Cod liver oil is a type of fish oil available in liquid and capsule form. Sourced from the liver of cod fish, the oil is rich in vitamin A, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. Due to its high omega-3 content, cod liver oil is found in many natural products marketed as omega-3 supplements.

Uses for Cod Liver Oil

In the 1800s, cod liver oil became popular as a dietary supplement for children whose lack of sunlight exposure increased their risk for rickets (a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency). Today, proponents claim that cod liver oil can help treat or prevent a wide range of health problems, including:

• depression
• diabetes
• glaucoma
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• lupus
• osteoarthritis

The Benefits of Cod Liver Oil

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), fish oil is probably effective for prevention of heart disease. In addition, the NIH states that fish oil may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, manage asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, ease menstrual pain, reduce stroke risk, protect against osteoporosis and slow the progression of atherosclerosis. However, the NIH does not specify whether cod liver oil in particular (rather than fish oil sourced from other types of fish) might produce these health benefits.

Although research on the specific health effects of cod liver oil is somewhat limited, some studies show that cod liver oil may help with the following conditions:

1) Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Cod liver oil may help prevent upper respiratory tract infections, according to a 2004 study of 94 children. Published in the Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology, the study found that participants who received cod liver oil and a multivitamin-mineral each day from late autumn through early spring experienced a significant decrease in the number of upper respiratory tract infections (such as the common cold).

2) Diabetes

Taking cod liver oil during pregnancy may reduce the baby's risk of type 1 diabetes, suggests a 2000 report from the journal Diabetologia. Analyzing data on 85 expectant mothers with diabetes and 1,071 diabetes-free pregnant women, the study's authors found a significantly lower diabetes risk among children born to participants who had consumed cod liver oil while pregnant.

In addition, a 2003 study of 2,213 people (published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition) found that taking cod liver oil during the first year of life was linked to a reduced risk for childhood-onset type 1 diabetes.

3) Arthritis

For people with rheumatoid arthritis, taking cod liver oil may reduce the need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). For a 2008 study published in Rheumatology, researchers assigned 97 rheumatoid arthritis patients to nine months of treatment with either cod liver oil or a placebo. Looking at data on the 58 people who completed the study, they found that 39 percent of the cod liver oil group was able to reduce their daily NSAID intake by more than 30 percent (compared to 10 percent of patients in the placebo group).

In an earlier study from Advances in Therapy, scientists discovered that taking cod liver oil may help alleviate stiffness, pain, and swelling in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Cod Liver Oil contains Omega 3 essential fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are found almost exclusively in foods of marine origin. The Omega-3 fats are needed for maintaining healthy growth and regeneration of every single cell in the body which is why they have such wide-reaching effects.

Full Details

Cod Liver Oil naturally contains Vitamin A (for good eyesight, healthy skin and healthy growth in children) and Vitamin D (for the growth and maintenance of strong bones and teeth, skin, hair and nails).

Essential Fatty Acids play a beneficial role in every cell in the body, so their effects are far-reaching. Because Western diets have changed so dramatically anyone who doesn't eat significant amounts of oily fish can benefit from taking a cod liver oil supplement.

Cod Liver Oil is especially suitable for:

• Joint Health – helping promote healthy joints
• Hair Skin Nails – because of naturally occurring vitamins and omega 3 essential fatty acids.

Pack Size for 1000mg: 180 (£6.50) & 360 (£8.45)

Dosage for 1000mg: 1 capsules per day, unless otehrwise directed

ALLERGY INFO:
KEY: V=Suitable for Vegetarians, VG=Suitable for Vegans, L=Contains Lactose/Milk, W=Contains Wheat or Gluten, F=Contains Fish, N=Contains Nuts, S=Contains Soya or derivatives thereof.

F

TABLET/CAPLET SIZE:
SoftGel 1000 (1000mg)

Warnings:

Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking any medications, please consult a doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult a doctor if adverse reactions occur.

Not intended for use by persons under the age of 18.

Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any ailment.