Vitamin D from Cod Liver Oil?

Question

My doctor told me I have a vitamin D deficiency and I should take 1000 mg of vitamin D per day. I called my mom (she uis a nurse) and she said I should take Cod Liver oil. I bought some, but I'd have to drink a whole bottle a day just to get 1000 mg of Vitamin D. Is cod liver oil a better source? Should I supplement with some vitamin D tablets?

Answer 1

I'm not sure if your mom misunderstood or not, but you should NOT get that high of a dose of Vitamin D from Cod Liver Oil because you would overdose on Vitamin A.

Your best bet would be to get a capsule or softgel of Vitamin D-3 (Cholecalciferol). That is the best form to get in higher doses (so you don't have to worry as much about overdosing, but still stick with the 1,000 IU that your doctor recommended), and it will be most absorbable in a capsule or softgel. Good luck!

Answer 2

Vitamin D fortified cod liver oil capsules generally contain 4,000 IU of vitamin A and 400 IU of vitamin D so you normally take one a day.

Plain cod liver oil capsules contain vitamin D as well but in much smaller amounts than the vitamin D fortified cod liver oil capsules.

Answer 3

The typical vitamin D dosage is 2,000-3,000 IU for a 150 pound person, or 1 teaspoon of cod liver oil for each 50 pounds of body weight. Sullivan recommends seeking out a health care provider knowledgeable in vitamin D supplementation. Use cod liver oil during the winter months and switch to a fish oil omega-3 supplement during months when exposed to sunshine is possible.



It is safe to obtain vitamin D from the sun's UVB radiation or from foods. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is found in eggs, animal fat, and cod liver oil. Do not eat fish to secure vitamin D in your diet. The fish available to us is not safe to eat. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) found in plants is less biologically active and is toxic at high dose levels, above 10,000 units per day. So dont go for that.

Beside that if u think drinking cod liver oil is a bit difficult process for you( coz for me it is) , u can take cod liver oil capsules avialable by the name "Seven Seas".

Hope I helped.

Wish u get well soon.