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