Cod liver oil

Cod liver oil (obsolete: " Fabriktran " ) is a thin, pale yellow oil which from the liver of cod, cod, haddock and domestic species of sharks - is obtained by pressing or heating - but not whales, see Tran. It consists of easily digestible fat, contains omega -3 fatty acids, iodine, phosphorus, vitamin E and relatively high amounts of vitamin A and D.

History

The excellent efficacy of cod liver oil against rickets was discovered in 1824 by German scientists, about two years after it became known that sunlight can be used in the form of then-popular sun cures, also for the prevention or treatment of this disease. The chemist Hans Brockmann (1903-1988) was from fish liver oils isolate an active ingredient which was called vitamin D3. This is the antirachitic component of cod liver oil, which is used to combat rickets often.

Application

Cod liver oil is used as a tonic especially for childhood diseases and malnutrition as well as for the prevention of rickets: taken orally (also English disease ). Children in the Federal Republic was given fully to the 1960s for the prevention and strengthening daily spoon. The taste is considered pushy. Cod liver oil from cod liver Canned contrast, represents a ( food ) oil with only subtle fish note

At high intake levels of vitamins A and D can be harmful ( hypervitaminosis ). You can for example lead to a reduction in bone density and thus favor of osteoporosis. In addition, liver changes, hair loss, certain neurological problems, birth defects, and many other negative consequences may occur.

Cod liver oil is also used in the preparation of ointments. Similarly, it is often used for pain relief for arthritis.