Cod Liver Oil vs. Fish Oil: What are the differences and which is better for you?

Cod liver oil and fish oil are both omega-3 supplements derived from fish, but they are not the same. The key difference: cod liver oil is extracted from the liver of cod and naturally contains vitamins A and D, while fish oil is pressed from the whole fish and typically contains only omega-3 fatty acids.

Choosing between cod liver oil and fish oil can feel confusing. In this article, you will find a clear overview of the differences in composition, nutritional value, and origin. This way, you can make a well-informed choice for yourself or your family.

What is Cod Liver Oil?

A fish oil qualifies as cod liver oil only if the oil is extracted directly from the liver of a fish. Moller’s Omega-3 comes from the liver of Arctic cod. This liver is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamins A and D. These vitamins are not present in fish used for regular fish oil.

The omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil occur in their natural triglyceride form, as they exist in the fish itself. This form is associated with absorption in the body. Regular fish oil often contains omega-3 in the form of ethyl esters, which are created during the production process.

Key Differences Between Cod Liver Oil and Fish Oil

1. Source: Cod liver oil is extracted exclusively from the liver of cod. Fish oil is typically pressed from the entire body of sardines, anchovies, or other oily fish.
2. Vitamin D3: Cod liver oil is naturally rich in vitamin D3. Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system and to the maintenance of normal bones and normal muscle function. Fish oil does not naturally contain vitamin D. If present, it has been added.
3. Vitamin A: Cod liver oil naturally contains vitamin A. Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision and to the normal function of the immune system. Fish oil does not naturally contain vitamin A.
4. Omega-3 form: Cod liver oil contains omega-3 fatty acids in their natural triglyceride form. Fish oil often contains omega-3 in ethyl ester form, created during processing.
5. DHA to EPA ratio: Cod liver oil contains proportionally more DHA than EPA. In fish oil, this ratio is typically reversed.
6. Origin: Moller’s cod liver oil comes from Arctic cod caught in the Norwegian Sea near the Lofoten Islands. Fish oil from sardines and anchovies is often sourced from waters around South America.
7. Processing: Moller’s uses a distinctive steam process introduced by Peter Moller, which separates the oil from the liver at low temperature. This preserves the natural form of the fatty acids. Regular fish oil is produced by pressing the entire fish.

Nutritional Comparison: Liquid Cod Liver Oil and Fish Oil

Below is an overview of well-known brands of liquid cod liver oil and fish oil, with their nutritional values per 5 ml serving (May 2024).

Product	Type	Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) per 5 ml	Vitamin D per 5 ml	Vitamin A per 5 ml
Moller’s Omega-3	Cod liver oil	510/370 mg	10 mcg	250 mcg
Jacob Hooy Cod Liver Oil	Cod liver oil, enriched with vitamin A and D	450/350 mg	14 mcg	1375 mcg
Lovitran Cod Liver Oil	Fish oil	875 mg (total)	12.5 mcg	1500 mcg
Eqology Pure Arctic Oil	Fish oil + olive oil	385/325 mg	4 mcg	–
Springfield EyeQ Fish Oil	Fish oil, evening primrose oil + sunflower oil	58/186 mg	–	–
Vitakruid Fish Oil	Fish oil concentrate	1015/1525 mg	50 mcg	625 mcg
Minami	Fish oil concentrate	1500/1500 mg	10 mcg	–

What Makes Moller’s Cod Liver Oil Different

Moller’s Omega-3 (cod liver oil)	Regular fish oil
Natural omega-3 with vitamins A, D and E	Typically no natural vitamins present; sometimes added
510 mg DHA and 370 mg EPA per serving	Generally lower DHA and EPA content
Oil separated by steam process, preserving natural form	Oil pressed from the whole fish
From cod liver from the Arctic Sea, naturally rich in omega-3 and vitamin D	Often from sardines or anchovies from South American waters
Omega-3 in natural triglyceride form	Omega-3 often in ethyl ester form

Quality, Purity and Sustainability

Moller’s cod liver oil comes from the liver of fresh Arctic cod, caught for more than 170 years in the Norwegian Sea north of the Arctic Circle. The cod used is not threatened by overfishing.

Throughout the production process, the oil is tested for contaminants, PCBs, heavy metals, and dioxins. The cod liver oil is purified through molecular distillation. Moller’s meets all EU requirements and GOED standards.

Moller’s is Friend of the Sea certified for sustainable wild fish catching. The rest of the cod is used for fish fillets and other food products. The cod liver oil is essentially a by-product of cod fishing, making the process circular.

Vitamins A, D and E

Another important difference with fish oil is that cod liver is naturally rich in vitamins A and D. The vitamin A and D content in Moller’s cod liver oil reflects the natural levels found in cod liver.

Vitamin E is added to preserve the quality of the cod liver oil. Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

Vitamins A and D both contribute to the normal function of the immune system. Vitamin D also contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and normal muscle function, and is needed for normal growth and development of bone in children.

Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision and to the normal function of the immune system. Moller’s contains 250 mcg of vitamin A per serving, which is within safe levels during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Practical Use

Moller’s Omega-3 is liquid and requires only 1 dessert spoon (5 ml) per day. The liquid form can be particularly practical for children or anyone who finds it difficult to swallow capsules. Moller’s is available in 4 flavours, each awarded a Superior Taste Award.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between cod liver oil and fish oil?

Cod liver oil is extracted from the liver of cod and naturally contains vitamins A and D alongside omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil is pressed from the entire body of oily fish (such as sardines or anchovies) and generally does not contain these vitamins naturally.

Is cod liver oil a type of fish oil?

Yes. Cod liver oil is a specific type of fish oil. All cod liver oil is fish oil, but not all fish oil is cod liver oil. The distinction lies in the source: the liver versus the whole fish.

Why does cod liver oil contain vitamins A and D?

The liver of cod is a natural storage organ for fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamin A and vitamin D are concentrated in the liver, which is why cod liver oil naturally contains these vitamins without the need for addition.

How much omega-3 is in Moller’s cod liver oil?

One serving (5 ml) of Moller’s Omega-3 contains 510 mg DHA and 370 mg EPA, together with 10 mcg vitamin D (200% RI), 250 mcg vitamin A (31% RI), and 3 mg vitamin E (25% RI).

Can you take cod liver oil during pregnancy?

Moller’s Omega-3 contains a vitamin A level (250 mcg per serving) that is within safe limits for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. DHA contributes to the normal development of the brain of the foetus and breastfed infants, with a daily intake of 200 mg DHA in addition to 250 mg EPA+DHA.

Read more about what omega-3 is, or explore the frequently asked questions about Moller’s.