Cod Liver Oil is obtained from the liver of cod fish. Its flavor and aroma range from a mild sardine-like flavor, to an intense odor of fish and oil. High quality cod liver oil is a pale-yellow, thin, oily liquid, having a slightly fishy and bland taste, however some manufacturers add flavors as well. It is rich in vitamin A, vitamin D, EPA, DHA and omega-3 fatty acids. Cod liver oil is widely used for treatment of arthritis. The high vitamin A and D content make it an effective supplement for children for prevention of rickets and for nursing mothers to increase fatty acids and vitamin A in breast milk. It is also effective in treatment of ordinary burns.

Omega-3 DHA

Omega-3 EPA

Vitamin A is needed by the retina of the eye in the form of a specific metabolite(the light-absorbing molecule retinal). This molecule is absolutely necessary for both scotopic and color vision. It also palys an important role in the health or our skin, bone metabolism, immune function. It is also commercially produced and administered as esters such as retinyl acetate commonly called Vitamin A acetate. Its defeciency can cause blindness. Other problems include impaired immunity, hypokeratosis (white lumps at hair follicles), keratosis pilaris and squamous metaplasia of the epithelium lining the upper respiratory passages and urinary bladder to a keratinized epithelium.

Vitamin D is actually a group of prohormones, all fat soluble, whereby ergocalciferol, or Vitamin D2 and cholecalciferol, also known as Vitamin D3 are the most common forms. The Vitamin D3 form is made when human skin is exposed to UV B radiation. The active form of Vitamin D is calcitrol and it is required in the body to manage phosphorus and calcium levels, but, among other functions, to affect anti tumor activity, immunomodulatory functions and much more. Vitamin D, or more accurately calcitrol, is being bound to a carrier protein, which allows it to be transported throughout the body to the various destinations. The Vitamin D receptors, steroid and thyroid hormone receptors, can be found in most organs, including the brain, skin, heart, breast, prostate and gonads.