It is common practice for some to supplement their diets with a daily spoonful of cod liver oil, a rich source of fat-soluble vitamins and omega-3 essential fatty acids. Because omega-3 essential fatty acids reduce the production of pro-inflammatory substances, cod liver oil and essential fatty acids may be of value in relieving certain types of musculoskeletal pain.

Cod liver oil good for joints and heart

Cod liver oil may improve arthritic symptoms, proving what researchers have known for years: the omega-3 essential fatty acids in cod liver oil have been found to inhibit the enzymes that degrade cartilage, thereby slowing the process of cartilage destruction.

Supplementing the diet with omega-3 essential fatty acids and cod liver oil is also shown to benefit heart health, as cod liver oil may influence cholesterol levels in the body.

Cod liver oil concerns

One concern about taking cod liver oil is the possible presence of contaminants such as heavy metals and PCBs. Fortunately, cod liver oil lovers in the U.S. don't have to worry, as all cod liver oils in the U.S. must be tested first according to protocols of the Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC), the organization that approves cod liver oils free of detectable levels of 32 contaminants before cod liver oils can be imported into this country. Furthermore, states the AOAC, mercury is water soluble, and although it may be present in the flesh of fish, it is not present in cod liver oil¹.

The main difference between fish oil and cod liver oil is that cod liver oil is high in vitamin D. Cod liver oil has the advantage of providing vitamin D, which is essential to a balanced diet.

Cod Liver Oil Q&A at Vitacost.com

Q: Is cod liver oil preferable to other fish oils?

Cod liver oil contains more vitamin D than plain fish oil.

Q: Does cod liver oil taste as bad as everyone says it does?

There are many flavored cod liver oil products in the marketplace as well as flavorless capsules.

Q: Why should I supplement my diet with cod liver oil?

Cod liver oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids essential to good health.

Q: Will cod liver oil help me live longer?

In that cod liver oil contributes to good health, healthy people tend to live longer.

Q: Is cod liver oil good for my heart?

Cod liver oil has been found to help stabilize irregular heartbeats.

Q: Why not just eat fish instead of taking cod liver oil?

Supplement companies are touting that fresh fish is tainted with mercury and that cod liver oil is a less risky way of getting your essential fatty acids.

Q: Can cod liver oil help with ADHD?

Some doctors are recommending cod liver oil instead of Ritalin.

Q: Can I take cod liver oil and flaxseed oil together?

Absolutely! Taking cod liver oil with a flaxseed supplement will pack more omega-3 punch.

Q: Is cod liver oil best taken in liquid or capsule form?

Researchers seem to think that cod liver oil in liquid form has a higher absorbency rate than capsule counterparts.

View our entire listing of cod liver oil products.

¹ Nutrition Research Newsletter. April 1997 v16 n4 p48(1).