Cod Liver Oil Supplement Benefits and Possible Side Effects
Cod liver oil supplements are a popular supplement derived from Atlantic fish, and are rich in several essential nutrients for the body, including vitamin A, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.
There are some nutritional differences between cod liver oil and fish oil supplements. Taking cod liver oil can improve blood lipid levels, reduce inflammation, and promote bone health. Cod liver oil supplements are commonly used by athletes to help recover and maintain muscle and bone health, and can improve heart health and reduce muscle inflammation after exercise.
✔️Benefits of Cod Liver Oil Supplements
*Improves Heart Health
Research shows that the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil improve cardiovascular health by reducing triglycerides (a type of fat) in the body. Limited studies have shown the effects of cod liver oil specifically, but many studies support the effects of omega-3 fatty acids in preventing heart disease.
According to another study, taking cod liver oil supplements may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction. However, more research is needed to confirm how effective cod liver oil is for people’s heart health.
*Reducing blood lipid levels
Excess fat in the blood can increase blood lipids (high cholesterol). The fatty acids in cod liver oil help balance lipid levels in the body. Some studies have shown a reduction in lipid levels when study participants were taking cholesterol medications.
In one study, participants who took cod liver oil and rosuvastatin (a cholesterol-lowering drug) had significantly lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
*Reduces inflammation
Cod liver oil may have stronger effects than other omega-3 supplements. Vitamins A and D in cod liver oil have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This is why taking cod liver oil supplements can help relieve pain caused by inflammation in a person’s muscles.
The C-reactive protein (CRP) test measures the level of CRP in the blood. As inflammation increases, CRP levels also increase. One study found that cod liver oil reduced CRP levels significantly more than other omega-3 supplements in athletes after intense physical activity.
*Promotes bone health
As people age, their bodies naturally become more at risk for bone diseases such as osteoporosis and bone fractures. Cod liver oil is most effective for bone health, especially in people ages 66 to 96.
Cod liver oil supplements are sold in capsule and liquid form. There are also cod liver oil products for the skin, such as ointments and creams with antibacterial properties.
How much cod liver oil should you take?
The amount of cod liver oil you should take depends on the brand. Most brands recommend taking 5 to 10 ml per day for adults for a limited period of time. Most cod liver oil supplements are not intended for long-term use.
Possible side effects and drug interactions
There is not much information about interactions between cod liver oil and other medications, herbs, or supplements. Talk to your doctor if you are taking anticoagulants (medicines that prevent blood clotting). Although rare, supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids can increase the risk of blood clots when taken with certain medications.
High levels of vitamin D in cod liver oil supplements may also interact with statins (drugs used to lower blood fat levels) and other medications that contain high levels of vitamin A. Taking too much of a particular vitamin can lead to hypervitaminosis (a condition caused by taking too much of one or more vitamins).
Vitamin D helps the body absorb more calcium, which improves bone health. Taking cod liver oil supplements with medications used to treat high calcium can potentially cause hypercalcemia (high calcium levels).
Also, taking too much of some of the nutrients in cod liver oil supplements can affect a person’s health. For example, taking too much vitamin A can cause headaches, nausea, and blurred vision.
Talk to your healthcare provider before adding cod liver oil supplements to your daily regimen. They can guide you on how much of this supplement to take and how these supplements may benefit your health.
