What is Cod Liver Oil?
Cod liver oil is obtained from the liver of the cod fish (Gadus Morhua), and consists of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). As with most fish oils, it contains the Omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It differs from fish oil in that it is much richer in Vitamin A and Vitamin D. Historically, it was a treatment for rickets and osteomalacia, and as a dietary supplement due to its naturally high Vitamin D content (11). A long tradition of supplementing cod liver oil during the winter exists in Norway to prevent Vitamin D deficiency, and we find it may give us many other great benefits as well.
Male Sexual Health
Cod liver oil has been shown to improve male sexual health and fertility due to the high presence of Omega-3’s. Omega-3s are structural components of all cellular membranes and all cells require Omega-3s to function normally. Therefore, Omega-3s are found in and are essential to the proper functioning of sperm cells and their cell membranes. The presence of Omega-3s in sperm cell membranes has been shown to influence spermatogenesis (sperm development) significantly. Sperm from men with asthenozoospermia (low motility) and oligozoospermia (low sperm count) have lower levels of Omega-3s compared to men with normal sperm parameters (13). This has led researchers to conclude that Omega-3s are essential to sperm growth.
A 2019 meta-analysis showed that Omega-3 supplementation in infertile men helps improve sperm quality and motility. Another 2018 study showed sperm motility increases with the amount of Omega-3 DHA given(14). A 2011 placebo-controlled study also found that supplementing with Omega-3s increases sperm count, concentration, motility, morphology, (15) and another study shows improvements in DNA integrity (16).
Cardiovascular Disease
Omega-3 fatty acids have long been shown to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (9). The incorporation of cod liver oil into the diets of predisposed patients has shown various beneficial effects ranging from mild reduction in hypertension to decreased synthesis of low-density lipoprotein. These improvements lead to a decrease in the risk of myocardial infarction (2).
Research involving hyperlipidemic pigs given cod liver oil supplementation demonstrated a reduction in the development of atherosclerosis(7). In another study, patients suspected of an acute myocardial infarction were supplemented with fish oils rich in EPA (8). The results of the evaluation showed after one year patients had fewer cardiac events and cardiac deaths compared to the control group (8). A protective relationship was found between the usage of Omega-3 supplements and coronary artery disease mortality in a UK population-based cohort study where dietary intake of fish was low (6). Therefore, supplementing with as little as 250-500 mg/day of omega-3 resulted in a risk reduction of 25%, with a 26% lower incidence of coronary artery disease mortality compared with those not using the Omega-3 PUFA supplement.
It's worth noting that it should be more encouraged for men to supplement with cod liver oil to prevent cardiovascular diseases since men experience higher rates of these diseases. One study reports the rapid increase in coronary heart disease mortality among middle-aged men in many of the newly independent states of Eastern Europe (5). However, Eastern European men score higher on stress-related psychosocial coronary risk factors (e.g., social isolation, vital exhaustion) than men living in the West. Comparisons between the sexes also reveal gender differences in psychosocial and behavioral coronary risk factors, including excessive alcohol consumption and smoking in men over women. Overall, it appears coping with stressful events may be less adaptive physiologically, behaviorally, and emotionally for men. These factors all may increase the risk of CHD in men.
Mental Health
Another amazing benefit of cod liver oil is the improvement of mental health disorders. A study of 21,835 people found the incidence of depression and depressive symptoms such as anxiety decrease with the use of cod liver oil. Findings also reveal fewer symptoms are present with longer durations of supplementation.
Interestingly, studies suggest there may be a link between chronic inflammation, anxiety and depression. The Omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil can lower inflammation thus helping to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Research involving rats reveal cod liver oil is an effective antidepressant agent by increasing the antioxidants and promoting neurogenesis in the hippocampus area of the brain (4).
Major depressive disorder is twice as common in women compared to men. This increased rate is partially related to women's increased likelihood to experience sexual violence, poverty, and higher workloads. Women also report higher levels of empathy and emotional understanding than men. These qualities, while generally positive, are closely tied to worsening depression, anxiety and trauma. However, mental health among men often goes untreated because they are far less likely to seek mental health care than women.
Although both men and women are affected by mental illness, it is oftentimes overlooked in males. Depression and suicide are ranked as a leading causes of death among men in the US. Men die by suicide at a rate four times higher than women with 79% of the 38,364 that die of suicide yearly being men (Mental Health America [MHA], 2020) (17). Male deaths also have higher rates of alcohol-related causes at 62,000 annually in comparison to 26,000 women. Men are also two to three times more likely to misuse drugs than women (17).
Immunity
Cod liver oil with its high Omega-3 and Vitamin D content has been linked to improved immunity (1). Awareness and understanding of another class of bioactive compounds found in minimally processed cold water marine oils is growing. Pro-Resolving Mediators (PRMs) are precursors to resolvins, protectins, lipoxins and maresins, which are collectively known as Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs) (3). These compounds have been described as putting “brakes” on the inflammatory process thus activating the immune system. It’s important to note PRMs are lost in industrialized processing of marine oils due to the application of high heat as well as treatments such as bleaching and winterizing. However, Rosita’s Extra Virgin Cod Liver oil maintains the integrity of these nutrients due to gentle natural extraction methods.
One study showed supplementation with Omega-3 fatty acids, with enhanced levels of PRMs in patients with peripheral artery disease, resulted in a significant impact on immune cell number and function with increased phagocytic activity of peripheral blood monocytes and neutrophils. This also reduced the expression of multiple proinflammatory markers associated with improved outcome in patients with peripheral artery disease.
Another study reported that the combination of Vitamins A, D, and Omega-3 fatty acids at lower levels (as found in cod liver oil) has a synergistic impact on immune function that is comparable to using higher doses of the individual nutrients (11). This helps to reduce inflammation associated with autoimmune disorders and neuroinflammation.
For more information on the use of our EVCLO in supporting immune health for you and your family, check out this awesome article from customer and former LA food business CEO turned farmer and herbalist, Erica Mock. awesome article
Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil
This is what makes Rosita’s extra virgin cod liver oil so special. It is sustainably harvested in the wild and handcrafted from pure Norwegian waters, containing an exceptionally high level of omega-3 fatty acids alongside Vitamins D & A.
Rosita keeps its fish oils as pure and unrefined as possible, retaining all of its precious natural occurring nutrients and meeting strict European standards for quality and safety to ensure that you get the most nutritious premium extra-virgin oils possible. Our fish oils contain a complete range of raw omega fats including omega-3, 4, 6, 7, 9 and 11 and are particularly rich in the long-chain omega-3s (EPA and DHA).
As they’re naturally extracted by hand without the use of heat, the naturally occurring active nutrients in our oils are in the exact form as you’d find in the livers of wild, living codfish. For example, vitamin A is in the form of retinol and vitamin D in the form of cholecalciferol (D3). The inspection process is taken seriously, hand-selecting only the best quality livers before storing within a dark, oxygen-free environment at a temperature just slightly warmer than the ocean. This helps the livers to naturally release the delicate oils without the need for chemicals, heat or pressure. Any contaminants are meticulously removed using an ancient method and then each batch is independently tested for purity before bottling them. Third-party testing has consistently shown that Rosita oils are free from heavy metals and other organic contaminants such as dioxins and PCBs. This practice is extremely costly, but purity is so important to Rosita.
NUTRITIONAL VALUES
Serving Size: 1tsp (5ml)
PER SERVING
Omega-3s
1293 mg
Omega-3 fatty acids found have been shown to improve cognitive function, learning and mental health. They may also help to lower blood pressure, protect the heart and improve circulation, as well as regulating hormone balance and estrogen production.
DHA (Docosahezaenoic Acid)
605 mg
EVCLO is rich in the long-chain fatty acid DHA which helps support the brain. It provides powerful neuroprotective properties, promoting new cell formation and helping to build healthy cell membranes and improve nerve transmission.
EPA
443 mg
EPA is excellent at reducing cellular inflammation in the body such as aches, pain or swelling. It may help to reduce neuro-inflammation such as depression, ADHD, and brain trauma, while maintaining a strong cardiovascular system and boosting joint health.
VITAMIN A
3900 IU
EVCLO provides a natural source of Vitamin A which is essential for vision and eye and skin health. Fat soluble Vitamin A is also needed to help maintain a strong immune system, healthy reproduction and everyday growth and development.
VITAMIN D
395 IU
A natural source of highly-bioavailable Vitamin D, which has been shown to help regulate sleep and improve its quality and duration. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in EVCLO is the same form as we get from the sun, and essential for maintaining strong bones, muscles and teeth.
The nutrient content of Rosita cod liver oil per daily dose of 1 tsp is 510mg EPA / 700mg DHA / 395 IU vitamin D / 3900 IU Vitamin A. It also comes in easy to swallow capsules.
Mays Al-Ali is a registered nutritionist, nutritional therapist & naturopath and certified yoga, breathwork and meditation teacher. She is the founder of the Healthy Mays clinic working with clients to help them achieve their health goals such as gut health, hormone & histamine balancing, weight loss & disordered eating, liver cleansing, stress, anxiety, insomnia, weight balancing and cancer care. She loves teaching yoga & hosting transformational wellness nutrition and yoga retreats and has 2 coming up in Ibiza in 2024. All details found here https://www.healthymays.com/ibizayogaretreats She also posts lots of free yoga & nutrition content & tips on her @healthymays Instagram & facebook channels
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