The health benefits of cod liver oil

Rich in omega-3 and vitamins D and A, cod liver oil is a popular nutritional supplement. Discover all the ways in which this fish oil can be good for you.

Cod liver oil is renowned as a nutrient-dense source of vitamins and essential fatty acids. It is, as the name suggests, derived from cod liver and is available as a liquid or capsule supplement. Read on to discover what makes cod liver oil so good for you, how to choose the right supplement and who shouldn't take it...

Nutritional benefits of cod liver oil

The star ingredient in cod liver oil is omega-3, a polyunsaturated fat. Omega-3 is known as an essential fatty acid because the human body is unable to make it, so it is necessary to get it from food.
Omega-3 from fish can be broken down into two different types: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which together and individually offer many health benefits. The World Health Organisation recommends eating 1-2 portions of oily fish a week, equivalent to 200-500 mg of EPA and DHA.
Cod liver oil is also a good source of vitamin D, which helps us to absorb calcium and is important for strong bones and teeth.

Can cod liver oil protect against heart disease?

One of the key benefits of omega-3 is its anti-inflammatory effects and specifically with regards to heart disease. Omega-3 from fish has been shown to reduce the risk of dying from heart disease and it may also offer a protective element against heart disease and atherosclerosis (the build-up of fatty material in the arteries).

Can cod liver oil help with depression?

There has been a lot of research into the role that omega-3 could play in helping those suffering with depression, often with mixed results, so more research is needed before we can confidently say that omega-3 does have a significant impact on mental well-being.
However, we do know that omega-3, and specifically DHA, is important for the brain. Recent animal studies have suggested that omega-3 could play a role in lowering anxiety and improving cognitive function. One small study found that omega-3 may be of benefit to Parkinson’s patients who suffer with depression, with or without antidepressants. A recent pilot study has also suggested that omega-3 fish oil, such as cod liver oil, may be beneficial to children and adolescents with depression.

Can cod liver oil improve memory?

There has been some positive research into the link between omega-3 and memory and, in 2012, the Nutrition Journal published a paper that suggested that five weeks of daily omega-3 intake did have the potential to improve cognitive function in those aged between 51-72 years old.

Can cod liver oil help with asthma?

There has been some interesting research into the role of omega-3 and asthma, but at the moment, more research is needed as there has not been enough consistent evidence to justify this as a dietary recommendation.

Can cod liver oil help me lose weight?

Not exactly, but some early research did demonstrate that taking fish oils as part of a regular exercise program reduced body fat and improved cardiovascular function and metabolic health.

Can cod liver oil be good for my liver?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which covers a range of conditions caused by a build-up of fat in the liver, is on the rise in the UK with around 1 in 5 people affected. This is thought in part to be due to an increase in poor diets, obesity and type 2 diabetes. There appears to be some evidence that omega-3 may reduce fat levels in the liver, however, the optimal dose is not yet known.

Can cod liver oil help with rheumatoid arthritis?

Thanks to the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 and its vitamin D content, it appears that cod liver oil could be of benefit to those with rheumatoid arthritis, helping to reduce pain and the need for certain medications.

Are there any risks to taking cod liver oil?

Omega-3 is generally regarded as safe for most people when taken in low doses, which is 3g total fish oil a day or less. If you are considering taking a new supplement, discuss this with your GP or doctor first, especially if you are taking any prescription medication.
The NHS advises against taking cod liver oil during pregnancy as it contains too much vitamin A, which can be harmful to a developing baby.

What’s the difference between taking a supplement and eating oily fish?

Supplements tend to provide a concentrated and more convenient dose of omega-3, but there is no current recommended daily allowance (RDA) for omega-3 in the UK. Start by adding oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel and trout to your diet twice a week as it’s always preferable to get nutrients from food before trying a supplement.

How can you choose a good cod liver oil supplement?

As there is no RDA for omega-3 in the UK, it will depend on why you want to take a cod liver oil supplement. If your GP or doctor has agreed that it is safe for you to take, the British Dietetic Association recommend looking for a supplement that contains around 450mg EPA and DHA per daily dose – the daily equivalent of eating one to two portions of oily fish per week.
Most cod liver oil capsules also contain vitamin D and A, so make sure that you're not taking any other supplements like a multivitamin, or you may exceed the recommended amounts each day.

Get omega-3 in these recipes...

Grilled mackerel with soy, lime & ginger
20-minute rice supper
Herb-crusted haddock
Tandoori trout
Tuna steaks with cucumber relish
Baked sea bass with lemongrass & ginger
Horseradish baked salmon
South Indian fish curry with chickpeas

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This article was published on 29 August 2017.
Nicola Shubrook is a nutritional therapist and works with both private clients and the corporate sector. She is an accredited member of the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT) and the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Find out more at urbanwellness.co.uk.
All health content on bbcgoodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.



Originally published on https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-cod-liver-oil