Extracts from the liver of a fatty fish called cod are rich in important nutrients. The extract, called cod liver oil, is taken as a dietary supplement, one brand of which is manufactured by Seven Seas. This article provides some information about Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil, with emphasis on its health benefits.

Composition of Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil

Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil contains vitamins A, D, and E and omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA.

Benefits of Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil

1. Therapeutic Indications

Cod liver oil may be recommended to treat specific reasons such as:

• For the treatment of combined vitamin deficiencies (A, D, E)
• For children and adults with very poor diet.
• For symptomatic relief of muscle aches and joint stiffness

2. Pharmacological Properties

The pharmacological properties of cod liver oil as a type of drug enable it to exert its action. Basically, cod liver oil is a rich source of vitamins A and D, which are important in meeting the normal requirements of people who are deficient in these nutrients. The EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) content are essential in the production of important substances in the body, such as thromboxane A3 and prostacyclin PG13, as well as being part of nerve tissues.

3. Vitamins A and D

Vitamin A plays an important role in bone health, dental health and skin health. In addition, supplementation with this vitamin helps prevent vision problems. Furthermore, vitamin D is important in regulating calcium levels, which also promotes bone health.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil contains omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), which have been found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. These substances can reduce inflammation as well, which is associated with many chronic diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.

5. Other Nutrients

Aside from those already mentioned, liver extracts contain other nutrients such as biotin, B-complex vitamins, carnitine, lipoic acid, and other vitamins which help maintain proper body function.

Dosage of Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil

To benefit from taking the supplement, it is recommended that the right doses of cod liver oil be taken according to individual needs:

• For mild to moderate nutritional deficiency, take 1-3 capsules thrice a day, depending on your age and severity of deficiency. The treatment should be continued from 2 weeks to 2 months until nutritional deficiency is corrected.
• As a dietary supplement: adults and children older than 6 years old can take 1-2 capsules thrice a day before meals.
• For pregnant, lactating or women who are likely to become pregnant, take 1 capsule three times daily.

Warnings of Taking Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil

1. Special Warnings and Precautions

• It is important to remember not to exceed the recommended dose.
• Capsules are to be taken by mouth only.
• Do not take other vitamin A and D supplements while taking this product.
• Take note that people who have a malabsorption syndrome are unlikely to benefit from taking cod liver oil supplements.

2. Drug Interactions

• Thiazide diuretics when taken with Vitamin D can raise blood calcium levels.
• Contraceptive pills containing estrogen when taken with vitamin A can raise plasma levels of the vitamin.

3. Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Women who are taking cod liver oil before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and lactation are warned not to take doses greater than those recommended.

4. Undesirable Effects

Vitamins, when taken in excess, can be harmful. However, unlike other drugs, it will take a very large dose of this product to produce undesirable effects.

Symptoms of vitamin overdose are not likely to appear with a single dose of:

• Vitamin A, if taken at less than 1,500,000 units,
• Vitamin D, if taken at less than 50,000 units
• Vitamin E, if taken at less than 500 units

Extremely large doses may lead to signs of vitamin toxicity:

• Vitamin A: vomiting, irritability, loss of appetite, skin changes
• Vitamin D: disturbances in calcium metabolism, calcification of soft tissues
• Vitamin E: biochemical abnormalities, such as decrease in thyroid hormone

For toxicity following recent ingestion, call for immediate medical help. A gastric lavage may be done to prevent tracheal aspiration (inhalation of gastric contents).

For delayed manifestations of toxicity, a mineral oil purgative may be taken to reduce absorption of the vitamins and to hasten elimination. Medical consultation must be made to be able to prevent further complications including liver, kidney, heart, and fluid-electrolyte problems.

5. Contraindications

• Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil must not be taken by individuals with known hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients.
• It must not be taken by people who have high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
• It is not recommended for people who have high blood levels of vitamins A, D or E (hypervitaminoses).