What is Cod Liver Oil?
This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Cod liver oil is a dietary supplement derived from the liver of cod fish. It has been used for centuries for its potential health benefits, particularly due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin D. This article explores the various health benefits, historical uses, and scientific findings related to cod liver oil. Other names include: Aceite de Higado de Bacalao, Acides Gras Oméga 3, Acides Gras N-3, Acides Gras Polyinsaturés, Cod Oil, Fish Liver Oil, Fish Oil, Halibut Liver Oil, Huile de Foie, Huile de Foie de Flétan, Huile de Foie de Morue, Huile de Foie de Poisson, Huile de Morue, Huile de Poisson, Liver Oil, N-3 Fatty Acids, Omega 3, Oméga 3, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Omega-3, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids.
Health Benefits of Cod Liver Oil
Prevention of Respiratory Infections
A study conducted in Norway investigated whether daily supplementation with cod liver oil could prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, serious COVID-19, or other acute respiratory infections. The study concluded that cod liver oil supplementation did not significantly reduce the incidence of these infections compared to a placebo1.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Cod liver oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. A study found that cod liver oil could reduce the daily requirement of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting its potential as an NSAID-sparing agent2.
Diabetes Prevention
Research has shown that the use of cod liver oil during the first year of life is associated with a lower risk of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes. This effect is likely due to the anti-inflammatory properties of the long-chain n-3 fatty acids present in cod liver oil3.
Cardiovascular Health
Cod liver oil has been studied for its effects on cardiovascular health. In animal models, it has been shown to inhibit intimal hyperplasia in vein grafts used for arterial bypass, suggesting its potential to prevent complications in cardiovascular surgeries4. Additionally, dietary cod liver oil has been found to improve endothelium-dependent responses in hypercholesterolemic and atherosclerotic coronary arteries5.
Metabolic Health
In patients with gestational diabetes mellitus, cod liver oil supplementation was found to improve metabolic indices and reduce levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a marker of inflammation. This suggests that cod liver oil may help manage blood glucose levels and reduce inflammation in these patients8.
Historical Uses of Cod Liver Oil
The use of fish oils in medicine dates back to ancient times. Hippocrates mentioned the use of fish oils, and Pliny wrote about the use of dolphin liver oil for treating chronic skin eruptions. Cod liver oil specifically has been used by fishermen in northern Europe for many years and was considered a delicacy and a remedy for various ailments9.
Quality and Safety
The quality of cod liver oil can affect its health benefits. A study examined the effects of fresh and oxidized cod liver oil on oxidative, proteomic, and inflammatory responses. It was found that oxidized cod liver oil could increase intracellular oxidation and affect protein expression related to energy metabolism and oxidative stress response, highlighting the importance of using high-quality cod liver oil10.
Learn more with Consensus:
🐟Does cod liver oil contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids?
💪Can the quality of cod liver oil affect its health benefits?
Adverse Effects of Cod Liver Oil
Toxic Effects and Organic Changes
Therapeutic doses of cod liver oil can cause toxic effects and regressive organic changes, including decreased red blood corpuscles and histological changes in various organs1.
Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Responses
Oxidized cod liver oil increases intracellular oxidation and affects mitochondrial protein expression, leading to oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory effects in yeast and human cells3.
Potential for Poisoning
Cod liver oil has been noted to cause poisoning in certain animals, such as cattle, while others like rodents may thrive on it1.
Adverse Effects in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Some patients with rheumatoid arthritis reported non-severe adverse effects potentially related to cod liver oil supplementation4.
Interaction with Vitamin E
Excessive cod liver oil can lead to signs of vitamin E deficiency due to the presence of highly unsaturated fatty acids, which are antagonistic to vitamin E. This can be mitigated by fortifying cod liver oil with additional vitamin E9.
Effects on Blood Lipids and Haemostasis
Cod liver oil supplementation can prolong bleeding time and increase platelet aggregation, which may pose risks for individuals with bleeding disorders10.
Learn more with Consensus:
🌀What are the adverse effects of cod liver oil?
🐶Can cod liver oil cause poisoning in certain animals?
How has Cod Liver Oil Improved Patient Outcomes?
Metabolic and Inflammatory Benefits in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)
Cod liver oil significantly reduced blood glucose levels, lipid levels, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in GDM patients, along with a lower incidence of perinatal complications1.
Improvement in Lipid Profiles and Blood Pressure
Cod liver oil supplementation decreased triglycerides and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. It also reduced blood pressure in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes and albuminuria2 6.
Reduction in Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Cod liver oil reduced morning stiffness, painful and swollen joints, and pain intensity in rheumatoid arthritis patients. It also served as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-sparing agent, allowing patients to reduce their NSAID intake5 7.
Potential Benefits in Cancer Survival
Daily use of cod liver oil was associated with a lower risk of death in patients with solid tumors, particularly lung cancer4.
No Significant Effect on Respiratory Infections
Cod liver oil did not reduce the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, serious COVID-19, or other acute respiratory infections compared to placebo3.
Prevention of Intimal Hyperplasia in Vein Grafts
Cod liver oil inhibited platelet-mediated intimal hyperplasia in vein grafts, suggesting a potential role in preventing complications in myocardial revascularization8.
Enhanced Lipid Reduction with Statins
Cod liver oil, when combined with rosuvastatin, resulted in greater reductions in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) compared to rosuvastatin alone10.
Learn more with Consensus:
💆♂️How has cod liver oil improved patient outcomes?
Cod Liver Oil Mechanisms of Action
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects
Cod liver oil reduces oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anion, and restores mitochondrial function, thereby protecting the liver from damage1.
It also reduces inflammatory markers like MCP-1 and DNA fragmentation, indicating its role in mitigating inflammation and cellular damage1.
Cod liver oil supplementation has been shown to reduce the need for NSAIDs in rheumatoid arthritis patients, suggesting its anti-inflammatory properties4.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Cod liver oil improves endothelium-dependent relaxations in hypercholesterolemic and atherosclerotic conditions, enhancing vascular reactivity and reducing atherosclerosis5.
It also affects platelet function by incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into platelet membranes, reducing platelet aggregation and thromboxane formation, which can lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health6.
Immunomodulatory Effects
Digested cod liver oil influences oxidative and inflammatory responses in yeast and human dendritic cells, suggesting its role in modulating immune responses3.
It affects the maturation of dendritic cells and the secretion of cytokines, indicating a potential impact on immune system regulation3.
Nutritional and Metabolic Effects
Cod liver oil is believed to aid in the assimilation and nutrition processes, potentially contributing to the production of healthy tissue2.
It contains eicosapentaenoic acid, which inhibits platelet-mediated intimal hyperplasia, suggesting a role in preventing vascular complications8.
Antimicrobial Properties
A fraction of cod liver oil has shown strong inhibitory action against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro, indicating potential antimicrobial properties7.
Learn more with Consensus:
🎡What is cod liver oil mechanism of action?
Common Complaints Associated with Cod Liver Oil Use
Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Cod liver oil, like other supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can cause gastrointestinal issues, which are a common complaint among users. These side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, and indigestion2.
No Significant Adverse Effects in RA Patients: In a study involving rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, no significant differences in side effects were observed between the cod liver oil group and the placebo group, suggesting that cod liver oil may not exacerbate RA symptoms or cause additional adverse effects in these patients2.
Learn more with Consensus:
🧘🏻♀️Do users of cod liver oil commonly report indigestion as a side effect?
Disclaimer
The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate attention from a healthcare provider.