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The Slippery Truth About Cod Liver Oil: Essential or Excessive?

nutrition

By Isabel P.

- Aug 6, 2024

Bask in the unfiltered truth fellow health enthusiasts - cod liver oil can indeed provide some health benefits, albeit modestly. This seemingly simple liquid fat which is siphoned off from the fresh innards of our fishy friend, the Atlantic cod, boasts a generous dose of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and D. Subsequently, it has been known to taper inflammation, aid in nurturing the health of our little ones, and give a perk up to our heart health.

But before you start chugging down the stuff faster than a bro chugs protein shakes post-lifting session, let's riddle this: how does the FDA (aka the Food and Drug Administration, for you health noobs out there) handle supplements? Well, they treat them with the same care that your ex treated your relationship - essentially, it's a free-for-all. Therefore, supplement products might be deceitful - like promises of eternal abs in six-weeks deceitful. Consequently, be wise, choose products tested by third parties and don't forget to consult your healthcare provider, a registered dietician, or a pharmacist to mitigate this wild-west mess.

Thus, let’s unveil the nuts and bolts of the cod liver oil magic show. Firstly, studies show that omega-3 fatty acid supplements could comb down inflammation, big time. In a nutshell, they lower circulating levels of inflammatory substances within your bloodstream post-workout, leading to significantly reduced muscle soreness. And just to clarify, the muscle soreness we're talking about is not the one induced by you trying to impress that hot chick on leg day by deadlifting the entire rack.

Hang on, there's more! Among the pregnant club members, these same supplements reduced inflammation markers too, including insulin resistance. And lastly, omega-3 fatty acids seem to wield potentially antibacterial and antiviral effects, although we're still trying to crack the code on how exactly they pull off this trick.

Meanwhile, Vitamin A and D, play a significant role in numerous bodily processes and bone health respectively. Yes, that’s right, chugging this golden elixir could keep your skeleton strutting longer than Mick Jagger! What's even more noteworthy is that cod liver oil intake may decrease the risk of asthma development in children and the risk of multiple sclerosis when consumed during adolescence.

Alas, like every rose with thorns, cod liver oil too has potential risks. It's packed with vitamin A, the overdose of which can cause a battle royale within your body, a.k.a toxicity. Therefore, when supplementing your diet with cod liver oil, stay vigilant for weird health changes and don’t pair it with an additional vitamin A supplement. It's like gulping down a tequila shot after downing five margaritas - it's bound to end with you hugging your toilet bowl. And obviously, consult your healthcare provider about the supplement's daily dosage tailor-made to your individual needs.

In conclusion, nature's very own multivitamin, cod liver oil, might seem like a superpower potion from a Marvel movie, but remember every superhero has its kryptonite. Now, get back to that workout, knowing you're one step closer to demystifying the labyrinth of health supplements!

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