Cod Liver Oil and Vitamin A
The Link Between Vitamin A Deficiency and Measles
AI-generated image using Copilot by Raven Townsend
Cod Liver Oil and Vitamin A
Cod liver oil is a natural source of vitamin A, as well as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. Historically, it has been used as a dietary supplement to prevent vitamin A deficiency and support overall health. Given its vitamin A content, cod liver oil could theoretically assist with replenishing vitamin A levels in cases of deficiency. However, it is not recommended for treating measles directly or as a preventive measure for the disease.
The Role of Vitamin A in Immunity
Vitamin A is essential for a healthy immune system. It supports the production of white blood cells that fight off infections and helps maintain the health of skin and mucous membranes, which act as the body's first line of defense against pathogens. When vitamin A levels are low, these protective barriers weaken, leaving individuals more vulnerable to infections like measles.
How Measles Affects Vitamin A Levels
Measles not only takes a toll on the immune system but also depletes the body’s stores of vitamin A. This creates a vicious cycle: vitamin A deficiency weakens the immune system, making the disease more severe, and the disease further reduces vitamin A levels. This cycle is especially dangerous for children, as it can lead to complications such as prolonged illness, blindness, or even death.
Addressing Vitamin A Deficiency in Measles Cases
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vitamin A supplementation for children diagnosed with measles, particularly in regions where vitamin A deficiency is common. Administering vitamin A during treatment has been shown to reduce the severity of the disease and prevent complications.
The amounts of vitamin A needed to treat measles-related deficiency are significantly higher than the amounts typically found in dietary supplements like cod liver oil. Consuming high doses of vitamin A can be toxic, so it's crucial to rely on medically supervised supplementation rather than self-administered remedies. While cod liver oil can be a valuable part of a balanced diet, it should not replace vaccination or other medically advised treatments.
References
World Health Organization. "Vitamin A Supplementation." WHO Vitamin A Guidelines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Complications of Measles." CDC Measles Overview.
Harvard Health Publishing. "Cod Liver Oil: A Cure for the Common Deficiency?" Harvard Health Cod Liver Oil.
Cod liver oil is a natural source of vitamin A, as well as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.
We carry fermented Cod Liver oil supplements at Townsend Draft Goods because “…\extracting the oil via fermentation rather than using chemical and/or mechanical processes… yields an oil with all of its natural compounds intact, readily identifiable and usable by the body.” - Green Pasture
Other Sources for Cod Liver Oil
Screenshot from Amazon of on target living Alaskan Cod Liver Oil with organic lemon
