Benefits of Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil is a nutrient-rich oil extracted from the livers of cod fish. It is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and D.
Category
Supplement
Where to get
Available in most pharmacies, health food stores, and online.
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Cod Liver Oil FAQ


Image credit: puritan.com

What is cod liver fish oil?

Cod liver fish oil is one of nature’s richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids, called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Due to their natural anti-inflammatory properties, omega-3s are often used to treat a variety of symptoms naturally, from coronary heart disease risk factors to depression or arthritis pain.

Does cod liver oil have fatty acids?

Though similar in fatty acid composition to other fish oils, cod liver oil has higher concentrations of vitamins A and D.

Is cod liver oil antiviral?

The fatty acids extracted from cod liver oil have been shown to cause a significant reduction of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) activity on the skin. However, how fatty acids act as antiviral agents is unclear. Additionally, fish liver oil has proved to be an effective antibacterial agent against gram-positive bacteria.

What is cod liver oil?

Cod liver oil is a type of fish oil supplement with numerous health benefits. It is rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants. Like regular fish oil, cod liver oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to many health benefits, including reduced inflammation and lower cholesterol ( 1, 2 ).

Should you take vitamin D with cod liver oil?

High doses of vitamin D taken alone might have potential side effects, which is why it’s now recommended to take vitamin D in combination with synergistic vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids, such as how it’s found naturally in vitamin D–rich foods including cod liver oil. 3. Great Source of Vitamin A

Is cod liver oil good for eye health?

Although vitamin A is great for eye health, it’s not recommended to take high doses of it, as it may cause vitamin A toxicity ( 31 ). Cod liver oil is a great source of omega-3 and vitamin A, both of which may protect against vision loss from inflammatory eye diseases like glaucoma and AMD.

Cod Liver Oil References

If you want to know more about Cod Liver Oil, consider exploring links below:

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