Are you also a user of cod liver oil? Or are you thinking of using it? Many people in our country, especially children, give it as a nutritional supplement. Many people think that this is very simple and does not pose any risks. But in reality, there are several things that we need to be careful about when using it. Let's be aware of it today.
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What exactly is Cod Liver Oil?
Simply put, this is an oil extracted from the liver of a fish called cod. But this is not like regular fish oil. It contains several nutrients that are very important for our body.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: These are very important for the healthy functioning of our brain, heart, and joints.
- Vitamin A: Helps maintain eyesight, skin health, and the immune system.
- Vitamin D: This vitamin is essential for strengthening bones and helping the body absorb calcium.
The most important thing is that cod liver oil is a nutritional supplement rather than a medicine for a disease. That is, rather than curing a disease, it helps meet the nutritional needs of the body. Therefore, it is not a good idea to use it without the advice of a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this
Before you start using cod liver oil, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions, as using cod liver oil with these conditions may cause problems.
| Your situation | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Sometimes it can affect blood sugar levels. |
| High Blood Pressure | There may be problems with blood pressure medication. |
| Liver Disease | The liver may have difficulty tolerating too much vitamin A. |
| Kidney Disease | You need to be especially careful about your vitamin D levels. |
| Frequent drinking | This is not appropriate to combine with the effects of alcohol on the liver. |
| Allergies | If you have allergies to fish or anything else, please let us know. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | It is not advisable to take too much vitamin A during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore, a doctor's advice is essential. |
How exactly do you use this?
The way to use this is very simple, but very important.
- Correct dosage: Follow the instructions on the bottle label or the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Never increase the dosage arbitrarily.
- Measuring device: This is where many people make a mistake. Do not use household teaspoons or rice spoons for this. They are not accurate. Only use the special measuring cup or spoon that comes with this medicine.
- With or without food: You can take this before or after a meal. It doesn't matter.
- If given to children: Special care may be required if given to young children. Therefore, make your decision only after talking to a doctor.
What to do if you take too much? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much, don't panic. But immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Because too much vitamin A and D can cause poisoning.
This is for you only. Do not give this medicine that your doctor gave you to anyone else, even if their symptoms are similar.
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes, you can. If you are taking any other medications, it is important to tell your doctor before using cod liver oil. This may cause problems, especially with the following:
- Other supplements containing vitamin A or vitamin D.
- Medicines that prevent blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin ).
- Some medications that lower cholesterol (e.g. Cholestyramine, Colestipol ).
- Some medications that treat obesity (e.g. Orlistat ).
- Some medications for kidney disease or bones (e.g. Calcitriol, Doxercalciferol ).
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take (prescribed by another doctor, bought at the pharmacy), herbal products, vitamins, and dietary supplements you use. Don't forget to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
What are the most common side effects?
Like any medication, cod liver oil can cause side effects in some people.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Difficulty breathing. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Bad breath | A fishy smell coming from the mouth. |
| Burping | Frequent urination. |
| A metallic taste in the mouth | A metallic taste in the mouth. |
| Stomach ache | A condition such as stomach discomfort or nausea. |
How do you store this safely?
- Keep it out of the reach of children. This is very important.
- Store at room temperature as directed on the bottle. It may also be advised to refrigerate.
- Protect from moisture and direct sunlight .
- After the expiration date, do not use it for any reason and discard it.
💡 Take-Home Message
- Cod liver oil is not magic. It is a nutritional supplement. Therefore, always use it only under medical advice.
- If you have any other medical conditions or are taking any other medications, be sure to tell your doctor before starting cod liver oil.
- Take the correct dose, using the correct measuring device. Overdosing can cause serious problems such as vitamin A and D toxicity.
- If you experience any allergic symptoms such as skin swelling or hives, stop taking the medicine immediately and see a doctor.
- Keep in mind that this has a higher concentration of vitamins A and D than regular fish oil. So don't take it lightly, thinking it's just a "vitamin."
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