What is "cod liver oil"

alt. oil derived from the liver of codfish, often used as a nutritional supplement due to its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, and very high levels of vitamin A and vitamin D. n. oil derived from the liver of codfish, often used as a nutritional supplement due to its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, and very high levels of vitamin A and vitamin D.

n. an oil obtained from the livers of cod and similar fishes; taken orally as a source of vitamins A and D [syn: cod-liver oil]

Cod liver oil is a nutritional supplement derived from liver of cod fish ( Gadidae). As with most fish oils, it has high levels of the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Cod liver oil also contains vitamin A and vitamin D. It has historically been taken because of its vitamin A and vitamin D content. It was once commonly given to children, because vitamin D has been shown to prevent rickets and other symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.

"Cod Liver Oil" is a song about a traditional medicinal drink for many Newfoundlanders. Cod liver oil in the traditional way of manufacture was sun cured and served in bottles in its raw form. The song was written by Johnny Burke (1851–1930), a balladeer from St. John's, Newfoundland. It has been recorded by the Irish band The Dubliners and by Newfoundland folk rock Band Great Big Sea on their album The Hard and the Easy.

The song is played to the melody of the traditional Irish sean-nós song "An Lacha Bacach" ( Irish: The Lame Duck), as famously portrayed by Nell Ní Chróinín.