Cod Liver Oil

Not only does cod liver oil contain omega-3 fatty acids which could help to reduce the risk of blood clots, cardiovascular disease, and ease joint pain, but it also contains vitamins A and D which are essential to the body’s healthy function.

Vitamin A is great for your skin, immune system, eye health and reproduction, while vitamin D can help to prevent bone issues in the elderly and birth defects in pregnant women.

Most cod liver oil supplements contain around 5 micrograms of vitamin D, which is half the recommended daily intake of 10 micrograms suggested by the NHS, so you may need to top up with a separate, small dose of vitamin D.

Cod liver oil is a supplement that contains omega-3 along with vitamin A and D, whilst omega-3 supplements by themselves typically will only contain omega-3.

Both omega-3 and cod liver oil supplements contain the important fatty acids which help you to maintain a healthy heart, amongst other benefits.

If you’re taking omega-3 supplements, the NHS recommends that you should avoid cod liver oil as you’d be taking more than what your body needs to function as it should.

If you’re looking to reap the benefits of other vitamins as well as healthy fats, cod liver oil might be for you - you should stay clear if you’re pregnant, however, as too much vitamin A can be very harmful to your baby.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you may not be able to take cod liver oil, as some formulations contain vitamin A, which should be monitored during pregnancy.

If you would like to take cod liver oil at this time, speak to your doctor, health visitor, or pharmacist so they can tell you whether it would be safe and suitable for you.

As cod liver oil is fish oil, it is not considered suitable for vegans and some vegetarians.

If you’re looking for a vegan or vegetarian-friendly source of omega-3, we’d recommend speaking to your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations.

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