Cod liver oil is a product derived from the liver of cod.

More precisely, it is a dietary supplement, most commonly offered in the form of swallowable oil capsules.

The oil is obtained by cooking cod livers: they are crushed and decanted.

Improved extraction techniques reduce the bad taste of this oil.

The chemical composition of this oil is different from that of other fish oils, which makes it unique and particularly interesting.

In many countries, this oil is considered a natural remedy for preventing nutritional deficiencies and treating various diseases.

Composition 

This animal oil is made up of polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

These can only be obtained from food, although EPA can also be made by the body from a-linolenic acid (ALA), which is found in plant sources of omega-3.

Cod liver is therefore a natural source of omega-3s.

It also contains vitamins: A and D, which makes it different from other fish oils.

These vitamins are very present in the oil (100,000 IU and 10,000 IU per 100 grams respectively).

The European Commission has validated the nutritional value of this product due to its high levels of EPA and DHA.

However, it should also be noted that this product contains significant amounts of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids.

Indications

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Preserving vision
• Heart health and prevention of cardiovascular disease
• Skin protection
• Immune system
• Bone protection
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Precautions for use

Be careful, this product is not as "safe" as it seems.

There are several risks to consider: overdose of vitamin A, possible contamination with heavy metals, etc. We advise you to be extremely cautious.

Cod liver oil is very rich in vitamin A.

A single tablespoon of this oil contains 136% of the RDA for this vitamin.

Dangerous (or irrational) consumption of this product can therefore lead to hypervitaminosis A and all its consequences.

This information should be taken into account when determining the dosage.

The use of dietary supplements (oil in capsules) greatly reduces this risk.

Fish liver oils are often contraindicated in people with health problems or because of their high vitamin A content.

Correct dosage is more than necessary here.

We can only advise you to consult a naturopath before starting a course of treatment.

Contraindications and side effects

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking any form of cod liver oil.

In fact, consistent use of this oil by a pregnant woman may greatly increase the risk of gestational hypertension.

The oil can have beneficial effects on pregnancy up to a certain level.

It is therefore important to consult a health professional.

Taking this supplement may cause some side effects such as heartburn, headaches, dry skin or bad breath.

If these symptoms occur, it is better to stop taking the supplement.

People who are allergic to fish should avoid it, as should people with diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

It is essential to seek medical advice.

Choosing the right cod liver oil

The content of cod liver oil is the first criterion to be taken into account.

Its composition is extremely rich, which means that greater care must be taken when consuming it.

A good fish oil will therefore contain significant amounts of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

A good fish oil supplement should be free of PCBs: polychlorinated biphenyls. 

These are chemicals that can cause serious health problems.

The same goes for heavy metals and other contaminants.

In fact, the risk of contamination of cod liver oil must also be emphasised.

Although the risks are reduced if it is properly filtered, purified or refined, fish can be contaminated with harmful substances.

It is essential to choose the right oil when supplementing.

The origin, the method of production and the controls carried out on the products are essential criteria.