Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil is a type of fish oil which is extracted from the liver of cod fish, in most cases from the family of Gadidae. It is used around the world for the outstandingly high levels of vitamins A and D but it’s also high in omega-3 fatty acids. The long list of cod liver oil benefits is also reported by those who consume fresh cod liver but the overwhelming majority of people decide for supplements - tablets or capsules.
If you would like to buy the popular fish oil, you can find it at your local pharmacy or health store that is offering dietary supplements. You can also buy it online where the selection is really impressive as there is cod liver oil nose hair and other common uses. In addition to being able to choose between cod liver oil ear hair and other applications, online shops generally also have better prices, especially if buying larger quantities. But you are highly recommended to buy the supplement only from licensed suppliers.
Cod liver is known to contain high amounts of essential nutrients since the era of the Vikings but it has predominantly been used due to the high content of vitamins A and D. To prevent rickets and other vitamin D deficiency disorders, oil from the liver of cod fish was for a long time also given to children.
In present-day, it is still used for the many health benefits linked to the high vitamin A and D content although other compounds such as omega-3, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are important as well. The unique nutritional make-up is thought to help maintain good health and prevent/treat numerous diseases. These include heart disease, kidney disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes and many more.
By following instructions, users of cod liver oil capsules can expect positive effects on many health issues including the formerly mentioned hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, high triglycerides and others. Not all claimed health benefits, however, have been scientifically proven and more research is needed to confirm efficacy. Cod liver oil tablets are classified as safe but only if following the recommended doses.
Besides considering health benefits of the supplement, one should also consider its potential side effects. These are relatively rare and self-limited but they can be quite unpleasant: feeling sick, diarrhoea, and belching, to mention the most common ones. In some cases, however, it can cause potentially serious interactions. Examples include medications for lowering blood pressure and the so-called anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. It’s not clear how and if it interacts with other types of drugs as well. Therefore it is highly important to talk to your GP before taking this or any other dietary supplements if using any medications, regardless if they are available on prescription or over-the-counter.
As high doses of vitamin A can harm the baby, cod liver oil and other supplements high in this vitamin mustn’t be taken by pregnant women.