Cod liver oil contains essential omega-3 fatty acids that demonstrate blood-thinning qualities. In certain blood-related health conditions such as high blood pressure, therefore, cod liver oil would be good for the blood. However, research demonstrates that cod liver oil may trigger hemorrhaging in some patients. High levels of vitamin D in cod liver oil may also produce blood toxicity and damage the veins. Speak to your doctor about safe levels of cod liver oil supplementation if you take blood-thinning medication or vitamin D supplements.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Cod liver oil provides a rich source of the essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, best known as DHA. One tbsp. of cod liver oil contains a combined total of 2.8 g of EPA and DHA, according to the Tufts University School of Medicine.
Blood Clots
Blood clots occur when the platelets -- the small fragments of blood cells the body uses to prevent bleeding -- bunch up together and obstruct blood vessels or veins, leading to serious health complications such as stroke, heart attack and pulmonary embolism -- blood clots that interfere with breathing. The omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil suppress the activity of a chemical called thromoboxane A2, which encourages the platelets to aggregate. Therefore, in patients predisposed to blood clots, cod liver oil is good for the blood.
Blood Pressure
Cod liver oil is also good for the blood of patients with high blood pressure. According to a 2003 American Heart Association Scientific Statement published in the journal "Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology," the omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil significantly reduce blood pressure. This is especially true of DHA.
Warning
Cod liver oil contains high levels of vitamin D: 1 tbsp. provides 340 percent of the recommended daily allowance. Too much vitamin D can elevate the levels of calcium in the blood, leading to tissue calcification and potential damage to the veins, blood vessels and kidneys. The omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil can also precipitate excessive bleeding in some individuals, according to the American Heart Association. Therefore, if you take vitamin D supplements, a multivitamin that contains vitamin D, or blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, warfarin or clopidogrel, seek medical clearance before you take cod liver oil.
References
- eMedTV; Benefits of Cod Liver Oil; Kristi Monson, Pharm. D., et al.; January 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; June 2009
- "Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology"; AHA Scientific Statement - Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease; Penny M. Kris-Etherton, et al.; 2003
- National Institutes of Health; Office of Dietary Supplements; Vitamin D; June 2011
- Tufts University School of Medicine; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; November 2010
Member Comments