The best type of cod liver oil will depend on your interest in taking this supplement, as each type has its strengths and weaknesses. Cod liver oil provides omega-3 fat as well as vitamins A and D. Different supplements provide different amounts of these nutrients, and different formulations can help solve other potential problems such as side effects and palatability. Consult your doctor before taking cod liver oil to make sure it is safe for you.
Capsules are more expensive than liquids, but some people may be more likely to swallow. (Source: SnowWhiteimages / iStock / Getty Images) Check high Omega-3 content
One tablespoon of cod liver oil provides about 2,894 mg of total omega-3 fatty acid fat Including 2,502 mg o combined with eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, these two omega-3 fatty acids are best for improving health. Cod liver oil typically contains less EPA and DHA than other fish oil supplements, which are sometimes purified to maximize their EPA and DHA levels.
Looking for supplements containing 450 mg of EPA and DHA per day, recommend Carrie Ruxton of Dr. Health Supplements in the Daily Mail article published in July 2012. This is different from the total amount of fish oil contained in the supplement - the supplement may contain 1000 mg of total fish oil but only 450 mg of DHA and EPA - so check the label to determine EPA and DHA levels.
Looking for low vitamin A content
Cod liver oil can be high in vitamin A content and stored in the body when consumed. A large amount of vitamin A in cod liver oil can easily take vitamin A in excess. For example, a teaspoon of cod liver oil contains 5,000 IU of vitamin A, or 100% of the daily value. Adults should not exceed 10,000 international units per day, which is a tolerable upper limit intake, so just 2 teaspoons can provide the maximum daily safe amount of vitamin A - not to mention your diet or other sources of vitamin A supplements. Agent. Due to these concerns, some cod liver oils contain a reduced amount of vitamin A, making it possible to reduce the toxicity of vitamin A.
Avoid containing polychlorineBiphenyl oil
Although you do not need to choose the most expensive type of cod liver oil, you should choose a reputa brand to limit potential contaminant risks such as mercury or PCBs. Mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls and other contaminants can accumulate in the body and increase the risk of certain health problems, including cancer and birth defects. Those with the US Pharmacopoeia logo are often a good choice because they have tested the contaminants to see if they contain the ingredients indicated on the label.
Palatability considerations
Some people find it difficult to swallow liquid cod liver oil, in which case capsule or flavored cod liver oil is preferred. Enteric capsules help limit the risk of gastrointestinal side effects sometimes occurring in fish oil supplements. Keep in mind that capsules tend to be more expensive than liquid cod liver oil, and you may need to take multiple pills to get the recommended amount of omega-3 fat. The Colorado State University Extension Department recommends selecting fish oil capsules containing at least 50% omega-3 fatty acids - DHA and EPA in each capsule.
Other Precautions
Fish oil, including cod liver oil, can cause side effects including bad breath, headache, stomach upset, metallic taste and dry skin. Switching to a different brand and spreading your fish oil intake throughout the day, rather than taking large doses at once, and supplementing the food may help improve absorption and limit side effects.
People who are allergic to fish and those with certain health conditions, including kidney or liver disease, stomach lems, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, should not take fish oil supplements. Due to the high vitamin A content, pregnant women should also avoid using cod liver oil.
Cod liver oil may interact with some drugs, including blood thinners, vitamins A and D, kidney disease drugs, bone health drugs, orlistat, colestipol and cholestyramine.
