is Cod Liver oil a safe and reliable source of vitamin D?

Question

WHAT ABOUT OTHER FISH OILS

does taking fish oil/cod liver oil increase your risk of strokes?

Answer 1

There are always going to be SOME people who think fish oils are not safe because of all the toxins dumped into our oceans, rivers, lakes, whatever.

Personally, I've been taking cod liver oil for ages and I don't believe it a serious risk of mercury poisoning or whatever. I sometimes take other fish oils such as shark liver oil.

Yes, they have Vitamin D and essential fatty acids (EFA's) which are necessary for good health. If you take cod liver oil or other fish oils, you might look for the ones that say "no fishy taste" because otherwise you could be burping cod liver oil and, trust me, you don't want cod liver oil breath.

Answer 2

Chemically, they're the same, but since your body actively produces Vitamin D by itself in sunlight, you are better off using this as a source of Vitamin D as it is easier to obtain than supplements (and is not artificially produced or packaged). Your daily dose of Vitamin D can be picked up by exposing the back of your hands to sunlight for 5 to 15 minutes, so if you go for a walk during the day and your forearms are uncovered, for example, that's more than enough Vitamin D. Height is genetically determined, so having lots of Vitamin D won't help if you have already hit the height you are supposed to be (genetically), but it is very beneficial to bone structure and strength if you are still growing, as Vitamin D helps your body utilize calcium efficiently. Correcting another post - Vitamin D does not help vision, that's Vitamin A.

Answer 3

Yes, and so is exposure to sunlight. Fish oils have a lot of Vit. A which in high doses can damage the liver. One tablespoon a day is safe and sufficient. Fish (and flaxseed) oils also contain factors that have shown promise in preventing occlusive heart
and cerebral vascular disease (coronaries and strokes).
PS: you don't need hours of sunlight to have your body make its own Vit. D

Answer 4

The main difference between cod liver oil and fish oil is that cod liver oil is high in vitamin D.

Many people, especially those who don't have adequate sun exposure, are deficient in vitamin D and would therefore receive all the health benefits from taking cod liver oil.

As sunshine is the main source of vitamin D, a significant number of people should consider switching from fish oil in the warm weather months -- when they tend to have more sun exposure -- to cod liver oil in the cool weather months, when their sun exposure is minimal. However, many people don't get enough sun exposure even in warm weather months, meaning their vitamin D levels may still be too low in summer ... they would therefore benefit from cod liver oil even in warm weather months.

Benefits of the Omega-3 Found in Fish Oil and Cod Liver Oil

Helps fight and prevent heart disease, cancer, depression, Alzheimer's, arthritis, diabetes, ulcers, hyperactivity and many other diseases.

Increases your energy level and ability to concentrate.

Provides greater resistance to common illnesses such as flu and cold.

Helps pregnant women avoid premature births, low birth weight and other complications.

Answer 5

Yes, it is good for your skin, too. It helps to prevent strokes. I don't know about other fish oils.

Answer 6

Yes. Very good. D is called the "sunshine" vitamin. My partner loves them so much he actually chews them. Don't do that. Its yucky. D is also added to commercial milk.

The women wearing burkas(sp??) in Afganistan suffered from a lack of vitamin D - due to no exposure to sunshine.

Answer 7

Yes, I take it every day and have for years. It supposed to be brain food.