Fish oil and cod liver oil have been used throughout history for a number of ailments, including rheumatoid arthritis, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and weight loss. The National Institutes of Health website MedlinePlus states that fish and cod liver oils are also very effective at reducing triglycerides that can lead to heart disease and diabetes. Modern science has confirmed the benefits of fish and cod liver oil through numerous studies, and medical professionals often suggest these oils to supplement tradition treatment plans. However, each type of oil has unique benefits.
Origin
Cod liver oil, as the name implies, comes specifically from the livers of cod. Fish oil, on the other had, is produced from the flesh of a multitude of fish. Both oils are created by either using a centrifuge to separate the oil from the solid material or with a machine the squeezes the oil out, called pressing.
Nutrients
Cod liver oil and fish oil both contain the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Fish oil contains more omega-3 acids, but cod liver oil also contains vitamins A and D.
Seasonal Supplementation Limitations
The health website Natural News.com recommends that people only take cod live oil supplements in the winter months because the vitamin D content may lead to overdose in the stronger summer sun. Fish oil does not have any seasonal limitations.
Contraindications
Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid cod liver oil because it can increase the amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D in the body to dangerous levels, possibly causing birth defects or development problems. Both cod liver oil and fish oil increase the risk of hemorrhage in people with hemophilia or those who are on blood thinners.
References
- UC Berkeley Wellness Letter.com; Wellness Guide to Dietary Supplements: Cod Liver Oil; 2011
- MedlinePlus; Fish Oil; November 2010
- Natural News.com; Cod Liver Oil: The Number One Superfood; Krispin Sullivan, CN; February 2006
- "BioFactors"; Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Human Health Outcomes; Philip C. Calder, et al.; April 2009
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