The Difference Between Cod Liver Oil and Fish Oil

A diet rich in essential fatty acids is important for anyone seeking to lead a healthy lifestyle. Essential fatty acids are useful in promoting heart health and lubricated joints. Although essential fatty acids can be found in vegetarian form, they are commonly taken from fish.

Where Do Cod and Fish Oil Come From?

• When companies refer to a product as being a fish oil, the buyer doesn't necessarily know right away what type of fish is contained in the product.

  Fish oil often is a blend of fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel or sardines. The buyer can identify where the oil is sourced from by taking a look at the fact panel on the back of the bottle.

  Cod liver oil on the other hand, is simply extracted from the codfish.

How to Take?

• Cod liver oil and fish oil can be taken various ways. A consumer may choose among swallowing a softgel capsule, eating the fish itself or by taking a spoonful.

  Many manufacturers also add flavoring to the oil to make it more palatable.

  To avoid having the oil repeat, you should takes it with food or mix with food, such as a smoothie or yogurt.

How to Choose a Brand

• Look for a reputable brand that has a third party testing for purity and potency. This ensures that no PCBs or mercury has been able to make its way into the oil. The potency guarantee will ensure that you will be getting what is claimed on the label and that each bottle will be the same every time it is purchased.

Considerations

• Cod liver oil contains fat soluble vitamins A and D. This means whatever your body doesn't use at the time will be stored in your fat cells. Ask yourself: Do you already take a high-potency multivitamin? Are you in a location that is lacking abundant amounts of sun? Have you noticed you have trouble seeing at night?

Choose What Is Best for You

• If you have a well-rounded diet full of fresh and raw foods and also take a high-potency multivitamin, there is a good chance you do not need the extra vitamin A and D found in cod liver oil. However, if you live in a place that doesn't get a lot of sunshine or aren't able to spend a good amount of time in the sun each day, there is a good chance you may be low on vitamin D. In addition, if you find that you tend to have a lowered immunity or have trouble seeing in the dark, boosting your levels of vitamin A may be a great addition to your daily regime.