Per popular request, here are some of the benefits of cod liver oil! In short, think *HIGH QUALITY* Vitamin D.
Seasonally, in the winter months the Solar Zenith Angle of the sun is inadequate to reach the threshold for synthesizing Vitamin D in locations far from the equator 🌍.
If you’re like me who has heritage and genetics from tropical regions located near the equator, vitamin D status is even more critical for health. Scandivanians have been able to counteract low vitamin D status traditionally by the regular ingestion of fermented Cod liver oil. Cod liver oil has the bioactive form of Vitamin D needed in the body to work properly. Another important aspect is that Vitamin D is fat-soluble, meaning you need to ingest it with fat for absorption in the gut. Cod liver oil is rich in the essential fats Omega 3 & Omega 6 in balanced ratios. These polyunsaturated fats are EPA & DHA, which are vital for brain and nervous system function. Another important nutrient found in Cod Liver oil is Retinol. This is active form of Vitamin A. Retinol has a textbook importance for eye function and development of immunoglobulins for immune system function.
Depending on the brand, 1 teaspoon of cod liver oil can contain 500 to 1000 IUs of Vitamin D3. Synthetic versions of Vitamin D do not come in the whole package that Cod Liver Oil offers. Cod liver oil has compounds that are needed to work synergistically together.
@chriskresser, @westonaprice, @drstevenlin have comprehensive articles that touch on these concepts further, along with great suggestions for supplement brands. Last suggestion is to find a Doctor who can measure your Vitamin D levels and work in tandem with proper recommendations for how much supplementation you individually need.
Stop wasting your time, money, and efforts buying inferior supplements. Look for cod liver oil supplements that are third-party independently tested for rancid oils and are wild caught in arctic waters. Taste is also an important factor!
