Cod liver oil

Cod liver oil is a nutritional supplement derived from liver of cod fish (Gadidae).

Contents

• Uses
• Benefits
• Cautions
• Interactions
• Other names
• References

Uses

Cod liver oil is used for high cholesterol, high triglycerides, kidney disease in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoarthritis, depression, anautoimmune 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 blood fat), 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.

Benefits

Joints: Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA and EPA, are converted in the body into substances (series 3 prostaglandins and series 5 leukotrienes) that reduce inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties in cod liver oil are beneficial for joint health and the symptoms of arthritis. Evidence suggests fish oil (including cod liver oil) helps to maintain joint mobility and flexibility and diminish morning stiffness. In people with rheumatoid arthritis, cod liver oil supplements can reduce the number of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used as painkillers by over 30% after 9 months (i).Brain: DHA plays an important structural role within brain cell membranes, improving their fluidity so that messages are passed on more rapidly from one cell to another. EPA is involved in cell signalling and also improves communication between brain cells. Populations with high intake of cod liver oil have lower levels of depression (ii).

Heart: The omega 3 content in cod liver oil could also be beneficial for your heart as they have beneficial effects on blood pressure, blood stickiness, inflammation and are prescribed to lower abnormally high blood fat levels. They may also protect against certain abnormal heart rhythms, especially in heart muscle receiving a poor blood supply (iii). An intake of at least 1g omega-3 fish oils per day (from eating oily fish twice a week, or from pharmaceutical grade supplements) has consistently been shown to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death by 40% to 45% (iv, v, vi).

Bones: Vitamin D3 is essential for absorbing dietary calcium and maintaining strong, healthy bones. Low intakes increase risk of rickets in children and, in adults, of osteomalacia (softening of the bones) and osteoporosis (brittle bones). Cod liver oil is a rich source of vitamin D3, typically supplying 5mcg per dose (the EU recommended daily amount). A study in Aberdeen showed that vitamin D deficiency was lower among women who took CLO supplements compared to women that did not consume these supplements [2.0% vs. 23.7% in Spring (p = 0.001) and 4.5% vs. 24.8% in winter (p = 0.005), respectively] (vii).

Eyes: According to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) many studies reveal that vitamin A provided by fruit and vegetables such as tomatoes, raw carrots, green beans and oranges (in the carotenoid form), as well as the retinol form found in cod liver oil, could help maintain healthy cells and tissues in the eye. Omega-3 fish oils, especially DHA, may protect against progression of age-related macular degeneration. A meta-analysis of nine studies, involving almost 89,999 people, found that a high dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of developing late AMD by 38%. Eating fish at least twice a week reduced the risk by 24% (viii).

Caution

Cod liver oil is LIKELY SAFE for most people. It can cause side effects including belching, bad breath, heartburn, and nosebleeds. Taking cod liver oil with meals can often decrease these side effects.

High doses are POSSIBLY UNSAFE. They might keep blood from clotting and can increase the chance of bleeding. Vitamin A and vitamin D levels might also become too high with high doses of cod liver oil. High doses might also cause nausea and loose stools.

The safety of cod liver oil when used on the skin is unknown.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of cod liver oil during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

High blood pressure: Cod liver oil can lower blood pressure and might cause blood pressure to go too low if used along with medications for high blood pressure. Be careful when using cod liver oil if you are taking high blood pressure drugs.

Interactions

• Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with COD LIVER OIL
  Cod liver oil seems to decrease blood pressure. Taking cod liver oil along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.
• Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with COD LIVER OIL
  Cod liver oil might slow blood clotting. Taking cod liver oil along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Other names

Aceite de Higado de Bacalao, Acides Gras Oméga 3, Acides Gras N-3, Acides Gras Polyinsaturés, Cod Oil, Fish Liver Oil, Fish Oil, Halibut Liver Oil, Huile de Foie, Huile de Foie de Flétan, Huile de Foie de Morue, Huile de Foie de Poisson, Huile de Morue, Huile de Poisson, Liver Oil, N-3 Fatty Acids, Omega 3, Oméga 3, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Omega-3, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Reference

Source: WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1040-cod%20liver%20oil.aspx?activeingredientid=1040&activeingredientname=cod%20liver%20oil

Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cod_liver_oil

NutritionExpert, http://nutritionexpert.healthspan.co.uk/cod-liver-oil