Fish oil and cod liver oil are nutritional supplements that many people are familiar with, but are they really suitable for everyone? Not really. Although they are beneficial to health, taking them may be counterproductive or even pose health risks for some people. Today, let’s talk about who is not suitable for taking fish oil and cod liver oil, and the reasons behind it.
The difference between fish oil and cod liver oilFish oil is a lipid extracted from the fat of fish, usually from the removed tissue of fish, especially sardines, mackerel and salmon. Fish oil extraction methods include pressurized juice extraction, solvent extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction. Its main benefits include reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, relieving symptoms of inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, improving cognitive function, and reducing dry skin and inflammation.
{99 9}Cod liver oil is an oil extracted from the liver of fish. The most common sources are cod and halibut. The extraction method of cod liver oil is mainly to cook the cod liver and then collect the upper oil. The main functions of cod liver oil include preventing and treating vitamin A and vitamin D deficiencies, promoting calcium absorption, maintaining health, and enhancing immunity.
Who should use fish oil with caution?Fish oil is rich in &omega-3, which is good for the heart, blood vessels, brain health and brain development. However, the following types of people should use fish oil with caution.
1. Heart disease patientsSome studies have pointed out that if patients with heart disease are also accompanied by abnormal liver function, fatty liver or obesity, excessive supplementation of fish oil may increase the burden on the liver and even cause liver function damage.
Recommendation: If you have heart disease or abnormal liver function, you should evaluate whether you need to supplement fish oil under the guidance of a physician, and strictly control the dosage.
2. People with coagulation abnormalities or taking anticoagulant drugsFish oil has an anticoagulant effect and may increase the risk of bleeding. If you are taking anticoagulants (such as warfarin, aspirin), or have hemophilia or bleeding tendencies, taking fish oil may cause easy bleeding, subcutaneous ecchymosis, etc.
Recommendation: Fish oil should be stopped 1 to 2 weeks before surgery to avoid affecting coagulation function and wound healing.
3. People allergic to fish or seafoodFish oil is extracted from fish and may still contain trace amounts of protein, which can cause allergic reactions such as rash, difficulty breathing, gastrointestinal discomfort, etc.
Suggestion: You can choose plant-based sources of Omega-3 instead, such as linseed oil, perilla oil or algae oil.
4. Pregnant and lactating womenIf women in late pregnancy or lactating period supplement excessive fish oil, it may affect the coagulation function of the fetus or newborn.
Recommendation: If pregnant women need to supplement DHA, they can choose fish oil or algae oil recommended by doctors for pregnant women, and take it according to the dosage.
5. People with low immunity or taking immunosuppressive drugsFish oil has an immunomodulatory effect. If taken at the same time as immunosuppressive drugs, it may interfere with the efficacy of the drug or increase the risk of infection.
Recommendation: Patients who are receiving immunosuppressive treatment should consult their attending physician before deciding whether to supplement fish oil.
In addition to the above-mentioned ethnic groups, each person’s physical constitution and underlying diseases are different, which may also affect the metabolism and absorption of fish oil. If you want to supplement for a long time, be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice first.
Who should use cod liver oil with caution?Cod liver oil mainly contains vitamin A and vitamin D, which have beneficial effects on spine health, immunity enhancement and health care. However, several groups of people need to pay special attention when using it.
1. Patients with hypercalcemiaThe vitamin D in cod liver oil will promote calcium absorption. If the blood calcium itself is too high, supplementation may lead to nausea, vomiting, arrhythmia, and even damage to kidney function.
Recommendation: People with hypercalcemia should avoid taking cod liver oil and reduce their intake of high-calcium foods.
2. Pregnant women and infantsExcessive cod liver oil supplementation by pregnant women may cause abnormal bone development in the fetus; infants and young children may suffer from vitamin A or D poisoning, leading to loss of appetite, irritability, or growth retardation.
Recommendation: Pregnant women and infants should use vitamin supplements designated by doctors, and do not buy adult cod liver oil on your own.
3. People suffering from vitamin A or D poisoningIf too much vitamin A or D has accumulated in the body, supplementing with cod liver oil will increase the risk of poisoning.
Vitamin A poisoning can cause headaches, liver damage, and skin desquamation; vitamin D poisoning can cause hypercalcemia and kidney damage.
Recommendation: If symptoms of suspected poisoning occur, discontinue use immediately and seek medical treatment.
Use it scientifically and don’t blindly follow the trend.Fish oil and cod liver oil are not universal supplements. Whether they need to be supplemented depends on the individual’s health status and dietary structure. Before taking fish oil or cod liver oil, it is recommended to consult a physician or pharmacist, especially if you have chronic diseases or are taking medications.
If you regularly consume deep-sea fish and other foods in your daily diet, you usually do not need to supplement fish oil. If there is sufficient sunshine and a balanced diet, there is no need to supplement cod liver oil.
When purchasing, please check the ingredient list, choose products produced by regular manufacturers, and pay attention to the shelf life and storage method.