Melrose has been bottling Cod Liver Oil since 1987.
When the TGA licensed our Cod Liver Oil in 1991, the amount of Vitamin A and Vitamin D was regulated at a dose of 2,500IU of Vitamin A and 320IU of Vitamin D per 4mL. We selected 4mL as our standard dose because in 1987 the 5mL metric teaspoon was hardly known and everyone had a kitchen teaspoon that measured about 4mL.
For much of the year, Cod Liver Oil contains natural concentrations of Vitamin A & D in the above amounts, however, in early spring, the Vitamin A & D levels increase quite significantly. In order to reduce the Vitamin A & D to the regulated levels, a certain portion of the Vitamin A & D is removed by molecular distillation.
In late autumn and winter, the natural levels of Vitamin A & D are at their lowest, and it is necessary to top up the amount in our Cod Liver Oil with the previously retained Vitamin A & D in order to meet the respective regulated levels.
Apr 22nd, 2008 at 4:47 am
Thanks for the information Geoff. Could you also tell us the difference between Melrose Cod Liver Oil and high vitamin Cod Liver Oils? My little girls have trouble swallowing their full dose and I had been considering a denser product, but perhaps it is more processed? Thanks!
Dear Helen,
You can purchase Cod Liver Oil that is higher in Vitamin A&D, but the added A&D vitamins to reach higher concentrations are synthetic. Melrose Cod Liver Oil has the natural Vitamins A&D, as occur naturally in the Cod. In adding synthetic Vitamins A&D you can add much higher concentrations than occur naturally, so it is a choice of which you prefer.
I hope this helps.
Geoff Steinicke
Apr 28th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Hi Geoff,
Thanks for the info, I’m a dedicated Melrose cod liver oil guzzler. I was not aware of this extra level of processing for quantitative concentration consistency of Vits A and D. Could you explain what happens to the oil during molecular distillation and what is known about changes in the therapeutic value or properties of the oil after this process (of both subtraction and addition).
Best regards,
Sam
May 4th, 2008 at 3:48 am
Goss, I’m a bit confused now. Why does some of the natural A & D need to be taken out in the first place? Why can’t it just be left alone with its naturally occurring high and low levels of A & D?
kind regards.
Thanks Cathy
as our product is registered with the TGA we must comply with the registered product dosages, and provide consistent quality.
Hope that helps
Regards
Benedict Hughes
on behalf of Melrose Health