| Cod Liver Oil | ||||||||
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- Why cod liver oil is good for you
- Important cod liver oil facts
- Types of cod liver oil supplementation
- Cod liver oil supplementation checklist
- Cod liver oil and health
- Cod liver oil in foods
- How to take cod liver oil
- Cod liver oil works best with
- Overdosage, toxicity and cautions for coenzyme Q10
Why cod liver oil is good for you
Cod liver oil is a powerhouse supplement that has been used for hundreds of years for colds and flu, joint and muscle health and many other conditions.
Cod liver oil contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) , vitamin A and vitamin D and vitamin K. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is the precursor to prostaglandins which act to dispel inflammation and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) assists in normal brain and central nervous system functioning.
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- Cod liver oil contains more vitamin A and vitamin D per unit weight, than any other food
- Cod liver oil has high levels of long chain essential fatty acids, which are highly beneficial for heart and circulatory health
- Cod liver oil is fat soluble
Types of cod liver oil supplementation
Cod liver oil is available in the following forms:
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People who wish to take a cod liver oil supplement should talk to a medical professional BEFORE taking it.
Cod liver oil supplementation checklist
- Capsules are a non-fuss easy supplement solution
- Liquid cod liver oil is better for people who want to take a lower dose or who wish to control their level of dosage
- Store in a cool, dry place away from light - preferably stored in the refrigerator
- For better flavour of liquid, find a supplement with a fruity or minty flavour as pure cod liver oil is not very tasty
- Norwegian cod liver oil is a high quality supplement
- Should be taken with meals for best absorption
- Osteoarthritis - recent research by Cardiff University showed that cod liver oil slowed the destruction of joint cartilage in people with osteoarthritis, as well as reducing pain and inflammation. The study found that 86% of patients reported either significant reduction or total absence the enzyme that causes destruction of cartilage, after taking the cod liver oil supplements, in addition, there was also a great reduction in the enzyme that caused joint pain and inflammation in those patients
- Blood circulation - the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA discourage blood platelets from sticking together thereby promoting better blood flow, especially in the extremities (legs and arms)
- Blood pressure - studies have shown that cod liver oil reduces blood pressure by promoting the proper absorption of calcium and magnesium
- Heart health - studies have shown that cod liver oil reduces the likelihood of blood clotting, makes the heart less prone to arrhythmia's (irregular heart beats), alters the balance of blood fats in a favourable way and reduces the viscosity of blood, thereby facilitating blood flow
- Healthy skin - the large amount of vitamin A present in cod liver oil is beneficial for skin and mucous membranes
- Eye health - vitamin A is essential for the the eye to function properly, avoid macular degeneration, cataracts and to promote night vision
- Babies - when nursing mothers take cold liver oil supplements, breast milk is enhanced two-fold, brain development of the baby is increased and vitamin A levels are increased which stop the baby from getting infections
- Children's diabetes - a recent study in Norway found that supplementing either the pregnant mother's diet or in the baby's diet in the first year led to a decreased risk for Type 1 diabetes in the child - this is most likely through the anti-inflammatory effects of the long chain omega-3 fatty acids of cod liver oil
People who wish to take a cod liver oil supplement should talk to a medical professional BEFORE taking it.
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Cod liver oil is only found in one food - oil from the liver of cod!
Dosage of cod liver oil depends on the condition that is being treated. A medical doctor and/or alternative health care provider can advise on individual cases - this information is provided as a guide only.
Check for a supplement that provides sufficient levels of vitamin A and vitamin D - the pages on these vitamins show the recommended daily allowances for each age group and lifestage.
| lifestage | age | Amount (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| INFANTS | 0-12mths | Not recommended |
| CHILDREN | 1-8yrs | General Health 1 Tsp for every 23kg (50 pounds) |
| CHILDREN | 9-18yrs |
General Health 1 Tsp for every 23kg (50 pounds) |
| ADULTS | 19-50yrs |
General Health 1 Tsp for every 23kg (50 pounds) |
| SENIORS | 51+yrs | General Health 1 Tsp for every 23kg (50 pounds) |
| PREGNANT | Seek advice before taking it | |
| LACTATING | Seek advice before taking it |
People who wish to take an cod liver oil supplement should talk to a medical professional BEFORE taking it.
Overdosage, toxicity and cautions for cod liver oil
No toxicity has been reported in healthy individuals but people with health problems should be careful with taking any supplements.
CAUTIONS
People with any of the medical conditions listed below should discuss supplementation with a medical profession BEFORE taking cod liver oil:
- People taking blood thinning medications - such as Coumadin or Warfarin should seek medical advice before taking a cod liver supplement, as there may be bleeding complications - talk to a medical professional
- People on anti-convulsant medication for epilepsy - are NOT recommended to take essential fatty acid supplements - talk to a medical professional
- People with diabetes - should be cautious using fish oil supplements as they can raise blood glucose levels and lower insulin production - talk to a medical professional
Large amounts of fish oil supplements (over 5gm/day) can cause blood to become dangerously thin and make bleeding happen more often.
references
- Brox JH, Killie JE, Osterud B, Holme S, Nordoy A. Effects of cod liver oil on platelets and coagulation in familial hypercholesterolemia (type IIa). Acta Med.Scand. 1983;213:137-44
- Moritz V, Singer P, Forster D, Berger I, Massow S. Changes of blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats dependent on the quantity and quality of fat intake. Biomed.Biochim.Acta 1985;44:1491-505
- Stene LC, Joner G. Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Study Group. Use of cod liver oil during the first year of life is associated with lower risk of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes. Am J Clin Nutr, 2003;78:1128-1134.
