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Cod liver oil contains vitamins A and D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which may reduce inflammation and improve bone and cardiovascular health. However, it may interfere with medications and overdose is possible, so consult a doctor before taking. Historically, cod liver oil was used to prevent deficiency diseases like rickets and vision problems.
The main vitamins in cod liver oil are vitamin A, vitamin D, and the healthy fats eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These are omega-3 fatty acids, which are believed to reduce inflammation that can contribute to certain health conditions. Vitamin A is necessary for proper vision and healthy epithelial tissue. The body needs vitamin D to help absorb calcium in the diet and maintain bone health.
One tablespoon of cod liver oil contains about 13,000 international units (IU) of vitamin A, which is more than 250 percent of the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI). Vitamin A deficiency is rare in people who take multivitamins or eat a variety of vegetables.
Vitamin D, another of the vitamins in cod liver oil, is at the level of about 1,300 IU per tablespoon, or about 350 percent of the DRI. Many people are believed to be deficient in vitamin D, particularly the elderly and those living in northern latitudes. In addition to helping the body regulate calcium intake, vitamin D may prevent some cancers, cardiovascular disease, and possibly reduce inflammation.
EPA and DHA are omega-3 fatty acids that may have a number of proposed health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and triglycerides, improving cardiovascular health, and possibly reducing cancer risk. They are also believed to reduce certain conditions marked by an increased inflammatory response. One tablespoon contains about 2.5 grams of these fats, which is about double that of many fish oil supplements.
The vitamins in cod liver oil may interfere with the action of some medications or have a negative effect on an existing condition. Therefore, consult a doctor before taking cod liver oil. When taken in liquid form, the most common dosage is one tablespoon daily. Read the manufacturer’s instructions when taking cod liver oil supplement capsules. While unlikely, taking much larger amounts than recommended could lead to an overdose of vitamin A or vitamin D.
Before the advent of synthetic vitamins, the vitamins in cod liver oil played an important role in the prevention and treatment of deficiency diseases caused by inadequate intake of vitamin D and vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency in developing children can affect vision. The disease called rickets could also be prevented by the vitamins in cod liver oil, as it is caused by low levels of vitamin D. Often starting at a young age, this condition causes skeletal deformities that persist throughout life.
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