Fish oil, cod liver

Fun Facts

1. The oil is commonly taken as a dietary supplement. It is one of the best sources of omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and contains relatively high amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D.
2. The exact concentration of nutrients in cod liver oil depends on the species of Gadus family the oil comes from.
3. The medical use of cod liver goes back centuries. Its first documented medical use was in 1789, when Dr Darbey of the Manchester Infirmary in England used the oil to treat rheumatism.
4. Only a few decades later, in 1824, cod liver oil was used as a remedy against rickets. By the 1930s the therapeutic properties of cod-liver oil were well established and it was frequently given to children to help prevent rickets and other conditions caused by vitamin D deficiency.
5. Cod liver oil is thought to help relieve joint stiffness associated with arthritis, have a positive effect on cardiovascular health, and help repair wounded teeth, nails, hair, and skin.