Valerie Grassier, age 9, of Dover, Del., for her question:

IS COD LIVER OIL IMPORTANT FOR YOU?

Cod liver oil is a thin, pale yellow oil made from the fresh livers of codfish. Once not too long ago it was considered to be an important food for infants and young people, and it is still used today by many. However, cod liver oil has largely been replaced by man made substitutes containing comparable amounts of vitamins A and D.

A slightly fishy odor and taste are noted with cod liver oil. It does, however, contain large amounts of vitamins A and D and is very easily digested by the body.

Also, cod liver oil prevents such nutritional diseases as rickets. Persons who get poor food and little sunshine have the greatest need for cod liver oil.

Cod liver oil is used in treating some forms of tuberculosis.

Cod liver oil may also have some value in healing injured tissue and it can be applied directly to the skin.

Cod fish live along both shores of the North Atlantic Ocean, as far south as France and Virginia. The Alaskan cod of the North Pacific Ocen and Bering Sea is also important for food and oil.