Cod Liver Oil Vs Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplementation
- Angel Munro
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
Cod liver oil is a whole food source of omega 3 fatty acids EPA & DHA. In addition, cod liver oil is high in naturally occurring vitamins A, D & E.
Cod liver oil is excellent for cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, dermatological, metabolic, hormonal & skeletal health. It also reduces overall systemic inflammation, across all age groups. Cod liver oil can be purchased as regular oil or fermented oil. The fermented version has a longer shelf life, is more easily digestible & contains higher amounts of vitamin K2 which is negligible in regular cod liver oil.
An interesting study was done in 2014 where 1002 healthy recreational athletes were observed to see if the inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein was influenced by cod liver oil supplementation or omega 3 supplements. Some of the participants took an omega 3 supplement, some took cod liver oil, some did not consume either. The results showed that C-reactive protein levels were similar in both the omega 3 group & the group that took no fish oil supplements at all. The group that took cod liver oil has the lowest C-reactive protein. While it was unclear to the researches why cod liver oil performed so much better, they speculated that the naturally occurring accessory nutrients, vitamins A, K, E & D in cod liver oil might be a factor. In my experience as a practitioner having previously prescribed clients individual synthetic nutrients & having now moved on to exclusively prescribing wholefood supplements, I have observed that the synergy of nutrients provided by whole food sources always yields the best results to the individual. It’s also worth noting that most omega 3 fish oil supplements come from farmed fish that are processed using caustic chemicals & solvents. Not only are the omega 3 fatty acids damaged in this process, lowering their healing benefits, one could hypothesis that the chemical solvents would be adding to inflammation in the body, not reducing it as intended.
Natural composition of cod liver oil:
VITAMIN A: Necessary for mineral metabolism, strong
bones, immunity, normal growth, successful reproduction, healthy skin and good eyesight. Needed for the
production of stress hormones and sex hormones. Protects
against cancer.
VITAMIN D: Necessary for mineral metabolism, nervous
system function, insulin production, immunity and protection against depression.
VITAMIN E: Necessary for skin health, normal reproduction and
protection against free radical damage.
K2 (in fermented cod liver oil): Supports calcium metabolism, bone health, cardiovascular health, healthy kidney function & healthy aging.
DHA: Supports optimal visual and brain function, helps
resolve inflammation, supports the immune system.
EPA: protective to the heart; benefits the neurological system, improving mood, supports a healthy musculoskeletal system.
References
Hansen, M. W., Ørn, S., Erevik, C. B., Bjørkavoll-Bergseth, M. F., Skadberg, Ø., Melberg, T. H., Aakre, K. M., & Kleiven, Ø. (2021). Regular consumption of cod liver oil is associated with reduced basal and exercise-induced C-reactive protein levels; a prospective observational trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 18(1), 51. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-021-00437-1
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