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Cod liver oil

Cod liver oil is an oil made from the livers of cod. It supplies omega-3 fats along with vitamins A and D.

Essential HealthLongevityImmune SupportBone & JointCardiovascular

What it is studied for

The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.

Essential HealthModerateA3 studies
InflammationModerateBNo linked study
Oxidative stressLongevityModerateBNo linked study
Immune SupportModerateBNo linked study
Bone densityBone & JointSmallBNo linked study
Cholesterol balanceCardiovascularSmallBNo linked study
All 9 rated effectsGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating

What does cod liver oil contain?

Cod liver oil combines the omega-3 fats EPA and DHA with vitamins A and D. That makes it different from ordinary fish oil: comparing products means comparing their vitamin content as well as their omega-3 content. 1

Key studies

The most recent publications linked to Cod liver oil's ratings.

Role of Cod Liver Oil in Reducing Elevated Lipid Parameters2021Associations between cod liver oil use and symptoms of depression: the Hordaland Health Study.2007Predictors for cod-liver oil supplement use — the Norwegian Women and Cancer Study2004

Why people take it

Cardiovascular21.8%
Immune Support21.8%
Bone & Joint20.2%
Essential Health17.6%
Cognition16.8%
Longevity0.8%

SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.

Questions people ask

Is cod liver oil the same as fish oil?

No. Cod liver oil also supplies vitamins A and D, which change the comparison. 1

Can it replace cholesterol medicine?

The cited cholesterol trial tested it alongside rosuvastatin, not as a substitute. 2

Did the large trial find fewer colds?

It found no reduction in other acute respiratory infections with daily cod liver oil. 3

Sources