Arctic Cod Liver Oil For Kids

Arctic cod liver oil supplementation may help promote immune, skeletal and neurological health. Despite these potential benefits, however, health professionals warn that parents should be cautious about giving their children any form of cod liver oil since it is linked to a number of serious side effects. They encourage finding other ways to boost your child's intake of the omega-3 fatty acids. Speak to your child's pediatrician about the advantages and dangers of Arctic cod liver oil supplementation before beginning its use.

Arctic Cod Liver Oil

Arctic cod liver oil differs from other types of fish oil in one primary way: fish oil is extracted from the flesh of fish like salmon, tuna, herring or halibut, while cod liver oil is extracted mainly from the livers of Arctic cod. Like standard fish oil, Arctic cod liver oil contains a high concentration of the two omega-3 fatty acids EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid. EPA and DHA consumption may help lower blood cholesterol levels and prevent high blood pressure, heart disease and the development of neurological disorders like dementia or depression. Mail Online reports that health professionals recommend a daily intake of 650 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, with DHA comprising at least 300 mg. Typical Arctic cod liver supplements marketed for children -- both in liquid and capsule form -- contain approximately 600 mg of omega-3 fatty acids with between 280 to 313 mg of DHA.

Possible Benefits for Kids

Supplementing with fish oils may help increase concentration, behavior and learning ability in children with learning disorders and neurological problems like autism and may be an effective treatment for childhood depression. In studies conducted by Dr. Alex Richardson at Oxford University, children with ADHD and dyslexia who took fish oil supplements for three months showed significant improvements in academic and socially appropriate behavior. However, in all of these studies, standard fish oil supplements were used -- not cod liver oil supplements. In fact, Mail Online points out that if the children had been supplemented with cod liver oil at the same dosage level as the standard fish oil, it could have resulted in vitamin A toxicity. There is no scientific evidence that indicates cod liver oil supplements are safe for children to take long-term, or that they can yield the same benefits as standard fish oil.

Possible Side Effects

Supplementing with Arctic cod liver oil can cause a number of side effects, including nausea, heartburn, bad breath, indigestion, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea and a fishy body odor. People who suffer from seafood allergies, parathyroid problems, liver or heart disease, diabetes or any form of blood disorder should not take cod liver oil. In addition, cod liver oil supplementation can interfere with the proper function of drugs like aspirin or blood-thinners like warfarin.

Expert Insight

British Nutrition Foundation scientist Anna Denny told Mail Online that parents should avoid giving children cod liver oil supplements in order to increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids because of the risk of vitamin A toxicity. Instead, Denny recommended that children should eat at least one serving of omega-3 rich fish like cod, mackerel or salmon week. In the United States, cod liver oil supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not checked for purity, safety or if they contain the exact amount of oil and nutrients specified on the label. In 2006, Seven Seas cod liver oil capsules were removed from the market after they were found to contain high levels of dioxin compounds. Consuming dioxin-contaminated supplements could increase your risk of developing cancer. Do not give your child cod liver oil supplements unless you are under the direction and supervision of a pediatrician.

Arctic Cod Liver Oil for Kids