These days, the term “cod liver oil” carries a distinctly nostalgic connotation, conjuring images of a murky spoonful administered by a school nurse or a stern Dickensian headmaster.
Many remedies from the 18th and 19th centuries have not endured the test of time. For example, we no longer routinely prescribe opiates to crying infants, and syrup of figs and castor oil have fallen out of favor as universal remedies, despite their effectiveness in treating constipation—perhaps a bit too effectively for some. And when was the last time you visited a pharmacy for brimstone and treacle?
Yet, cod liver oil stands out as one of the few remedies from the era of snake oil and patent medicines that actually has substance. Extracted from heating the livers of codfish and collecting the oil that seeps out, this liquid is incredibly rich in vitamins D and A. Long before the discovery of vitamins—an advancement that would come years later—parents and caregivers observed that children who received cod liver oil were less likely to develop rickets, a childhood bone disease that leads to the term “rickety” and can cause severe complications like seizures and heart issues.
Despite its benefits, cod liver oil was often challenging to swallow. Like all oils, it can quickly become rancid when exposed to oxygen, resulting in a notably unpleasant fishy taste. However, there was a seemingly more palatable way to obtain vitamin D: basking in sunlight, allowing enzymes beneath the skin to produce the vitamin naturally.
In fact, the sun remains one of the most effective sources of vitamin D. The body synthesizes it when skin is exposed to sunlight, making it a simple and enjoyable method of ensuring adequate vitamin D levels without the unpleasant taste of cod liver oil.
While the historical significance of cod liver oil cannot be denied, it serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come in understanding nutrition and health. Today, we have a broader range of options for supplementing our diets with vitamins and minerals, reflecting advances in science and medicine. Cod liver oil may have its place in the annals of health history, but the modern approach to health and wellness has evolved significantly, offering more effective and palatable solutions.
