Skip to main content
SupplementScience

Cod Liver Oil Dosage Guide

Reviewed by·PharmD, BCPS

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

General Dosage

1-2 teaspoons (5-10ml) liquid or 1-2 capsules daily, providing approximately 1-2g omega-3s with vitamins A and D

Maximum dose: 2 teaspoons (10ml) daily — higher doses risk vitamin A toxicity (hypervitaminosis A); if more omega-3s are needed, supplement with regular fish oil

Dosage Recommendations

General recommendation: 1-2 teaspoons (5-10ml) liquid or 1-2 capsules daily, providing approximately 1-2g omega-3s with vitamins A and D

Timing: Take with a meal containing fat for optimal absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A and D • Take with food for best absorption.

Dosage by Condition

General health / nutritional support
1 teaspoon (5ml) dailyModerate
Bone health / vitamin D support
1-2 teaspoons daily (target 1000-2000 IU vitamin D)Strong
Cardiovascular / triglyceride support
1-2 teaspoons daily (1-2g EPA+DHA)Moderate
Joint inflammation support
2 teaspoons daily (2g+ EPA+DHA)Moderate
Immune function
1 teaspoon dailyModerate

Upper limit: 2 teaspoons (10ml) daily — higher doses risk vitamin A toxicity (hypervitaminosis A); if more omega-3s are needed, supplement with regular fish oil

Timing & Absorption

Take with a meal containing fat for optimal absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A and D

Best taken with food for optimal absorption.

Full Cod Liver Oil Guide

References

  1. Manson JE, Cook NR, Lee IM, Christen W, Bassuk SS, Mora S, Gibson H, Gordon D, Copeland T, D'Agostino D, Friedenberg G, Ridge C, Bubes V, Giovannucci EL, Willett WC, Buring JE (2019). Vitamin D supplements and prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease. New England Journal of Medicine. DOI PubMed
  2. Aung T, Halsey J, Kromhout D, Gerstein HC, Marchioli R, Tavazzi L, Geleijnse JM, Rauch B, Ness A, Galan P, Chew EY, Bosch J, Collins R, Lewington S, Armitage J, Clarke R (2018). Associations of omega-3 fatty acid supplement use with cardiovascular disease risks: meta-analysis of 10 trials involving 77917 individuals. JAMA Cardiology. DOI PubMed
  3. Martineau AR, Jolliffe DA, Hooper RL, Greenberg L, Aloia JF, Bergman P, Dubnov-Raz G, Esposito S, Ganmaa D, Ginde AA, Goodall EC, Grant CC, Griffiths CJ, Janssens W, Laaksi I, Manaseki-Holland S, Mauger D, Murdoch DR, Neale R, Rees JR, Simpson S, Stelmach I, Kumar GT, Urashima M, Camargo CA (2017). Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data. BMJ. DOI PubMed
  4. Goldberg RJ, Katz J (2007). A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain. Pain. DOI PubMed
  5. Rajakumar K (2003). Vitamin D, cod-liver oil, sunlight, and rickets: a historical perspective. Pediatrics. DOI PubMed
  6. Gruenwald J, Graubaum HJ, Harde A (2002). Effect of cod liver oil on symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Advances in Therapy. DOI PubMed