A Brand of Cod Liver Oil

What is it?

Carlson cod liver oil is pressed from the livers of cod fish caught during the winter and early spring from the North Atlantic Ocean near Norway.

Because these fish weren't made in a factory, there is some natural variation in the contents of this oil. One teaspoon contains about

• 1000 international units of vitamin A
• 400 units of vitamin D
• 500 milligrams of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
• 500 milligrams of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
• 50 milligrams of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid)

Warning

Pregnant women should limit their intake of vitamin A (which is in cod liver oil). Several studies (not all)  have shown an increase in fasting glucose in diabetics taking fish oil, so if you have diabetes, check with your physician before using. 

The difference between cod liver oil and fish oil

Fish oil capsules contain varying amounts of EPA and DHA, depending on manufacturer.  The EPA and DHA in capsules, even from the best of manufacturers, is more expensive than the same amount in cod liver oil.    Cod liver oil also contains vitamin A and vitamin D. A tablespoon a day of cod liver oil still leaves you well within the safe limits for vitamin A and vitamin D. Cod liver oil contains fifteen percent saturated fatty acids compared to thirty percent in the fish oil capsules. In general, cod liver oil is best if you want less saturated fatty acids and additional vitamins A and D. If you don't like the taste of cod liver oil, or you want to take a supplement without vitamin A or D, use fish oil capsules.

Cod liver oil will not do you any good if you are not absorbing fats. Even if you gain weight easily, you may not be absorbing fats.

Why be choosy about the manufacturer?

A lot of things can go wrong with cod liver oil. If it's exposed to oxygen too much, is too old or handled carelessly, the very complex fatty acids can change into peroxidized fatty acids. The oil will be rancid and harmful to us. The most prudent manufacturer I know of sends out cod liver oil shipments for independent laboratory analysis to be sure that there is no mercury, cadmium, lead, PCB's or 28 different pesticides. You may know that bottom-dwelling ocean fish are high on the food chain and have been responsible for poisoning in people who eat fish. The object of the supplement is to make you healthier, not sicker.

How to take cod liver oil

Cod liver oil contains forty calories per teaspoon. Use it as a substitute for, rather than in addition to, other fats in the diet.

How much?

Two teaspoons a day provides useful amounts of EPA and DHA.

Always take vitamin E with cod liver oil.

This prevents the oil from increasing oxidant stress on your system.

These nutrients enhance the effect of cod liver oil

Vitamins E, C, A, and B3 (niacin); and the minerals selenium, zinc and manganese are important factors in helping your body metabolize cod liver oil. If cod liver oil doesn't appear to help your problem, you may not be absorbing it. Take pancreatic enzymes with each dose to enhance absorption.

Why take cod liver oil?

In general, the substances in cod liver oil reduce the tendency of the blood to form clots in the arteries, the clots which can result in heart attack or stroke. Cod liver oil can lower elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as raise levels of "the good cholesterol" HDL. Cod liver oil also reduces the generation of free radicals in the system and inflammatory processes as in arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, psoriasis or other inflammatory conditions. A study reported at the International Conference of Health Effects of omega-3 fatty acids also indicated that a relatively high intake of omega-3 fatty acids resulted in decreased deaths from cancer and other illnesses. Sometimes cod liver oil will reduce constipation.