Difference between fish oil and cod liver oil

by Ann
(US)

I would appreciate it if you please explain the difference between fish oils and cod liver oil. Which is the best to take for improving my overall health?


Ann


MY ANSWER:

A very common question Ann.

Here's your answer.

Omega 3 Fish oil supplements are nutritional supplements containing oil derived from the fatty flesh of cold water fish such as Salmon, Mackerel, and Tuna.

The key active ingredients in fish oil supplements responsible for the fantastic range of powerful health benefits are Omega 3 fatty acids - particularly DHA (docosahexaenoic acid ) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).

Recently DHA is providing itself to be more beneficial than EPA. In fact I now believe that the main reason for taking fish oil supplements is to get DHA into your body!

To read a scientific study on DHA and see why it offers the greatest benefits of fish oil supplements follow this link.

DHA and EPA are known as essential fatty acids because they are an essential dietary requirement for humans. Our bodies need them to perform vitally important functions, but are unable to manufacture them.

Therefore, we must take them in from outside sources (food and/or dietary supplements).

Cod liver oil is collected from the livers of white fish, like cod and sometimes halibut.

Cod liver oil contains vitamins A and D and has a different concentration of EPA and DHA than fish oil.

Cod liver oil has a higher ratio of DHA to EPA, while fish oils have a higher ratio of EPA to DHA.

BUT, overall, fish oils have almost DOUBLE the amount of total EPA and DHA than cod liver oil per same size supplement capsule.

So, to get more DHA bang for your buck and power up your health its better to use fish oil.

P.S. Please take a look at my vitamin supplement reviews which you can find in my best vitamin supplements comparisons chart


Stay Well,
Brett

Comments for Difference between fish oil and cod liver oil

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Jan 27, 2014
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by: BD

Thank you. I can make a more informed decision.
Aug 18, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		Taking both together fish oil and cod live oil
by: Anonymous

Would you be doing any harm by including both fish oil and cod liver oil in your regimen ?


ANSWER:

There would be no harm to take both oils. Since they are both fish oils I normally would suggest it is enough to take just one - which in my opinion is fish oil - however it ultimately depends on your circumstances and the reason you want to include cod liver oil.

As mentioned below in one of the comments sent in by a reader, if you are a strict vegetarian or have been diagnosed with a vitamin A or particularly vitamin D deficiency, then Cod Liver oil will be beneficial and would support including both oils in your supplement regime. If not then it is up to you but there is no harm in combining.

Just be aware of how much vitamin D and vitamin A you are consuming if you are taking in extra of these as isolated supplements or through a multi nutrient vitamin/health supplement.
Dec 18, 2012
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by: bob vackar

The answer was right on when it comes to taking Fish Oil for improving the cardiovascular [heart] system. Othewise for the ability to fight cancer, better general health and to improve the eye health go with Cod Liver Oil.
Aug 19, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Answer
by: Wesley

I got very good answer.Thank You
Mar 11, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		ANSWER TO MY QUESTION REGARDING FISH OIL AND COD LIVER OIL REGARDING DAILY HEALTH
by: Anonymous

Your answer was exactly what I was searching for. Thank you!
Aug 13, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hmm
by: Anonymous

No, no.. he is saying that the concentrations of DHA and EPA are higher in fish oil than cod liver oil. However, cod liver oil has a higher concentration of vitamin A and especially D. You cant get vitamin D from fish oils.

Cod liver oil is especially helpful for those deficient in vitamin D and are on a vegetarian diet. Unless you eat eggs. It would be best to take both in my opinion :)

Cod liver oil has 210 ug's of vitamin D per 100 grams. 1 ug is equivalent to 400 IU's of vitamin D.
Aug 12, 2011
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starstar 		Please clarify
by: Anonymous

I'm confused. You said that DHA is providing itself to be more beneficial than EPA.
Next you said Cod liver oil has a higher ratio of DHA to EPA yet said to use fish oil over cod liver oil. Is the amount of the lower ratio of DHA in fish oil still higher than DHA cod liver oil with cod liver having more in the first place?
Jul 05, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks Brett
by: Jan

Thanks Brett that's exactly what wanted to know :)
Feb 20, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		WANTED TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FISH OIL AND COD LIVER OIL
by: MARGARET HAYES

THANK YOU SO MUCH THIS IS JUST THE ANSWER I WAS LOOKING FOR
Sep 05, 2009
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by: Rachel

Thank you for your answer it was what I was looking for.Very helpfull.
Feb 26, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Exactly want I wanted to know
by: Judith

This is exactly what I was wondering about just last week. Thank you for this easy to understand answer.

Judith

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