Kirkman® offers Cod Liver Oil with Vitamins A & D in soft, gelatin capsules that are easy to swallow. Kirkman’s cod liver oil is an excellent product that we believe is superior to most similar products in the marketplace.
All versions of our cod liver oil products contain all natural vitamins A and D. No synthetic standardization has occurred. In addition, our oil has been vacuum-dried and deodorized, plus it has gone through a filtration and distillation process to remove heavy metals, pesticides and PCBs. A complete analysis of the oil has verified the absence of these compounds to detectable limits. Results of these analyses are available on request.
Cod liver oil is being used in children's health based on the findings of Dr. Mary Megson of Richmond, Virginia to help support vitamin A absorption. Cod liver oil contains 10% of the cis form of vitamin A, as well as "14 hydroxyretroretinol." Dr. Megson has found that these natural forms of vitamin A in cod liver oil stimulate retinoid receptors.
It is important when using cod liver oil to be extremely careful in selecting a source. Many cod liver oils available in traditional outlets are standardized with synthetic vitamin A palmitate. Furthermore, much of the oil available can be contaminated or contain elevated levels of heavy metals, pesticides or PCBs. It is also critical to ensure that cod liver oil is stable and does not turn rancid.
Cod liver oil can become rancid over time from exposure to air and heat by autoxidation. When this occurs, peroxides develop in the oil. Kirkman® adds vitamin E to our cod liver oil to stop any potential oxidation process. In addition, a peroxide test is performed on the oil to ensure a value that will assure freshness. The European Pharmacopeia allows up to 10.0 millequivalents/kilogram of peroxides in cod liver oil to be considered fresh and non-rancid. Kirkman's product has a typical peroxide value of only 2.9 mEq/kg.
Other properties of natural cod liver oil
Fish oils are generally a source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Cod liver oil is no exception. Each ½ teaspoon of Kirkman’s cod liver oil contains 250 mg. of EPA and 250 mg. of DHA. Each of Kirkman’s cod liver oil gelcaps contains 50 mg. each of EPA and DHA.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be important in normal development, cardiovascular health, and in neurological health. Many of the doctors with whom Kirkman® works recommend supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids. A laboratory profile of amino acids is often done to determine which type of product is required.
Forms of Kirkman’s cod liver oil
Kirkman® offers cod liver oil in both soft gelatin capsule form and in a liquid. Both forms have the same purified oil. The liquid is also available in a flavored version, containing natural lemon and lime oils.
Soft gelatin capsules each contain:
1250 IU Vitamin A
135 IU Vitamin D
The liquid contains per ½ teaspoon:
2500 IU Vitamin A
250 IU Vitamin D
Dr. Mary Megson's dosage recommendations are:
2-5 years of age: ½ teaspoon daily (or two capsules)
5-10 years of age: ¾ teaspoon daily (or three capsules)
over 10 years old: 1 teaspoon daily (or four capsules)