Best Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil was historically a popular health food given to children.  The vitamin D in cod liver oil helped in the prevention of rickets, a skeletal disorder caused by a vitamin D deficiency during development.² Although rickets is no longer a common disease in modern society, you can still gain skeletal benefits such as increased bone density by taking cod liver oil.³  Similarly, the vitamin A content in cod liver oil can help you maintain healthy eyes and prevent ocular diseases such as glaucoma.⁴  The omega-3 fatty acids come with a plethora of health benefits as well.  Lower triglycerides, higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL, “good cholesterol”), and better mental health have been reported by people taking DHA and EPA supplements.⁵ Overall, the nutrients found in cod liver oil have strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Cod liver oil shares many similarities with other fish oil supplements, including the high amounts of DHA and EPA.  However, standard fish oil supplements do not contain the extra vitamins that cod liver oil does: vitamins A, D, and E.  Insufficient vitamin D is a widespread problem across the United States and the rest of the world, and physicians and nutritionists regularly recommend people consume more vitamin D daily than a typical diet provides.⁶  If you are hoping to improve your bone, joint, eye, and skin health, or just get the best nutrition from your supplements, you might want to consider taking cod liver oil rather than typical fish oil supplements.  Fortunately, cod liver oil is now also available is easy-to-swallow capsule forms, so you don’t need to endure its unpleasant taste.

First of all, not everyone should be taking cod liver oil. For example, if you are pregnant, have asthma, or are taking an anticoagulant such as warfarin, you probably should avoid cod liver oil.⁷ Consult with your doctor before taking cod liver oil as a supplement to make sure that it is okay for you and your specific state of health.

Another thing to keep in mind is potential toxicity.  Although you would have to take a fair amount, it is possible to overdose on Vitamin A.  Make sure you aren’t consuming more than the upper intake level of 3,000 μg (10,000 units) of Vitamin A per day for typical adults.  Some types of cod liver oil contain reduced amounts of vitamin A to avoid excessive intake. 

Also, since fats and oils can store toxins, check for brands that have been purified and have been tested for contaminants (the United States Pharmacopeia symbol is a good indicator).  Watch for brands that add synthetic vitamins to their oils to make up for manufacturing processes that diminish the natural vitamin content.

Because cod liver oil can potentially contain toxins, be sure you choose a reputable brand when selecting a variety.  Here are a few that are highly rated based on testing for high natural vitamin and low toxin contents:

Best Cod Liver Oil Category (See All of them)

Best Cod Liver Oil (Liquid)

• Carlson Cod Liver Oil 
• Nordic Naturals Artic Cod Liver Oil 
• NutraPro International Virgin Cod Liver Oil

Best Cod Liver Oil (Gel Caps)

• Nordic Naturals Artic Cod Liver Oil Gel Caps
• Dropi Pure Icelandic Cod Liver Oil Extra Virgin
• Rosita Wild Foods Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil
• Green Pasture Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil