cod-liver oil

n.
An oil obtained from the liver of cod and related fishes and used as a dietary source of vitamins A and D.

For more information on cod-liver oil, visit Britannica.com.

Routine administration of a spoonful of cod liver oil, on a daily basis, to young children, by caring parents, was very common in the 1940s and 50s. Most children were revulsed by the practice because of the unpalatability of the fishy tasting oil, and doubtless extracted a variety of rewards for compliance. As the name implies, cod liver oil is from the liver of the cod (Gadus callarias), simply freed from solid fat by filtration at low temperature.

The oil is a rich source of vitamins A and D and also contains essential unsaturated fatty acids. Vitamin A is important for photoreceptor mechanisms in the retina and the integrity of epithelia, so deficiency can lead to night blindness. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus by the body, a prerequisite for bone formation. Vitamin D is also formed in the skin by the action of sunlight (UV radiation). Children growing up in poor urban areas, with few places to play outside, were commonly the victims of Vitamin D deficiency in the early part of the twentieth century, when rickets was common. Inadequate bone formation leads to bending in weight-bearing bones, giving rise to bow legs and knock knees. Paradoxically, rickets is not uncommon in the tropics because of the swaddling of infants. Vitamin D deficiency in adults leads to osteomalacia. There were attempts to make cod liver oil more palatable by forming oil-in-water emulsions with flavoured water, or mixing the oil with malt. It was later discovered that halibut liver oil (from Hippoglossus hipoglossus) contains far higher concentrations of both Vitamins A and D so that a daily dose could be accommodated in a small gelatin capsule that was easily swallowed and tasteless.

— Alan W. Cuthbert

See also vitamins.

The oil from codfish liver; the classic source of vitamins A and D, used for its medicinal properties long before the vitamins were discovered; also a rich source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. An average sample contains 120-1200 μg vitamin A and 1-10 μg vitamin D per gram. British Pharmacopoeia standard: minimum 180 μg vitamin A and 2 μg vitamin D per gram.

Brand names: Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A & D Capsules

Drug Forms:
• Cod Liver Oil (below)
• Vitamin A (Fish Liver Oils), Vitamin D (Fish Liver Oils) Oral capsule
• Vitamin A (Fish Liver Oils), Vitamin D (Fish Liver Oils) Oral capsule, liquid filled
• Vitamin A (Fish Liver Oils), Vitamin D (Fish Liver Oils) Oral solution

Español:
• Vitamina A (aceite de hígado de pescado); Vitamina D (aceite de hígado de pescado) Cápsula oral
• Vitamina A (aceite de hígado de pescado); Vitamina D (aceite de hígado de pescado) Cápsula oral, llena de líquido
• Vitamina A (aceite de hígado de pescado); Vitamina D (aceite de hígado de pescado) Solución oral

Cod Liver Oil

What is Cod Liver Oil?

COD LIVER OIL is a dietary supplement. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin D. Some products may have other nutrients. This product is not approved by the FDA for any medical uses.

Rigid quality control standards are not required for dietary supplements. Differences in the potency and purity of this product can occur. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions
• alcohol problem
• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• stomach problems
• an unusual reaction to cod liver oil, vitamins, foods, fish, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

This medicine should be taken by mouth. Follow the directions of your health care provider or the package directions. Do not take more than the max of fatty acids, vitamin A, or vitamin D.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip that dose. Take your next dose when you remember. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Cod Liver Oil?

• antacids
• blood thinners
• corticosteroids
• diuretics
• heart medicines
• medicines for seizures
• tetracycline antibiotics
• vitamin supplements

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Cod Liver Oil?

See your doctor regularly. Tell all of your healthcare providers that you are taking this supplement. Do not treat any medical conditions with this product unless your doctor tells you to.

You may take this with food. Do not take this product at the same time as mineral oil, orlistat, or medicines for cholesterol.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Cod Liver Oil?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• bleeding from gums or nose
• change in eyesight
• confused or very moody
• dark urine
• irregular heartbeat
• more bruises
• skin rash
• yellow color to skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• bad breath
• dry skin
• headache
• metallic taste
• pain
• stomach problems
• tired or weak

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store this product as directed on the package. Throw away after the expiration date.

Last updated: 11/16/2005 10:41:00 AM

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

An oil pressed from the fresh liver of the cod and purified. It is one of the best-known natural sources of vitamin D, and a rich source of vitamin A. Because cod liver oil is more easily absorbed than other oils, it was formerly widely used as a nutrient and tonic, but it is rarely used today since more efficient sources are available.
The oil has a fishy odor, especially in pork, when the animals are fed on cheap grades of the oil before slaughter. The fat is most tainted and is discolored brown.
The oil gives its name to a form of aspiration or lipid pneumonia caused by overzealous and inefficient oral dosing of cats with the oil.

• c. l. o. poisoning — premixed animal feeds in which cod liver oil has been incorporated are damaged if they are exposed to air. The oil rancidifies and the oxidation destroys the vitamin E in the feed. Cod liver oil also contains a muscle damage agent. Excessive supplementation in young puppies and kittens can also lead to hypervitaminosis A and D.

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