Cod liver oil is a supplement for many years. It is known for its potent combination of some vitamins and other nutrients. These nutrients are important for the body which support the heart to be healthy, improve joint functions, and help you to improve your immune system. Besides many benefits there are chances of cod liver oil side effects on the kidney.
Most people use liver oil in moderation. But consuming it can cause side effects for those people who are already suffering from any kidney disease. Along with who consumes it in excessive amounts. Once your kidney won’t work properly you have to go through with kidney transplant, because kidney transplant provides maximum life. In this blog, we will explain how cod liver oil has side effects on the kidney and types of side effects.
What Is Cod Liver Oil?
Cod liver oil is a supplement obtained from the liver of codfish. It contains some nutrients such as omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin A and vitamin D, which are important for various functions in the body. Omega-3s are known as anti-inflammatory properties which are beneficial for heart health and brain function. Vitamin A is an important nutrient for vision, immune support and skin health. Vitamin D is beneficial for bone health, helps with calcium absorption and immune function.
10 Cod Liver Oil Side Effects on Kidney
There are several cod liver oil side effects on the kidney, and it can cause kidney damage. Below are the 10 major side effects.
Excessive Vitamin A
Cod liver oil is rich in Vitamin A, it is important for health but can be toxic if we consume it in high amounts. For that person who is living with kidney problems those can eliminate excess vitamin A and leading toxicity. This is the reason for some symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and dizziness and also damage to the kidney.
Risk of Kidney Stones
Cod liver oil contains high levels of vitamin A and D. It can cause the formation of kidney stones. Vitamin A and D can influence calcium metabolism and can deposit calcium in the kidney which may form the stone. To prevent this you have to take precautions and follow the kidney stone diet chart that is provided by a healthcare professional.
Electrolyte Imbalance
One of the major cod liver oil side effects on kidney is fluctuations of electrolyte in the body. Omega 3 found in cod liver oil and vitamin D which can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the body. It might be harmful for those people who have kidney diseases because the kidney regulates electrolytes. Fluctuation in the amount of sodium, potassium, and calcium levels in our body can be the reason for serious complications. It also includes heart arrhythmias and muscle weakness.
High Potassium (Hyperkalemia)
Potassium is a mineral which is important for normal muscle and nerve functions. Processing of potassium might be difficult for people with kidney problems. Large amount of potassium from any supplement can build up in bloodstream, hyperkalemia. It can be dangerous for heart rhythm and shows the understanding of cod liver oil side effects on kidney.
Risk of Bleeding
Cod liver oil side effects on kidney can occur because omega 3 fatty acid in cod liver oil work as a natural blood thinners but increase the risk of bleeding who is on blood thinning medication. Blood thinning can be beneficial for heart health. Surgeries and minor injuries can be complicates.
High Strain on Kidneys
If you consume cod liver oil it can be process by the liver but when you consume it in excessive quantities it put additional strain on kidney. Kidney may struggle to filter out toxins and lead more damage to kidney who already have issues with their kidney.
Excessive Vitamin D
Vitamin D play a important role for bone health but excessive vitamin D amount in our body can cause hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia is a condition where calcium level in blood it too high. This can cause more stress on kidney and responsible for regulating calcium. If calcium amount in body it more than adequate it can cause of failure and damage kidney.
Nausea and Digestion Problems
Taking heavy doses of cod liver oil can lead digestive issues like nausea, diarrhea, and cramps in stomach. These symptoms do not relate directly to kidney function, but excessive cod liver oil can exacerbate dehydration or imbalance in the body, which impact kidney.
Kidney Medications
If an individual already has chronic kidney disease so consuming liver oil can harmful for them. If they are taking certain medications to control blood pressure and potassium level, it may cause kidney infection and other complications.
Fatigue and Weakness
Overdoses of cod liver oil can cause side effects on kidney. It can lead fatigue, muscle weakness, and joint problems. Who are suffering from kidney diseases their body is already under stress, and these symptoms are worst for them. This can impact body to be healthy and complications for long term.
Tips to Prevent Cod Liver Oil Side Effects on Kidney
Here are some points to remember while consuming cod liver oil to prevent side effects on kidneys.
- Choose a high-quality and branded cod liver oil because some cheap and low quality cod liver oil contain impurity and heavy toxins.
- Cod liver oil contain vitamin A and D, which affect calcium metabolism. Consider cod liver oil supplement with magnesium, which helps to balance calcium.
- Cod liver oil can cause of excretion of nutrients and electrolyte. Hydrate well so that it can balance them.
- Take normal dosage of cod liver oil because excessive dose of it can strain kidney function. Recommended dosage of it is 1-2 teaspoons for adult.
- Monitor your kidney functions and test blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels sometimes. Regular use of cod liver oil may impact kidney health over the time.
Conclusion
Cod liver oil provide several benefits but there are some cod liver oil side effects on the kidney, which we have discussed above. Cod liver oil offers important things like omega 3 fatty acid, vitamin A and D. But more than adequate consumption of it can cause kidney complications. So remember some points to prevent side effects on the kidney.