When is the best time to take cod liver oil for optimal effectiveness?

Jun 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I've heard that giving children cod liver oil is very beneficial for their health. Could you please tell me when is the best time to take cod liver oil for optimal effectiveness?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
As a compound preparation of vitamin A and vitamin D, the optimal time for taking cod liver oil varies depending on individual differences and purposes. Generally, cod liver oil is best taken on an empty stomach in the morning or after breakfast, as this timeframe helps the body rapidly absorb its nutrients and achieve maximum health benefits. For infants and elderly individuals, it is recommended to take it after meals to reduce gastrointestinal irritation. If calcium supplementation is needed, cod liver oil may be taken with calcium tablets before bedtime to enhance calcium absorption. Since the vitamins A and D in cod liver oil are fat-soluble vitamins, excessive intake may cause toxicity. Therefore, it is important to follow the recommended dosage on the physician's advice or product instructions and avoid long-term overuse.