Evidence supporting the use of: Cod liver oil
For the body system: Eyes

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Cod liver oil is used to support eye health primarily due to its high content of vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which have established roles in maintaining vision and overall ocular health. Vitamin A is essential for the function of rhodopsin, a protein in the eyes that allows for low-light (night) vision. Deficiency in vitamin A can lead to night blindness and more severe eye disorders, such as xerophthalmia and, in extreme cases, complete blindness. Cod liver oil has been used historically and continues to be recommended as a dietary source of preformed vitamin A (retinol), which is directly usable by the body.

Additionally, cod liver oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, notably EPA and DHA, which are important structural components of retinal cells. Some research suggests that higher intake of these fatty acids is associated with a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and dry eye syndrome. However, the evidence is mixed for omega-3 supplementation in preventing or treating these conditions, and cod liver oil is not always the preferred source due to its high vitamin A content, which can be toxic at excessive doses.

Overall, the scientific support for cod liver oil’s role in eye health is moderate. Its benefit is well-established in preventing vitamin A deficiency-related eye disease, but evidence for its omega-3 components in other eye disorders is less robust. Therefore, cod liver oil can support eye health when used appropriately, mainly as a vitamin A source.

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3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
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anchovies
anthocyanidins
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barbary matrimony vine
bee products
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beta-carotene
beta-zeacarotene
bilberry
bioflavonoids
black currant
blackberry
Blakeslea trispora
blueberry
broccoli
calamari oil
cantaloupe
capsanthin
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carotene (unspecified)
carrot
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chickweed
Chinese Ligustrum berry
chrysanthemum
citicoline
cocklebur
cod liver oil
cornflower
Cornus
crocetin
crocin
Crypthecodinium
cryptoxanthin
currant
cyanidin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
docosahexaenoic Acid
Dunaliella
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egg
eicosapentaenoic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
ergothioneine
Eyebright
Fagopyrum
fat liver oil
fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
fish
fish oil
flavoglycosides
flavonoids
flavonols
fruit
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
Gac
gamma-carotene
ginkgo flavone glycoside
Glutathione
goji berry
gooseberry
Haematococcus pluvialis
haliotis
herbal blend (proprietary)
huckleberry
hyaluronic acid
Idebenone
kale
L-carnosine
L-taurine
Ligustrum
lipids
lutein
Lycium
marigold
Marine fat
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Melatonin
Mineral ascorbate
mixed carotenoids
Morus
Mulberry
N-Acetyl Carnosine
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
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pine bark
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polyphenols
polyunsaturated fat
proanthocyanidins
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riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose
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rutin
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spinach
Tagetes
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trace minerals
Triphala
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vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin E
Xanthophyll
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Products containing cod liver oil

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.