The best cod liver oil supplement should contain significant quantities of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These two types of omega-3 fatty acids support brain health, heart health, and overall anti-inflammatory effects in the body. Additionally, it should contain high levels of vitamins A and D, which are crucial for maintaining good vision, immune system function, bone health, and proper cellular growth.

Why Should I Take Cod Liver Oil?

Cod liver oil contains many health benefits and covers majority of your RDA (Recommended Daily Allowances) for Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. 1 serving of cod liver covers 90% of your RDA for Vitamin A, 113% of your RDA for Vitamin D, and 800-1000 mg of omega-3 from EPA and DHA.

The Importance of Vitamin D in Your Diet

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is crucial to staying healthy and is important for bone health. Having vitamin D deficiency has been shown to compromise the immune system, cause issues with sleep, affect your digestion negatively, and more.

Low levels of vitamin D are linked to an increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

“results confirm that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a substantially increased risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer disease. This adds to the ongoing debate about the role of vitamin D in nonskeletal conditions”.

Littlejohns TJ, Henley WE, Lang IA, Annweiler C, Beauchet O, Chaves PH, Fried L, Kestenbaum BR, Kuller LH, Langa KM, Lopez OL, Kos K, Soni M, Llewellyn DJ. Vitamin D and the risk of dementia and Alzheimer disease. Neurology. 2014 Sep 2;83(10):920-8. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000000755. Epub 2014 Aug 6. PMID: 25098535; PMCID: PMC4153851.

Vitamin D deficiency is linked to an increase in depression.

“low vitamin D concentration is associated with depression”

Anglin RE, Samaan Z, Walter SD, McDonald SD. Vitamin D deficiency and depression in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Psychiatry. 2013 Feb;202:100-7. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.111.106666. PMID: 23377209.

Getting enough vitamin D is essential and supplementing with cod liver oil accomplishes this need.

Vitamin A and Its Benefits

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble micronutrient that is crucial for various physiological processes in the body. This includes maintaining vision, promoting growth and development, and enhancing immune function.

Important Functions of Vitamin A

1. Growth and Development – Vitamin A is crucial for the growth of cells, organs, and tissues.
2. Reproduction – Vitamin A is essential for reproductive health and fetal development.
3. Eye Vision – Preformed vitamin A protects your eyes from various eye diseases including macular degeneration.
4. Skin Health – Vitamin A helps maintain healthy skin by regulating the growth and development of skin cells.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Its Benefits

Omega-3 fatty acids have many health benefits including lowering the risk of heart disease, assisting with joint health, improving skin hydration, mood regulation, and more.

Benefits of Omega-3 in Your Diet

• Improves memory, concentration, and brain health
• Improves mood and reduces anxiety and depression
• Reduces inflammation and improves hydration to keep skin healthy
• Reduces the risk of heart disease by lowering triglyceride levels
• Reduces joint pain and stiffness

Cod Liver Oil vs. Fish Oil

Fish oil and cod liver oil are both dietary supplements that come from fish but have differences in their nutrient content and health benefits.

Cod liver oil contains higher levels of Vitamin A and D compared to Fish Oil and the amounts are perfectly balanced. However, fish oil has higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.

Cod Liver Oil Liquid Vs. Capsule

Both pill and liquid form of cod liver oil have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice between the two forms may depend on factors such as absorption rate, taste, convenience, and dosage.

Pill Form

Pros

• More portable and easier to take with you
• Tasteless and less odor
• easier to take with the recommended dosage

Cons

• May be difficult to consume for some individuals
• Harder to customize the dosage for a specific amount
• Slower to absorb compared to liquid form

Liquid Form

Pros

• More natural form
• Easier absorption
• May contain more nutrients since it is less processed
• Easy to customize the dosage to get a specific amount of nutrients

Cons

• More unpleasant taste and odor
• Not as portable and convenient as the pill form
• Costs more than the pill form

If you have difficulty swallowing pills, the obvious choice is the liquid form.

If you prefer a more convenient and portable option, then cod liver oil in pill form may be the better choice. They are easy to take on the go and offer a tasteless and odorless option. Pills are also easier to measure, which can help ensure that you are getting the correct dosage.

If you prefer a more natural form of cod liver oil, then the liquid form is the better option. Since the liquid form is typically less processed, it may contain more nutrients (such as vitamins A and D). Additionally, some people find that liquid cod liver oil is easier to absorb and is faster-acting than pills.

Overall, the choice between the pill and liquid form will depend on your individual preferences, needs, and lifestyle.

Best Cod Liver Oil to Buy

Buy Cod Liver Oil in Pill Form

1. NOW Cod Liver Oil Extra Strength – Each soft gel contains 1000 mg of cod liver oil.
2. Icelandic Wildcaught Cod Liver Oil – Each serving of 2 soft gels contains 1000 mg of cod liver oil.
3. Carlson Cod Liver Oil – Each serving of 2 soft gels contains 2000 mg of cod liver oil.

Buy Cod Liver Oil in Liquid Form

1. Rosita Wild & Raw Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil – 1tsp contains 1293 mg of omega-3s with 3900 IU of vitamin A and 395 IU of vitamin D.
2. Carlson Cod Liver Oil (Liquid) – Each serving of 5ml contains 5g of cod liver oil.

References

1. Huang Z, Liu Y, Qi G, Brand D, Zheng SG. Role of Vitamin A in the Immune System. J Clin Med. 2018 Sep 6;7(9):258. doi: 10.3390/jcm7090258. PMID: 30200565; PMCID: PMC6162863.
2. Wu J, Cho E, Willett WC, Sastry SM, Schaumberg DA. Intakes of Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Other Carotenoids and Age-Related Macular Degeneration During 2 Decades of Prospective Follow-up. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2015 Dec;133(12):1415-24. doi: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2015.3590. PMID: 26447482; PMCID: PMC5119484.
3. Clagett-Dame M, Knutson D. Vitamin A in reproduction and development. Nutrients. 2011 Apr;3(4):385-428. doi: 10.3390/nu3040385. Epub 2011 Mar 29. PMID: 22254103; PMCID: PMC3257687.
4. Raeder MB, Steen VM, Vollset SE, Bjelland I. Associations between cod liver oil use and symptoms of depression: the Hordaland Health Study. J Affect Disord. 2007 Aug;101(1-3):245-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2006.11.006. Epub 2006 Dec 19. PMID: 17184843.