What is Cod Liver Oil Good For?

Curtis Munkley
2025-07-18T11:22:47+01:00

What is cod liver oil?

Cod liver is pretty self-explanatory - it's an oil extracted from the liver of a codfish. In most cases, this is Atlantic cod. While regular fish oils come from a range of oily fish, cod liver oil is abundant in the following nutrients:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Cod liver oil contains high amounts of EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)- both of which are renowned for their ability to decrease inflammation, support heart health, and enhance cognitive function.

Vitamin A: When it comes to vision support, Vitamin A offers many benefits. It's also great for your skin and immune system.

Vitamin D: You probably know the importance of Vitamin D; it supports calcium absorption and maintains healthy bones. Plus, you can give your immune system a healthy boost.

The three main nutrients in cod liver oil make it a powerful supplement to add to your daily intake.

The health benefits of cod liver oil supplements

Increasing your cod liver oil intake can offer a range of benefits, including reduced inflammation, protection for your eyesight, improved brain function, and enhanced heart health. Some people also believe that cod liver oil may have cancer prevention properties.

Vision support

Cod liver oil contains high levels of vitamin A, which plays a crucial role in supporting your vision. Individuals with a deficiency may notice dry eyes and night blindness, but adding cod liver oil to their diet can help prevent these issues.

Also, the vitamin protects the cells from oxidation, which can potentially prevent glaucoma. While more research is required, some studies have highlighted its protective effects (NIH).

Reducing inflammation

It's no secret that inflammation can cause many health issues, including heart disease and arthritis, but omega-3 fatty acids have impressive anti-inflammatory properties. If you experience regular arthritis pain, increasing your cod liver oil intake could reduce the symptoms.

When you meet your recommended daily intake of essential fatty acids, it can also help protect your heart, reducing the risk of disease and heart attacks.

Bone support

Cod liver oil is rich in Vitamin D, which promotes bone health. It's beneficial for age-related bone loss, which occurs when the bone mineral density begins to decrease, increasing the risks of osteoporosis.

However, cod liver oil can also support children with developing bones, ensuring they're strong and healthy. People with low Vitamin D levels can combine cod liver oil with calcium for optimal results.

Brain function and mental health

Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for brain health, and taking a cod liver oil supplement will give you a healthy dose of them. Studies show that increasing your Omega-3 intake can enhance memory and cognitive function (PubMed).

Some studies also suggest that Omega-3 may be beneficial for reducing depression and mood swings, but it should never replace medication and therapy.

Skin and hair

If you suffer from skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema, a cod liver oil supplement might reduce your symptoms. However, it depends on how each individual responds to it, as some people may require medical treatments.

Shinier hair is often a very welcome side effect of cod liver oil consumption, with many people reporting that their hair also feels stronger.

Do I need to take cod liver oil liquid?

If you remember your mum or gran trying to coax you with a teaspoon of cod liver oil, it's understandable why you might not want to try it again. Luckily, cod liver oil capsules are there to save the day.

Plus, softgels are highly affordable. You can get 120 days' worth of Sealions Cod Liver Oil Capsules for just £7.00. With optimal amounts of Vitamins A and D, you can enjoy multiple health benefits.

Who should avoid cod liver oil?

If any of the following apply, you should avoid taking a cod liver oil supplement and look for alternatives:

Okay, here's a summary of who should avoid cod liver oil, in short bullet points:

Pregnant/Breastfeeding Women: Pregnant and breastfeeding women may expose themselves to health risks when using Vitamin A. However, you can take a separate Vitamin D supplement to prevent deficiencies.

Medications: Using fish oil supplements while taking certain medications, including aspirin and warfarin, can increase bleeding risks. The same goes if you have a bleeding disorder.

Dietary Restrictions: Individuals with a fish or shellfish allergy should avoid taking cod liver oil. Vegetarians and vegans should also find alternatives.

Potential side effects:

A fishy aftertaste can occur, but it's less common with softgels.

Some people may experience an upset stomach or nausea when they first begin cod liver oil treatments.

It's important to moderate your intake of A and D vitamins if you're taking cod liver oil, as high amounts can be toxic.

Should you take cod liver oil capsules?

When deciding whether to use cod liver oil, it's important to think about your daily needs and remember that it can't replace a varied and balanced diet.

However, with its numerous health benefits and high levels of essential nutrients, taking a daily cod liver oil supplement can help reduce the symptoms of joint pain, boost brain function, and potentially protect against age-related macular degeneration.

Cod liver oil isn't a miracle treatment, and some people may respond to it differently than others, but it's still an excellent choice for a healthy lifestyle.

Shopping with Sealions gives you access to low prices and high-quality supplements. If you require advice or support, please get in touch with our dedicated experts today. We're committed to helping each client improve their wellbeing.