Can 70-Year-Old Women Safely Take Cod Liver Oil and Evening Primrose Oil?

Is it safe to eat?

Hello, I would like to ask some questions regarding health supplements.
The capsule containing cod liver oil and evening primrose oil has a capacity of 1000 μm.
What are the benefits of this capsule? Can a healthy 70-year-old woman consume it? Thank you!

CC, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/08/30

Dr. Lin Meili reply Pharmacology

Cod liver oil and evening primrose oil are both health supplements, and it is recommended to follow the instructions for each specific product.
The following information is sourced from Yahoo for your reference.
Due to the various benefits of evening primrose oil for women's health, it should be a priority choice for women in the health supplement market.
Like cod liver oil, it can reduce the incidence of thrombosis and is composed of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids.
During metabolism in the body, it replaces arachidonic acid derived from peanut oil, which produces inflammatory endogenous factors such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and thromboxane (Thromboxane X2) that trigger coagulation responses.
Therefore, in addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, evening primrose oil also helps reduce coagulation responses and prevent thrombosis (E.J.
Steven, et al., "Prostacyclin release in experimental diabetes: effect of evening primrose oil," Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids, Sept 1993; 49(3): 699-701).

The dosage varies from person to person, but the most common form of evening primrose oil on the market is soft gel capsules of approximately 500 mg each.
The effective daily dosage depends on individual needs.
For general maintenance in elderly individuals and those with chronic diseases, a daily intake of three to four 500 mg soft gel capsules is recommended.
For premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a clinical trial conducted in 1981 at St.
Thomas Hospital in London found that taking four 500 mg capsules of evening primrose oil twice daily for two weeks before menstruation resulted in 61% of PMS patients reporting near-complete symptom relief, while 25% experienced partial improvement.
A maintenance dose of half that amount can be taken regularly.

For patients with inflammatory conditions such as autoimmune diseases, allergic diseases, and arthritis, I recommend combining evening primrose oil with cod liver oil.
For example, taking three to four capsules of fish oil containing 1000 mg with 300 mg of EPA and DHA (Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) daily, along with four to six capsules of 500 mg evening primrose oil, should provide better maintenance effects than using evening primrose oil alone.
Of course, if budget allows, combining it with "shark cartilage powder" mentioned earlier would also be beneficial.
(This article is excerpted from Chang Chun Monthly, June 1998, P76-79) Sincerely, Pharmacist Lin Mei-Li.

Reply Date: 2004/08/30

More Info

Cod liver oil and evening primrose oil are both popular dietary supplements that offer various health benefits, particularly for older adults. Let's delve into the specifics of these supplements and their suitability for a healthy 70-year-old woman.

Cod Liver Oil: This oil is derived from the liver of cod fish and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), vitamin A, and vitamin D. The omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and cardiovascular benefits. They can help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, and improve overall heart health. Additionally, vitamin D is crucial for bone health, which is particularly important for older adults who are at a higher risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin A supports immune function and vision.

Evening Primrose Oil: This oil is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose plant and is high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid. Evening primrose oil is often used to alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause, as well as to support skin health and reduce inflammation. Some studies suggest that GLA may help with conditions like eczema and rheumatoid arthritis.

Safety and Dosage: For a healthy 70-year-old woman, both cod liver oil and evening primrose oil can be beneficial, but it is essential to consider a few factors:
1. Consultation with Healthcare Provider: Before starting any new supplement, it is advisable for her to consult with her healthcare provider, especially considering her age and any underlying health conditions she may have. This is crucial to ensure that there are no contraindications with her current medications or health status.

2. Dosage: The typical dosage for cod liver oil varies, but it is often recommended to take 1 to 2 teaspoons per day, which can provide adequate omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and D. For evening primrose oil, a common dosage is around 500 mg to 1,000 mg per day, but this can vary based on individual needs.

3. Potential Interactions: Both supplements can interact with certain medications. For example, omega-3 fatty acids can have a blood-thinning effect, which may be a concern for individuals on anticoagulant medications. Evening primrose oil may also affect blood clotting, so caution is advised if she is taking blood thinners.

4. Health Conditions: If the woman has any specific health conditions, such as liver disease or a history of hormone-sensitive cancers, she should be particularly cautious. Evening primrose oil, for instance, may not be recommended for individuals with certain hormone-sensitive conditions.

5. Quality of Supplements: It is important to choose high-quality supplements from reputable brands to ensure purity and potency. Look for products that are third-party tested for contaminants, especially for cod liver oil, which can accumulate toxins from the environment.

In conclusion, a healthy 70-year-old woman can generally benefit from taking cod liver oil and evening primrose oil, provided she consults with her healthcare provider and follows recommended dosages. These supplements can support heart health, bone health, and overall well-being. However, individual health circumstances must be taken into account to ensure safety and efficacy. Regular monitoring and adjustments based on her health status will help maximize the benefits of these supplements.

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