Cod Liver Oil Number one natural vitamin source

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

Preliminary evidence also shows that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil may help regulate the rhythm of the heart. EPA and DHA have been report to assist avoid cardiac arrhythmias.

Cod liver oil is effective in treating arthritis as well. Researchers funded by Great Britain's Arthritis Research Campaign found that the elongated omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil reduce both pain and damage in inflamed joints.

Cod liver oil also reduces the generation of free radicals in the system and inflammatory processes as in arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.

EPA and DHA also have anti-inflammatory activity. As a result, fish oil is used to help people with various inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms of high intake

Though fish oil is rich in heart-healthy omega-3s, supplements can pose dangers. They can raise the threat of hemorrhagic stroke, and people taking anticoagulants should not receive them. Large doses may suppress the immune system.

The American Heart Association does say that people with heart disease should consider taking the supplements, but only if they don't eat enough fish and after consulting a doctor. Eating fish is a better option for most people.

Cod liver oil is made from livers, of course. The liver is a filter, so toxins (such as PCBs) get concentrated there. Thus cod liver oil is more likely to be contaminated than other fish-oil supplements.

Daily requirement

Most researchers studying the effects of EPA and DHA in humans who have a variety of health conditions have given those people at least 3 grams of the total of EPA plus DHA-an amount that may require 10 grams of fish oil, because most fish oil contains only 18% EPA and 12% DHA.

In one examination, the most amount of fish oil tolerated by people being treated for cancer-related weight loss was report to be about 21 grams per day. However, in people who do not have cancer, the maximum tolerated amount may be different.

Pregnant women should limit their intake of vitamin A (which is in cod liver oil). Not for those with diabetes except on the advice of their physician.