Like some of the best beef liver supplements, which come with several of their own potential health benefits, the best cod liver oil capsules are designed to provide a quick and easy way of consuming all the key nutrients that come from cod liver without having to eat cod itself.
There are several potential health benefits from this too, as taking cod liver oil capsules has been linked to reducing joint pain and inflammation thanks to the vitamin D content, and improving your cardiovascular function by providing EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids. As a result, cod liver oil capsules are definitely a supplement worth considering, and we've got you covered with our list of five great options to consider.
Whether you're after something flavoured, like these Nordic Naturals capsules, or unflavoured alternatives, like these Solgar Cod Liver Oil tablets, then our list should help kick off your search.
You can also find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding cod liver oil capsules as well as top multivitamins, in general, to help you decide if they're right for you and your diet. Before that though, let's get into our list...
Best cod liver oil capsules
- Carlson Cod Liver Oil Gems - best capsules overall
- Amazing Omega Norwegian Cod Liver Oil - a great-tasting vitamin set
- NOW Supplements Cod Liver Oil - an excellent budget-friendly choice
- Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil - top pick for joint pain
- Solgar Cod Liver Oil - a superb unflavoured contender
1. Carlson Cod Liver Oil Gems
Best cod liver oil capsules overall
Size: 1000mg
Calories: 10
We're kicking things off with Carlson's Cod Liver Oil Gems, a comprehensive set of capsules designed to complement your diet with essential nutrients from cod liver.
Each capsule packs a powerful 1000mg of cod liver oil, including 250mg of Omega-3s EPA and DHA, known for their anti-inflammatory properties and potential to reduce the risk of chronic ailments like heart disease.
Notably, these gems provide a rich source of vitamins A and D3, which can be challenging to obtain through regular diet alone. These vitamins play crucial roles in supporting eye health and facilitating the regulation of calcium and phosphate in the body.
So, if you seek a convenient and easily consumable dietary supplement, we highly recommend considering Carlson's Cod Liver Oil Gems.
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2. Amazing Omega Norwegian Cod Liver Oil
Best-tasting cod liver oil capsules
Size: 1250mg
Calories: 12
While taste remains subjective, the Amazing Omega Norwegian Cod Liver Oil capsules offers two delightful fruity flavours - refreshing lemon and invigorating orange. To us, these flavours are excellent, with the aim being to counter any unpleasant aftertaste often associated with regular unflavoured tablets.
That's not all though. Each capsule is a powerhouse of nutrients, containing 1250mg of cod liver oil rich in EPA, DHA, vitamins A, and D, all within a compact 12-calorie softgel.
With 120 softgel capsules per container, this supply is ample to supplement your diet for approximately four months - a remarkable value proposition, ensuring both quality and affordability.
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3. NOW Supplements Cod Liver Oil
Best budget cod liver oil capsules
Size: 1000mg
Calories: 10
If you're interested in incorporating cod liver oil into your daily regimen without breaking the bank, consider trying these NOW Cod Liver capsules.
Labelled as 'Extra Strength,' each capsule packs 1000mg of cod liver oil, providing a similar blend of vitamin A, D3, EPA, and DHA as the aforementioned product.
Moreover, these capsules have earned an NPA A-rated GMP certification, ensuring they are free from harmful contaminants like PCBs, dioxins, mercury, and other heavy metals.
And, if that wasn't enough, these capsules are described as non-GMO, indicating that none of their ingredients are derived from genetically modified sources. Consequently, these capsules offer a cost-effective and safe way to supplement your diet.
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4. Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil
Best cod liver oil capsules for joint pain
Size: 750mg
Calories: 35
As previously mentioned, cod liver oil is frequently utilised to alleviate inflammation due to its rich content of EPA and DHA fatty acids. This makes cod liver oil, such as the Nordic Naturals capsules, an effective option for addressing joint pain.
They're specially formulated with 240mg of EPA and 360mg of DHA in the triglyceride molecular form, which is the same form naturally present in fish. This molecular form ensures optimal absorption, enabling these capsules to act quickly in combating inflammation.
Additionally, these supplements have a pleasant lemon flavour, making them suitable for individuals who may not enjoy the taste of regular fish or traditional cod liver oil supplements.
It's worth noting that Nordic Naturals takes pride in subjecting its fish supplements to third-party purity and freshness testing. Furthermore, they are certified by Friend of the Sea, and the capsules are manufactured in a zero-waste facility powered by biofuel, making these capsules an excellent option overall.
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5. Solgar Cod Liver Oil
Best unflavoured cod liver oil capsules
Size: 462mg
Calories: Unspecified
While flavoured cod liver oil capsules may be preferred by some individuals, the taste of unflavoured tablets may not be bothersome to others. Therefore, supplements such as Solgar Cod Liver Oil capsules remain relevant and beneficial in this instance.
Solgar emphasises that their capsules undergo molecular distillation to eliminate potential contaminants, ensuring that only the potentially beneficial nutrients like vitamins A and D are retained. Specifically, each capsule contains 375mcg of vitamin A and 3.4mcg of vitamin D.
Furthermore, these capsules are promoted as free from gluten, wheat, dairy, artificial flavours, sweeteners, and preservatives, and are made using non-genetically modified ingredients.
As a result, Solgar Cod Liver Oil capsules offer an excellent option, particularly for those seeking an unflavoured supplement.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Finding the right supplements to add to your diet can often lead to a lot of questions. Don't worry though because we've answered some of the most frequently asked queries surrounding cod liver oil capsules right here.
Are cod liver oil capsules worth taking?
It may not be essential to take cod liver oil capsules; however, adding them to your diet can help ensure you're fueling your body with all the nutrients it needs to maintain a balanced diet.
Cod liver oil primarily contains vitamins A and D as well as important Omega-3 fatty acids which have been linked to maintaining a healthy heart and arteries.
That said, perhaps the greatest argument for taking cod liver oil tablets is that they're an effective and simple way for those who tend not to eat fish to ensure they're getting all the important nutrients fish give us, without having to subject themselves to something they dislike.
However, cod liver oil capsules are only designed to complement your diet and should not act as a complete replacement for actual food and main meals.
It's still worth trying to obtain the nutrients through whole foods every now and then to reap the calorie and protein benefits that come with eating fish.
When should you take cod liver oil capsules?
You can take cod liver oil capsules at any time during the day that works best for you.
This is because the NCCIH, a US government agency that explores complementary and alternative medicine, believes the potential benefits of cod liver oil are not immediate, but instead associated with long-term use.
Therefore, it's not so much about when you should take cod liver oil capsules, but more about the regularity with which you consume them.
Studies have shown, including one of note by Farshbaf-Khalili et al., have found taking fish supplements over several weeks, months, or even years can increase levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood, thus suggesting regular intake is best to reap the potential long-term benefits.
What's the difference between cod liver oil and fish oil?
Cod liver oil and fish oil are both derived from fish, but there are some differences between them.
Cod liver oil is extracted from the liver of cod fish, while fish oil can be extracted from various types of fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and anchovies. Cod liver oil is rich in vitamins A and D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, while fish oil is typically higher in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
Because cod liver oil contains high levels of vitamins A and D, it can be a good supplement for individuals who are deficient in these vitamins. However, taking excessive amounts of cod liver oil can lead to toxicity due to the high levels of vitamin A. Fish oil, on the other hand, is generally considered safe at recommended doses.
In summary, both can provide health benefits, but it is important to take them in appropriate amounts to avoid any potential negative effects.
What ingredients should you look for in a cod liver oil capsule?
The two key nutrients to look out for when deciding upon the right cod liver oil capsules for you are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two Omega-3 fatty acids that have been linked to healthy aging and development.
In fact, some studies suggest both EPA and DHA are key to correct fetal development, including neuronal, retinal, and immune function.
Moreover, EPA and DHA have also been linked to improved cardiovascular functioning, including reducing the risk of inflammation, peripheral artery disease, major coronary events, and anticoagulation.
You may also want to keep an eye out for vitamins A and D, both of which come with several potential benefits.
For instance, vitamin A is commonly associated with improved vision and eye health, while vitamin D is linked to the regulation and absorption of calcium and phosphorus, plus the running of normal immune system function according to the National Insitute of Health.
What should you avoid when looking for cod liver oil capsules?
When in the process of purchasing cod liver oil, we'd highly recommend you steer clear of products lacking third-party testing or any accompanying third-party certifications. Opting for items with independent testing and certifications provides a higher level of confidence in the product's quality and ensures that the listed ingredients accurately match what is inside the bottle.
You may also want to avoid capsules that contain artificial additives such as colours, flavours, and preservatives. Products that mostly consist of natural ingredients will probably be better for your health long-term considering all the negatives surrounding most artificial ingredients.
If you have known allergies or intolerances as well, carefully read the label to ensure the capsules do not contain any ingredients that could trigger adverse reactions.
By following these basic guidelines, you should find you end up with only the highest-quality cod liver oil capsules.
How should cod liver oil capsules be stored?
Like most supplements, cod liver oil capsules should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. This is because excessive heat and moisture can degrade and even spoil the quality of the oil.
It's also important to ensure that the container or packaging for your capsules is tightly sealed to prevent air from entering, as oxygen can also lead to oxidation and spoilage of the oil.
However, it's important to follow the storage instructions provided by the manufacturer first and foremost, as different brands may have specific recommendations. In general, though, the aforementioned rules tend to apply.
As a side note, pay attention to the expiration dates on the packaging and use the capsules before they expire. Expired cod liver oil capsules may not provide the desired health benefits and could potentially be harmful.