What Is Cod Liver Oil?

Cod Liver Oil is obtained from fish liver. It is a natural source of Omega 3 essential fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and Vitamins A and D.

What Is Cod Liver Oil Used For?

Cod liver oil contains the essential fatty acids EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid). EPA and DHA help to maintain flexible joints a healthy heart and can aid circulation. Also containing Vitamin A and Vitamin D cod liver oil supplements can help to maintain healthy skin, hair and nails and bones and teeth. It is also a noted antioxidant.

Key Benefits

May help to maintain healthy skin, hair, teeth and gums
May help to maintain healthy bones and joints
May help to support a healthy immune system
May help to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system
May help to maintain normal mood and a healthy nervous system
Ethically sourced from pollution free fisheries

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Cod Liver Oil Frequently Asked Questions

What is cod liver oil?
Cod liver oil is a thin yellowish oily liquid made from the liver of the cod fish. It is a type of natural nutritional supplement that contains high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

What does cod liver oil treat?
In scientific studies, cod liver oil has been proven effective against both cardiovascular disease and arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA all inhibit a human enzyme that causes arthritis inflammation and pain. Omega-3 fatty acids can act as a blood thinner and can reduce blood pressure, said actions preventing the formation of blood clots in the bloodstream.

What forms does cod liver oil come in?
Cod liver oil is available as a bottle of liquid or as soft gel capsules. Because the potency of cod liver oil is reduced by light, both forms should be kept in dark bottles. Liquid cod liver oil comes in 250 ml and 500 ml bottles; a daily dose ranges from one-half to one teaspoon. Soft gels usually have Vitamins E, D and A added.

What is the proper dosage of cod liver oil?
- Adults and children over twelve years of age should take ten capsules or one teaspoon of liquid daily.
- Children less than twelve years of age should take five capsules or one-half teaspoon of liquid daily.
- Infants under than three months of age should not be given cod liver oil in any form.

What precautions should you take with cod liver oil?
Expected side-effects from taking any kind of fish oil include bad breath, heartburn, nausea, nosebleeds, rashes and diarrhea. Cod liver oil may interfere with the action of anti-coagulant drugs or of any drug taken for high blood pressure or high blood sugar. Bipolar disorder, AIDS and liver disease may be exacerbated with the use of cod liver oil. Because the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin A for adults is 700-900 mcg and because there is about 1350 mcg of Vitamin A in a daily dose of cod liver oil, a doctor should be consulted before the elderly or the pregnant start a cod liver oil regimen -- overdoses of Vitamin A can increase the risk of osteoporosis for the elderly and may cause birth defects.

Where can you buy cod liver oil?
Cod liver oil does not require a prescription. It can be bought online or locally in markets, drug stores and nutrition shops.

What is the history of cod liver oil?
In Scandinavia, cod liver oil was originally made by filling up a wooden barrel with seawater and fresh cod livers. The mixture was allowed to ferment for a year before the oil was removed and bottled. Today, cod liver oil is manufactured by cooking the body tissues of cod during the factory production of fish meal.

Who should use cod liver oil?
Cod liver oil is very highly recommended as a general nutritional supplement for all children and adults. Pregnant women and the elderly should first consult a doctor.

How effective is cod liver oil?
Cod liver oil has been scientifically proven to ease the joint pain and stiffness that is associated with arthritis and to lessen the risk of blood clots. It has also been shown to have beneficial effects on hair, skin and nails. The risk of Type I diabetes is reduced in infants whose mothers take cod liver oil during their pregnancy; the breast milk of nursing mothers who take cod liver oil is richer in Vitamin A and fatty acids -- do take note of the caution listed above.

Some useful tips for taking cod liver oil?
- If the liquid form of cod liver oil tastes too fishy, try the types flavored with lemon, strawberry or orange.
- For a less strong taste, try the emulsified oils or mix the cod liver oil with orange juice.
- Take the soft gel capsules if you can't get used to the taste of the liquid.

Interesting facts about cod liver oil
Cod liver oil was used in Newfoundland, Canada, as the base for the red ochre paint traditionally used to paint the buildings of a cod fishery.