October
2007
Essential Fatty Acids ( EFA )
Cod Liver Oil
Without a doubt Cod Liver Oil has been the scourge of children throughout history. Cod Liver Oil has developed a torture like reputation that precedes it throughout history, and many a child would rather face the hideous monsters under the bed rather than be forced to drink the infamous witch’s brew of Cod Liver Oil. This evil legend passes quickly from child to child and as far as children are concerned it is not medicine but rather some type of discipline for when they have done something bad.
Fortunately, we grow out of this fear and realize the benefits of Cod Liver Oil. And even more fortunately, Cod Liver Oil has not disappeared as some traditional medicines have. Originally use by the hardy “people of the North” Cod Liver Oil has been an essential staple in their diet for centuries. Cod Liver Oil originated from the fishing communities of Iceland, Scotland, Norway, and Greenland, to protect their societies from the rigors of long, harsh winters and the potential for disease that comes with it. In comparison to contemporary society, these Cod Liver Oil drinkers live longer, longer on average than any other society on earth, and they show the lowest incidence of heart disease or high blood pressure than any other society. And, they have the lowest infant mortality rate in the world. Their infants show the lowest incidence to problems with the immune and nervous system, and brain and eye functions as well. The tradition of a daily dose of Cod Liver Oil treated a plethora of ailments, usually weather induced, including rheumatism and stiff joints. At the time it was doubtful that these hardy Northerners were aware of the benefits from Eicopantaenoic Acid (EPA), Dacosahxaenoic acid DHA, or Alpha-Linolic acid (ALA), not to mention the healthy jolt of Vitamin A and D.
Cod Liver Oil, with its big dose of vitamin D was commonly used to combat Rickets during the late 1800’s but the real benefits to the circulatory system from the fatty acids was researched during the 1950’s. Today?s view of Cod Liver Oil, except from children, has changed from the availability of Vitamin A and D to more of the benefits of the Omega-3 fatty acids that keep the heart and circulatory system healthy.
With Fish Oil being a healthy and popular supplement, the demand for Cod Liver Oil has dropped in the United States, but remains one of the biggest selling supplements in Europe. Some claim the excess vitamin D in Cod Liver Oil is not necessary since it is readily available in most dairy products, most calcium supplements, and naturally in sunshine. This is entirely true except for those who live in the Northern United States and Canada, where sunshine is far-less prevalent during the winter months.
Cod Liver Oil may be the best way to tailor and increase their intake of vitamin D to counteract the lack of sunshine, or for those who are lactose intolerant. Switching from Fish Oil to Cod Liver Oil in the Fall season then converting back to Fish Oil in the Spring season is the usual recommendation and can be fine-tuned accordingly depending upon the distance of where one resides from the equator, or compared to the number of sunny winter days in your area.
The main reason for consumption of Cod Liver Oil in North America is reducing the risk of heart disease. As a mild blood thinner, thanks to the Decosahxaenoic acid and the Eicosapentaenoic acid, Cod Liver Oil helps reduce the sticky platelets from aggregating in one particular spot. This helps in reducing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke for those that take it regularly. Cod Liver Oil basically reduces the viscosity of the blood and by claiming to alter the fats in blood, in a preferable way, is which lowers cholesterol. The same Omega-3 fatty acids found in Cod Liver Oil may also be responsible for maintaining the elasticity of artery wall linings providing better circulation.
Besides providing the heart and circulatory system with the Omega-3 fatty acids, Cod Liver Oil is very rich in Vitamin A. Providing Vitamin A promotes healthy skin and all of the mucus membranes. The Omega-3 fatty acids found in Cod Liver Oil have also been suggested to help those with inflammatory skin disorders. Much like arthritis sufferers, the anti-inflammatory properties in Cod Liver Oil have been extensively researched and suggested that it offers reduced pain and damage for inflamed joints and cartilage from those suffering from chronic-joint pain. Cod Liver Oil offers an alternative to those who experience adverse side effects from other anti-inflammatory products. The Vitamin A in Cod Liver Oil is also essential for the immune system, bone and cellular growth, and increased function of the reproduction organs. The majority of our night vision is particularly affected by Vitamin A found in Cod Liver Oil.
Though Cod Liver Oil is said to promote optimal brain development in the fetus, and a recent study published claims regular supplementing with Cod Liver Oil can actually increase a child?s IQ by seven points, it is highly recommended that you consult with a medical professional before taking any supplement while pregnant or breastfeeding. Exceeding 10,000 International Units of vitamin A raises the risk of birth defects and more than 6,000 International Units has been said to interfere with bone growth in children. Also, hemophiliacs and individuals taking any type of anti-coagulant should consult with their medical professional.
Within the last few years more studies have resulted in advice for the daily intake of Cod Liver Oil. The latest study involves a decreased incidence of ear infections in children who take a daily teaspoon of Cod Liver Oil, primarily through the winter months. With medical costs skyrocketing, a daily dose of Cod Liver Oil may enable some cost savings to the public since ear infections are the number one reason for children visiting a doctor. From a different viewpoint, Cod Liver Oil could offer both a short term and a long term effect. The cost savings would demonstrate savings in the short term, and with the increasing growth of antibiotic resistant bacteria this could be considered the long term savings.
Though earlier a recommendation was made to check with a medical professional before taking Cod Liver Oil while pregnant, this becomes even more important with the advent of an interesting study that claims less incidence of type1Diabetes in juveniles. Though it is still unknown what exactly triggers the body’s immune system to attack the insulin producing cells in the pancreas, it appears that Cod Liver Oil may offer a protective effect. In comparison with families in Norway, who took Cod Liver Oil daily, and those who did not, a substantial decrease in the incidence number of type 1Diabetes took place. Cod Liver Oil, being high in vitamin D is credited with the decrease since it affects the immune system during fetus and young child growth. It keeps coming back to taking that one teaspoon of Cod Liver Oil every day whether we like the taste or not.