DEAR DR. GOTT: You recently wrote about the benefits of cod-liver oil. Is there a downside? Are there likely to be significant quantities of heavy metals or other toxic substances concentrated in cods’ livers?
DEAR READER: Generally speaking, cod-liver oil is safe for most people. It can, however, result in belching, heartburn, halitosis and nosebleeds in some users when taken on an empty stomach. When taken with meals, these unwanted symptoms are vastly reduced.
High doses of the supplement may be unsafe in that they can keep blood from clotting, may increase the chance of bleeding, cause loose stools and nausea, and cause blood pressure to drop to dangerously low levels. People on hypertensive medication should check with their physicians before using it and should be monitored periodically to avoid unwanted consequences. There are also reports of vitamins A and D being too high in some users while on the supplement.
Cod-liver oil is no different than any other supplement in that you should check with your physician before using it. He or she best knows your medical history and can provide appropriate guidance.
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