Excess cod liver oil harmful during pregnancy

A high intake of cod liver oil during pregnancy increases the risk of developing high blood pressure. Researchers from the Public Health Institute of Iceland in Reykjavik, found that many people take cod liver oil as a regular dietary supplement, but pregnant women should be wary. The researchers studied 488 healthy pregnant women, and asked them to complete a questionnaire on the use of cod-liver oil and other nutritional supplements and lifestyle factors. The questionnaire was completed between 11 and 15 weeks into pregnancy and again between 34 and 37 weeks. The likelihood of developing hypertension during pregnancy was nearly 5 times higher for women who took a daily tablespoonful of cod liver oil, as compared to those who took less or none. Prevention of high blood pressure during pregnancy is of clinical importance and it might be useful to recommend that healthy pregnant women consume cod liver oil supplements in small - moderate amounts, avoiding large doses. Even a daily tablespoon or more may be too much during pregnancy. The likelihood of developing high blood pressure (BP) in pregnancy was increased with daily intakes of one tablespoon of cod liver oil. However, the likelihood of developing high BP was lowest among women who on average consumed about one teaspoon of cod liver oil a day. That's equivalent to 1 gram per day of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid. It is not advisable to avoid cod liver oil during pregnancy, but rather to consume it in moderation, i.e. one teaspoon a day.