Cod Liver Oil

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Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-17 (EDT)

See Also Food Supplements


Cod liver oil is an important source of both vitamin D and the long-chain n-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).[1]

Cod Liver Oil is also known as: 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.

Food Sources

Cod Liver Oil comes from the cod fish livers.

Cod Liver Oil is a good source of Omega-3's EPA and DHA. It also contains vitamins A and D in perfect ration. It is also rich in vitamin K2, quinones, Coenzyme Q10 and other other nutrients and enzymes.

Uses

Cod Liver oil can be used for the following:

  • Development of the brain and central nervous system
  • The DHA or docosahexaenoic acid in Cod Liver Oil is known to significantly increase intelligence.

Topically

  • Wound healing.

Prescribing Considerations

The recommended dosages varies based on age and health status. To determine what your specific requirements are talk to your naturopathic doctor or other trained medical professional.

  • Adult Dosage: The general dosage is 20 to 30 ml of cod liver oil per day.

Safety

Cod liver oil is generally considered safe.

  • Side effects are rare but can include belching, bad breath, heartburn, and nosebleeds. Taking cod liver oil with meals can often decrease these side effects.
  • Precautions
  • High doses might also cause nausea and loose stools.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Cod liver oil is not recommended when pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Drug Interactions
  • 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.
  • There may be an interaction between cod liver oil and medications that slow blood clotting such as anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. This interaction may slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), dipyridamole (Persantine), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Stene LC, Joner G (2003) Use of cod liver oil during the first year of life is associated with lower risk of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes: a large, population-based, case-control study1,2,3. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition;78(6);1128-1134.
  2. Lorenz R, Spengler U, Fischer S, Duhm J, Weber PC (1983) Platelet function, thromboxane formation and blood pressure control during supplementation of the western diet with cod liver oil. Journal of the American Heart Association;67:504-511.