A study to examine any difference in absorption of cod-liver oil when taken fasting compared to during a meal by examining changes in blood lipid levels.

Healthy volunteers (two male and three female in each group) took cod-liver oil supplements in either the fasting (before breakfast) or fed (with lunch) state for 14 days. After a 14-day break the groups treatments were reversed. Blood pressure and pulse were monitored and blood samples analysed for total lipid, total and HDL cholesterol at 2-weekly intervals. One male and one female volunteer acted as controls, having measurements taken but no blood samples. No changes in pulse rate or blood pressure or clotting times were noted, but the ratio of HDL cholesterol to total cholesterol changed in different directions according to time of consumption in those consuming cod-liver oil.