Cod Liver Oil

October 3, 2020

Overview

Cod liver oil can be obtained from eating fresh cod liver or by taking supplements.

Cod liver oil is used for high cholesterol, high triglycerides, kidney disease in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoarthritis, depression, an autoimmune disease called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), glaucoma, and middle ear infections (otitis media).

Some people put cod liver oil on their skin to speed wound healing.

When taken in appropriate doses by mouth, cod liver oil seems to help lower high triglycerides (a type of bloodfat), lower high blood pressure, and treat some symptoms of kidney disease related to diabetes. It doesn’t seem to lower high cholesterol or reduce arthritis pain. Other uses are still under investigation.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Oil obtained from eating fresh cod liver or by taking cod liver oil supplements

Primary Functions:

High cholesterol, high triglycerides, kidney disease in diabetic persons

Also Known As:

Aceite de Higado de Bacalao, Acides Gras Oméga 3, Acides Gras N-3

How Does It Work?

Cod liver oil contains certain "fatty acids" that prevent the blood from clotting easily. These fatty acids also reduce pain and swelling.

Uses

Lowering blood fats called triglycerides.Taking cod liver oil by mouth can reduce triglyceride levels by 20% to 50% in people with high triglyceride levels.

High blood pressure. Taking cod liver oil by mouth seems to lower blood pressure (both numbers) a small, but important, amount in people with mild high blood pressure.
Kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes. Taking cod liver oil seems to reduce protein in the urine, a marker for kidney disease severity.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

For lowering triglycerides: 20 mL of cod liver oil per day.
For high cholesterol: 30 mL of cod liver oil per day.
For lowering blood pressure: 20 mL of cod liver oil per day.

Cod Liver Oil Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is cod liver oil good for?

Cod liver oil is an excellent source of nutrients, and it may have some important therapeutic properties. It is thought to help relieve joint stiffness associated with arthritis, have a positive effect on cardiovascular health, and help repair damaged teeth, nails, hair, and skin.

What are the side effects of taking cod liver oil?

Cod liver oil is LIKELY SAFE for most adults and children when taken by mouth. It can cause side effects including belching, bad breath, heartburn, loose stools, and nausea. Taking cod liver oil with meals can often decrease these side effects. High doses of cod liver oil are POSSIBLY UNSAFE.

Which cod liver oil is best?

Liquid cod liver oil is the most common form of the supplement. It contains more vitamin A and D and has a higher DHA/EPA profile than the pill form. Be aware that liquid cod liver can have quite a fishy taste and may need to be refrigerated after opening.

What is difference between fish oil and cod liver oil?

Cod liver oil is extracted from cod livers, whereas fish oil is extracted from the body flesh of fish. These two types of oil are both excellent sources of the omega-3s, EPA and DHA, but in different ratios: Arctic cod liver oil has about 9% EPA and 14% DHA, whereas fish body oil provides about 18% EPA and 12% DHA.

Is cod liver oil good to take every day?

There are no set guidelines for cod liver oil intake, so most recommendations are based on safe intake levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A and D. A common dose is often 1–2 teaspoons, but taking up to one tablespoon per day is usually safe. Stick with recommended amounts, as excess cod liver oil may be harmful.

Who should not take cod liver oil?

Cod liver oil is not for everyone, however. Cod liver oil is probably best avoided by pregnant women, asthmatics, and people taking anticoagulants such as warfarin.

When should I take cod liver oil morning or night?

Because most of the benefits of fish oil are associated with long-term use, you can take it at any time of day. That said, splitting your supplement into two smaller doses in the morning and at night can reduce acid reflux.

Is it worth taking cod liver oil tablets?

If they are after a quiet life, it could be worth trying. Cod-liver oil, and fish oil generally, contains a particular type of fat - docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA - which is otherwise found only in breast milk. In fact, fish oil is worth taking at any age because it confers an extraordinarily wide range of benefits.

Which is better cod liver oil capsules or liquid?

Liquid cod liver oil is the most common form of the supplement. It contains more vitamin A and D and has a higher DHA/EPA profile than the pill form. Soft gels are a great alternative if you can't stomach the fishy taste of liquid cod liver oils and are able to swallow pills. They also don't need to be refrigerated.

How many mg of cod liver oil should I take daily?

Though there are no conclusive recommendations, 250–500 mg per day of combined EPA and DHA — of which fish oil is an excellent source — is enough for most healthy people. Keep in mind that this will vary depending on your needs.

Is cod liver oil harmful?

Cod liver oil is LIKELY SAFE for most adults and children when taken by mouth. It can cause side effects including belching, bad breath, heartburn, loose stools, and nausea. High doses of cod liver oil are POSSIBLY UNSAFE. They might keep blood from clotting and can increase the chance of bleeding.

Is cod liver oil good for immune system?

Cod liver oil may be able to reduce inflammation, promote brain function, improve eyesight, and boost the immune system. It contains large amounts of vitamins A, D, and omega-3 fatty acids, and has been used for centuries to promote immune system health and prevent rickets.

What is the best time to take cod liver oil?

Generally, you can take a fish oil supplement any time during the day. However, it is recommended to take a fish oil supplement with a meal, because taking any supplement on an empty stomach can cause some people to feel nauseous.

Is cod liver oil good for your lungs?

They're Inflammation Fighters. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can benefit chronic lung disease patients by helping their bodies fight inflammation. Inflammation of lung and throat tissue is one common symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other chronic lung conditions.

Does cod liver oil improve brain function?

The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil play important roles in brain function and development. There are also claims that fish oil can improve brain function in people with memory problems, such as those with Alzheimer's disease or other cognitive impairments.

Is cod liver oil good for the liver?

Benefits of cod liver oil

Cod liver oil contains high levels of EPA and DHA as well as vitamins A and D. Many of the benefits of cod liver oil are believed to be from its powerful anti-inflammatory properties . The unique strengths of cod liver oil versus fish oil are likely due to the presence of vitamins A and D.

Does cod liver oil increase weight?

After 5 months, the fatty acid supplement was changed to 7.5 ml of cod liver oil daily, thereby changing alpha-linolenate and total N-3 acid intake to 0.10% and 1.3% of total energy, respectively. Her rate of weight gain now increased to 0.64 kg/month, and her length increased from 117 to 122 cm in 5 months.

Which is better cod liver oil or omega 3?

Both oils deliver the benefits from omega-3 fatty acids, but cod liver oil has the added vitamins A and D. If you want those extra vitamins, you can take just cod liver oil. Taking fish oil or cod liver oil with food, especially fatty food, may help you better digest and absorb the omega-3 fatty acids.

Can I take vitamin D and cod liver oil together?

It's likely best to take only fish oil or cod liver oil, but not both together. You can also take fish oil in addition to vitamin A and D supplements if you want the benefits from those vitamins but don't want to take cod liver oil.

Can cod liver oil increase breast size?

Massaging your breasts at least twice a day helps to increase blood circulation. This leads to the flow of hormones to help increase their size. Use cod liver oil or mustard oil for massage. Consult a trainer for proper exercises which can make your breasts more big and firm.

Is cod liver oil antiviral?

The compounds in cod liver oil are largely considered to be n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs). PUFAs are also considered to be free fatty acids and have multiple health benefits, including acting as antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agents.

Is cod liver oil good for cough?

"Cod liver oil is high in vitamins A and D, which help the mucus membranes to be less hyper-sensitive, and which also reduce inflammation." Someone with a chronic cough can also benefit from eliminating certain mucus- and phlegm-producing foods from their diet, says Nghiem-Phu, such as dairy products, wheat and sugar.