A popular household remedy from the early 1900’s, Cod Liver Oil remains a steadfast supplement with an abundance of nutritional benefits.

Cod Liver Oil contains naturally high levels of vitamins A and D and essential Omega 3 fatty acids. It is commonly used in the treatment of aching muscles, joint stiffness and multiple other ailments and boasts a great number of medicinal qualities.

But what are the benefits of Cod Liver Oil?

Extracted from the livers of Atlantic Cod fish, Cod Liver Oil is rich in vitamins that support muscle, bone and eye health. Many studies have proved that Vitamins A and D levels have a significant impact on your overall health, and early research indicates a correlation between these benefits and Cod Liver Oil supplementation directly [3].

5 Benefits of Cod Liver Oil

1) Rich in Antioxidants Vitamin A & D:
Antioxidants from vitamins A and D in cod liver oil help neutralise free radicals and protect the cells from damage, helping to fight inflammation.

2) Naturally High in Vitamin D:
Cod liver oil can help increase absorption of calcium into your bones as it's naturally high in vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones [3].

3) May Help Reduce Blood Pressure:
Cod liver oil contains fatty acids that stop blood clotting easily. (See below for cautions and warnings about this)

4) Helps to Lower Triglycerides:
Ingesting cod liver oil can help lower triglycerides; a troublesome type of fat in the blood that can put one at risk for heart complications.

5) May Assist with Reduction of Swelling:
Cod liver oil is associated with overall reduction in pain and swelling in people with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions [1].

Is Cod Liver Oil good for hair and skin?

Your skin is exposed to harmful UV light and toxins daily. To counter these damaging effects, the skin needs nutrients to repair itself at a cellular level. Omega 3’s support skin cell function, build up the skin barrier and increase the skin’s ability to retain moisture. 

Vitamin A is essential for sebum production from glands in the scalp. This natural oil is responsible for keeping your hair moisturised and looking glossy.

Is Cod Liver Oil Safe in Pregnancy?

While Omega 3’s promote reproductive health, you should exercise caution when taking any supplement during pregnancy. Exceeding the recommended dosage of Vitamin A can be toxic.

The recommended adult daily amount of vitamin A from all sources is 2500IU. When taken in excess of 8,000 IU vitamin A can cause birth defects.

You should always consult your GP before taking any supplements during pregnancy.

Cautions / Side Effects / Interactions

This is not an exhaustive list of all side effects and we strongly recommend discussing the use of Cod Liver Oil supplements with your healthcare practitioner.

Cod liver oil is generally considered safe for most adults. However, like any supplement, it may cause some side effects such as heartburn, stomach upset, and nausea. It is important to be cautious with high doses of cod liver oil as they can potentially interfere with blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding.

Additionally, consuming excessive amounts of cod liver oil can lead to elevated levels of vitamin A and vitamin D in the body, which may have adverse effects. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for your specific needs.

Interactions between Cod Liver Oil and Medications:

1. High blood pressure medications (Antihypertensive drugs) can interact with Cod Liver Oil. Cod liver oil has the potential to lower blood pressure. When taken alongside medications that already lower blood pressure, it may result in excessively low blood pressure. It is advisable to closely monitor your blood pressure levels and consult with your healthcare practitioner. 

2. Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) can interact with Cod Liver Oil. Cod liver oil has blood-thinning properties and may slow down the clotting process. When combined with medications that also slow blood clotting, there is an increased risk of bruising and bleeding. Exercise caution and be mindful of any signs of excessive bleeding and consult with your healthcare practitioner. 

3. Diabetes medications (Antidiabetes drugs) can interact with Cod Liver Oil. Cod liver oil has the potential to lower blood sugar levels. If you are taking diabetes medications, combining them with cod liver oil may cause your blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar levels carefully and consult with your healthcare practitioner. 

Please note that it is essential to consult your healthcare practitioner or pharmacist for personalized advice regarding potential interactions between specific medications and cod liver oil.

Dosage Recommendations

How much cod liver oil should you take?

The potency of each product will determine the dosage, so always stick to what is recommended on the product label, never consume more. Usually, one teaspoon (5ml) dosages are recommended once a day, with food. Alternatively, taking 1-3 capsules is an option, again depending on the brand.

Take your cod liver oil in the morning, followed by a strong-flavoured drink to help mask the slight fishy taste.

Consult your healthcare practitioner or pharmacist for personalized advice

What is the difference between Cod Liver Oil and fish oil?

Fish oils are derived from the tissues of deep sea cold water fish, whereas Cod liver oil is extracted from the livers of (usually Arctic) Cod [2]. Both are high in Omega fatty acids, however the high levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin D are unique to Cod Liver Oil.

Cod Liver Oil is a nutritional powerhouse with more vitamins and potential benefits than fish oil. However if you cannot take cod liver oil, you are pregnant or at risk of ingesting too much vitamin A due to taking other supplements, you can stick to regular fish oil.

Top Product Recommendations

Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil Capsules
Made from 100% wild Arctic cod with no synthetic additives. Natural lemon flavour in a soft-gel capsule making them easy to take. Nordic Natural fish oils are Friends of the Sea certified and produced in a zero waste facility powered by biofuel. Click on the product to read more.

Nordic Naturals Cod Liver Oil Orange
Sourced from 100% wild Arctic cod and in its triglyceride molecular form; the form that is most easily absorbed by the human body. This Cod Liver Oil is easy to take in natural orange flavour; one teaspoon daily with food. Click on the product to read more.

In Summary

Cod Liver Oil has been utilised in the treatment of a variety of ailments for hundreds of years. Today, it maintains its status as helpful in the treatment of inflammation and to promote eye, bone, reproductive health and more due to its high levels of Omega 3’s and vitamins A and D.

Modern products are easy to take and can come in pleasant flavours. Be sure to choose a product that is natural with no synthetic additives. Always consider if this product is right for you, and consult your GP before beginning a supplement regime, particularly if you’re pregnant, have pre-existing medical conditions, or are taking other supplements or medications.

References

[1] Web MD, 2022, Cod Liver Oil: Uses, Side Effects, and More. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1040/cod-liver-oil#:~:text=Cod%20liver%20oil%20contains%20certain,evidence%20to%20support%20these%20uses.

[2] Medical News Today, 2021, What are the benefits of cod liver oil? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270071#_noHeaderPrefixedContent

[3] Lentjes MA, Welch AA, Mulligan AA, Luben RN, Wareham NJ, Khaw KT. Cod liver oil supplement consumption and health: cross-sectional results from the EPIC-Norfolk cohort study. Nutrients. 2014 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4210919/