Cod Liver Oil

What is cod liver oil?

Cod liver oil is the oil that comes from cod fish and belongs to the cod family. Cod oils come from the liver of cod and are a rich source of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E.

Its difference from other fish oils is that it contains a smaller amount of omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) while it is richer in vitamins A, D and E.

Benefits and properties

Cod liver oil due to the omega 3 fats (DHA and EPA) it contains contributes to:

• in maintaining the normal function of the heart,
• of normal blood pressure
• and normal blood triglyceride levels. *

DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function and vision.*

Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of healthy skin, the maintenance of normal vision, and the smooth functioning of the immune system. Furthermore, it contributes to the normal metabolism of iron and to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes. *

Vitamin D contributes to the normal absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus, to normal blood calcium levels, to the maintenance of normal bones, to the maintenance of normal muscle function, to the maintenance of normal teeth. It also contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system. *

How long can we take cod liver oil?

There is no set interval for taking Cod Liver Oil. We recommend using it for 3 months, stop taking it for 1 month and then, if necessary, continue it.

More generally, we recommend 3-month treatment cycles, interspersed with a 1-month break.

Dosage, forms and use

There is no recommended daily dosage for cod liver oil. Due to the fact that it contains other components besides omega 3, it is recommended to take that daily dose in which the upper recommended daily intakes for vitamins A, D, E are not exceeded, which are 3000 IU, 3000 IU, 900 IU and 10000 IU, 4000 IU, 1500 IU for children and adults respectively.

Most health and nutrition organizations recommend daily intakes of omega-3 fatty acids of about 1 gram per day with EPA and DHA ranging from 100-500 mg. The upper daily intake is set at 3 grams for omega 3.

Cod liver oil is recommended to be taken with or after food for better absorption.

In the trade you will find it in food supplements in the form of:

• capsule
• in liquid form (syrup)
• gummies (for children)

Cod liver oil for children

Cod liver oil is also recommended for children and shows a number of beneficial effects. Specifically, it contributes to:

• in the health of children's bones and teeth
• in the health of vision
• in strengthening the immune system
• in improving brain functions

Side effects, contraindications & interactions 

People with blood clotting disorders as well as people on anticoagulant therapy should not take cod liver oil supplements. In addition, they should avoid combining it with herbs such as ginkgo biloba, garlic and ginseng.

Special care is needed when taking medication for high blood pressure. It can also worsen reflux symptoms.

Taking cod oil due to its vitamin A content is recommended to be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

*The above information on Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA/DHA) are official health claims from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), EU regulation no. 432/2012.

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Vita4you informs you that nutritional supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle or medical advice/opinion, are not medicines and are not intended to prevent, treat or cure human disease.

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