COD LIVER OIL

The best source of DHA and vitamins A and D is high-vitamin cod liver oil. Cod liver oil also provides another omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). A number of studies have demonstrated the benefits of using cod liver oil during pregnancy and lactation. Rats that are fed cod liver oil during pregnancy give birth to offspring that have higher cognitive performance than controls at six months. If rats are fed a protein-deficient diet during pregnancy, their offspring have disturbed glucose metabolism; if they are also fed cod liver oil, however, the glucose metabolism of their offspring is normal.⁴²

The benefits of cod liver oil during pregnancy have been verified in humans as well. Use of cod liver oil during pregnancy is independently associated with birth weight.⁴³ A double-blind, placebo- controlled study showed the use of cod liver oil during pregnancy and lactation to increase the child’s IQ at the age of four years. In this study, the control group received the same amount of fat-soluble vitamins as the cod liver oil group, so the effects are most likely due to the DHA.44 In Norway, use of cod liver oil during pregnancy was associated with a 70 percent reduced risk of type 1 diabetes.⁴⁵

The Weston A. Price Foundation recommends 20,000 IU of vitamin A and 2,000 IU of vitamin D from cod liver oil during pregnancy. This can be obtained from 1¾ teaspoons of the high-vitamin variety. This amount also supplies about two grams of omega-3 fatty acids—the same amount shown in one study to prevent premature delivery.⁴⁶