cod liver oil

cod liver oil

an oil pressed from the fresh liver of the cod and purified. It is one of the best-known natural sources of vitamin D, and a rich source of vitamin A. Because cod liver oil is more easily absorbed than other oils, it was formerly widely used as a nutrient and tonic, but it is rarely used today since more efficient sources are available.

The oil has a fishy odor, especially in pork, when the animals are fed on cheap grades of the oil before slaughter. The fat is most tainted and is discolored brown.

The oil gives its name to a form of aspiration or lipid pneumonia caused by overzealous and inefficient oral dosing of cats with the oil.

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cod liver oil poisoning

premixed animal feeds in which cod liver oil has been incorporated are damaged if they are exposed to air. The oil rancidifies and the oxidation destroys the vitamin E in the feed. Cod liver oil also contains a muscle damage agent. Excessive supplementation in young puppies and kittens can also lead to hypervitaminosis A and D.