Are we safe to take cod liver oil? My GP hasn't a clue

[Eliza_E]

I used to take cod liver oil for my skin before I knew I had APS and heaard something this mornign again about how goood for you it is. Is it on our list of 'banned' or restricted goods does anyoen know? I used to see a huge improement in my skin when on it (used to take a lot, though)

[MaryF Administrator]

Well in terms of dosage. I feel personally it is better to take omega fish oil, high strength, rather than cod liver oil. The first one is classed as a food, the second one is not, pregnant women are usually advised not to take cod liver oil, have included a link below. I too have better skin, when taking my supplements, which include flaxseed oil capsules, evening primrose, high strength and also omega fish oils. All though with evening primrose oil, this has to be checked as it can cause problems with epilepsy if there have been previous episodes. Some people take cod liver oil and stick to very safe dosages.. but I prefer to err on the side of caution. I do eat oily fish, but I need the supplements every day, which of course help with vitamin D intake.

article: which was in response to a pregnancy question, but nevertheless is good info anyway.

Yes and no. There are two types of fish oil supplement, one is safe and one isn't:

Supplements made from the body of the fish are safe.

Supplements made from the liver of the fish, such as cod liver oil, are not safe.

Both types of supplements contain omega 3 fatty acids, which are important in helping your baby's brain and eye development. In the long term, they may also help to protect you against diseases such as heart disease and arthritis.

However, cod liver oil also contains high levels of the retinol form of vitamin A. Large amounts of retinol can harm your baby.

If you include some oily fish each week in your meals, you may not need a supplement. Oily fish will provide you with plenty of omega 3 fatty acids, as well as other nutrients which you wouldn't get from taking supplements alone.

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Also I must say at this point, that I have seronegative Hughes... and as such am only on asprin... others on here may come forward with other suggestions and guidelines for individual profiles/medications prescribed in terms of things to avoid which may cause interactions.

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Fish especially rich in omega 3 fatty acids include:

tinned or fresh mackerel

fresh tuna (not tinned)

salmon

trout

herring

kippers

pilchards

anchovies

sardines

Mary F x

[paddyandlin in reply to MaryF]

Thanks Mary you beat me to it lol, Eliza i agree with Mary and Jessie

and welcome to the group.

Paddy

[Dani71]

Hi, I was told by heamotoligist to take cod liver oil.... Have been taking for about a yr, don't see any difference but don't feel it's doing harm either.... I don't have any probs with my skin though & only med I take reg is 300mg of aspirin so this could be diff for you......

[jessielou]

Hi

I take various meds and have been told not to take anything unless discussed with doctor or consultant.

Would check it out before taking it.

Take care gentle hugs love Sheena xxxxxxx

[LesJames]

I was informed ( can't remember who by) that taking Cod liver oil affected/interacted with Warfarin!, If there is no problem, i'm back on them!

[Jade]

I was already on cod liver oil when I went on warfarin so it is hard to tell for sure. My dx was made by Prof Hughes and he only emphasised not having cranberry juice. I no lots of thing interact but as I self monitor my GP tells me to just keep an I on INR if I need something like an antibiotic.

[Dani71 in reply to Jade]

Hi, is the cranberry juice because of warfarin or aps? I haven't heard this before. I don't take warfarin, just 300-600mg aspirin so maybe that's why I hadn't heard it.....?

[jessielou]

Hi dani

the warnings about cranberry juice are because of it is believed to interrect with the warfarin. Increasing the effect and may risk haemorrage.

Welcome n glad you found us.

Take care gentle hugs love sheena xxxxxx

[MaryF Administrator]

In the same way as garlic supplements are not a good idea if on aspirin!

Mary F

[Dani71 in reply to MaryF]

Thx Mary & Sheena, interesting about garlic Mary, I didn't know that either. This is such a great site, I have learnt more here in 2 weeks than I have in11yrs of being diagnosed.

Thx to all of u.

Dani