Cod liver oil has been used for centuries as a preventative measure against vitamin D deficiency, also called rickets. Historically, people living in northern Europe have relied on cod liver oil as a vitamin D supplement during the winter months when sunlight is scarce.
The oil is extracted from the livers of Atlantic cod and then filtered for purity. The main manufacturers of cod liver oil supplements are northern countries like Norway and Iceland, but you can find it in most supermarkets and health food stores. People take cod liver oil capsules to help with arthritic joint pain and prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, a vital nutrient for immune system function, cell growth, eye health and reproduction. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the formation of blood clots and reduce inflammation in the body.
Even more, cod liver oil's high vitamin D content is what sets it apart from other fish oils. Scientists estimate that over one billion people worldwide are deficient or insufficient in vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency is linked to bone fractures in the elderly and abnormal brain development in offspring. It can also lead to the development of metabolic syndrome, which involves the combination of high blood pressure, high glucose levels and high cholesterol. This can contribute to coronary heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
One tablespoon of cod liver oil contains:
Cod liver oil is a good source of:
Cod liver oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acid known as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Studies have shown that DHA improves cognitive function and may protect against Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Consuming cod liver oil can provide a significant amount of vitamins and essential fatty acids. Supplementing with it can offer several potential health benefits:
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness. Vitamin A found in cod liver oil prevents cellular damage due to oxidation, which contributes to the development of glaucoma. Vitamin A also prevents deterioration of the structure of the eye.
The omega-3s in cod liver oil offer even more significant effects. Fatty acids like DHA and EPA lower blood pressure and increase blood circulation in the eyes, which helps stop the progression of glaucoma.
Since cod liver oil contains both vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids, it is a powerful weapon in the fight against cancer. Not only does it exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which help prevent the development of cancer cells, but it could also be used to treat cancer.
Cancerous tumors need to create new blood vessels to grow, a process called angiogenesis. Cod liver oil prevents angiogenesis and stops cancer cells from reproducing, interfering with tumor growth.
Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to multiple sclerosis (MS). One study found that people who had consumed cod liver oil during adolescence had a lower risk of developing MS at onset in adulthood.
The anti-inflammatory effects of cod liver oil have been shown to help people with rheumatoid arthritis cope with joint pain. A 24-week study found that people who supplemented with cod liver oil reported lower pain scores. There was also a marked decrease in the doses of painkillers needed to manage pain.
There are some minor risks associated with cod liver oil. You should consult your doctor before taking it or any other supplement. Consider the following before consuming cod liver oil:
Cod liver oil can help pregnant women get adequate amounts of vitamin D. However, some experts have warned against taking cod liver oil supplements during pregnancy because high levels of vitamin A can harm the unborn child.
Avoid cod liver oil if you are taking blood thinners. It can increase the blood-thinning effects of the medication, leading to dangerous levels of bleeding.
