Difference Between Fish Oil and Cod Liver Oil

For decades, people have been using fish oil to protect themselves against several health ailments. Fish oils are actually a big business; in fact, they are one of the biggest-selling sectors of the food supplement market. Modern science and medical research has proven many of the historic claims surrounding their benefits for health and wellbeing. Millions of people have benefited over years from their daily intake of supplements such as cod liver oil, which is another derivative of fish oil.

What is Fish Oil?

Fish oil, as the name suggests, is the oil or fat extracted from the tissue of fish, typically oily fish. This golden liquid is a natural anti-inflammatory drug that contains essential nutrients and properties that have been well researched by the scientific and medical professionals over the years. Fish oil is probably the best source of omega-3 fatty acids which are essential nutrients that aid in the prevention and mitigation of an incredible range of health conditions. Omega-3 contains both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), particularly in fish oil, which is associated with many health benefits from dry skin to heart disease and premature birth. These essential nutrients specifically work to support cardio health and general heart functions. Omega-3 fatty acids also normalize blood clotting.

What is Cod Liver Oil?

Cod liver oil is an essential oil extracted from the liver of Atlantic cod. It can also be consumed as a dietary supplement. Fish oil is derived from the fish tissue, while cod liver oil is pressed from the fish liver. Cod liver oil contains vitamins A and D, which are generally not found in regular fish oil supplements. Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that supports a healthy immune system and protects your eyes from age related decline, and also supports bone health. Vitamin D helps regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorous in the body, which are essential nutrients for maintaining bones, muscles and teeth health. As with most fish oils, cod liver oil is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids which is already an essential nutrient for immune system function.

Difference between Fish Oil and Cod Liver Oil

Source 

– Fish oil is the oil or fat extracted from the tissue of fish, typically oily fish, such as tuna, herring, mackerel, salmon, and anchovies. The fish oil is extracted by a commonly used method in large scale industrial production called wet pressing. Cod liver oil, on the other hand, is also another derivative of fish oil but extracted from the liver of other fish, particularly Atlantic cod, hence the name. Pacific cod is also used to extract cod liver oil.

Active Ingredients

 – Fish oils are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are the active ingredients in fish oil. The two omega-3s contain in fish oil are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are responsible for the triglyceride lowering. Cod liver oil contains vitamins A and D, which are generally not found in regular fish oil supplements. As with most fish oils, cod liver oil also contains compounds of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) but in different ratios.

Health Benefits

 – Both fish oil and cod liver oil are excellent source of nutrients, particularly omega-3fatty acids, which contain the two essential compounds DHA and EPA, which help in preventing and managing heart diseases, treating mental disorders, promoting weight loss, bone health, and maintaining blood pressure levels. Cod liver oil contains vitamins A and D, which help reduce inflammation, reduce joint pain, support better eye health, reduce heart related problems, maintain bone, teeth and muscle health, and so on. 

Fish Oil vs. Cod Liver Oil: Comparison Chart

Summary

Cod liver is yet another derivative of fish oil and they both deliver the benefits from omega-3 fatty acids, which contain the two most essential compounds DHA and EPA, which help deal with many health ailments. The main difference between the two is that fish oil is extracted from the tissue of fish, mostly oily fish, whereas cod liver oil is a type of fish oil extracted from the livers of other fish, particularly Atlantic cod and Pacific cod. Both are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which is a vital nutrient for immune system function.

Is fish oil or cod liver oil best for joints?

As with most fish oils, cod liver contains high content of omega-3 fatty acids which is a vital nutrient for immune system function and helps reduce the intensity of joint symptoms like swelling, tenderness, morning stiffness and so on.  

Why you should not take cod liver oil?

Excess of anything is bad for heath and the same goes for cod liver oil as well. You are good as long as you stay within the omega-3 safe intake levels. You take them in high doses and you might experience some potential side effects such irritation, itching, bruises, and so on.

Do doctors recommend cod liver oil?

Cod liver oil is an excellent source of nutrients and it has some great therapeutic properties as well. It also helps relieve joint problems So, doctors do recommend cod liver oil but within the safe intake levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

When should I take cod liver oil morning or night?

There are not set guidelines for the intake of cod liver oil, but you are advised to take them as long as you are in the safe intake levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

Who should not take cod liver oil capsules?

Some potential side effects of taking cod liver oil capsules are skin rashes, itching, unusual bleeding or bruising, vision problems, etc. So, excess use of cod liver oil is usually not recommended.

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