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Types of Cod Liver Oil: Forms & Bioavailability

Evidence:Moderate
·

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Forms Comparison

FormBioavailabilityBest For
Liquid oilHighMaximum dosing flexibility and absorption — allows precise ml-based dosing; many brands offer flavored versions (lemon, orange) to mask fishy taste
Softgel capsulesHighConvenience and taste avoidance — pre-measured doses with no fishy taste; ideal for daily use; enteric-coated options reduce fish burps
Fermented cod liver oilHighTraditional preparation — cold-extracted via fermentation rather than heat; proponents claim preserved nutrient integrity; stronger flavor and more expensive

Liquid oil

Bioavailability: High. Best for: Maximum dosing flexibility and absorption — allows precise ml-based dosing; many brands offer flavored versions (lemon, orange) to mask fishy taste.

Softgel capsules

Bioavailability: High. Best for: Convenience and taste avoidance — pre-measured doses with no fishy taste; ideal for daily use; enteric-coated options reduce fish burps.

Fermented cod liver oil

Bioavailability: High. Best for: Traditional preparation — cold-extracted via fermentation rather than heat; proponents claim preserved nutrient integrity; stronger flavor and more expensive.

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Full Cod Liver Oil Guide

References

  1. RCTManson 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. Meta-analysisAung 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. Meta-analysisMartineau 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. Meta-analysisGoldberg 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. RCTBrunvoll SH, Nygaard AB, Ellingjord-Dale M, Holland P, et al. (2022). Prevention of covid-19 and other acute respiratory infections with cod liver oil supplementation, a low dose vitamin D supplement: quadruple blinded, randomised placebo controlled trial.. BMJ (Clinical research ed.). DOI PubMed
  7. Purzand B, Rokhgireh S, Shabani Zanjani M, Eshraghi N, et al. (2020). The comparison of the effect of soybean and fish oil on supplementation on menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.. Complementary therapies in clinical practice. DOI PubMed
Show 4 more references
  1. Conus N, Burgher-Kennedy N, van den Berg F, Kaur Datta G (2019). A randomized trial comparing omega-3 fatty acid plasma levels after ingestion of emulsified and non-emulsified cod liver oil formulations.. Current medical research and opinion. DOI PubMed
  2. Miragliotta G, Miragliotta L (2014). Vitamin D and infectious diseases.. Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets. DOI PubMed
  3. Feher J, Pinter E, Kovács I, Helyes Z, et al. (2014). Irritable eye syndrome: neuroimmune mechanisms and benefits of selected nutrients.. The ocular surface. DOI PubMed
  4. Dyerberg J, Madsen P, Møller JM, Aardestrup I, et al. (2010). Bioavailability of marine n-3 fatty acid formulations.. Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids. DOI PubMed