Liver Oil (By Mouth); January 2010
- University of California San Diego; Fish Oil and Cod Liver Oil (EPA & DHA)--Drug Interactions Summary; January 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin A (Retinol); June 2009
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