Cod Liver Oil vs. Fish Oil: What are the Differences and which is Better for You?

Cod liver oil and fish oil are often mentioned in the same breath. They both contain omega-3 fatty acids, are derived from fish, and are used as dietary supplements. But are they the same? Not quite.

Are you unsure whether to choose cod liver oil or fish oil? In this article, we explain exactly what the difference is between cod liver oil and fish oil – in terms of composition, function, benefits, and applications. This way, you can make a good choice for your health or that of your family.

Cod Liver Oil or Fish Oil: why is Cod Liver Oil Better than Fish Oil?

Cod liver oil is a fish oil, but not all fish oils are cod liver oil. This naturally makes you curious about the differences. In short: cod liver oil is naturally more complete, richer, and more natural than regular fish oil.

Cod liver oil used to be consumed daily, and many parents gave it to their children to boost their immunity and prevent them from getting sick. The taste wasn’t appreciated in the past, but Möller’s Omega-3 proves that it can also be tasty. You even have a choice of 4 flavors, all awarded with a Superior Taste Award! As a supplement to the daily diet, Möller’s offers you a unique combination of omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA and vitamins A, D, and E. With 1 dessert spoon (5 ml), you get as much as 510 mg DHA and 370 mg EPA and your daily requirement of vitamin D3.

The Differences between Cod Liver Oil and Fish Oil

The market for omega-3 supplements is growing steadily, but as a result, it’s hard to see the forest for the trees. What are the main differences between cod liver oil and fish oil?

Cod liver oil is fish oil, but not all fish oil is cod liver oil.
Cod liver oil is 100% extracted from the liver of the fish. Möller’s Omega-3 comes from the liver of cod, because this liver contains the highest values of omega-3 and vitamins A and D. Fish oil is often obtained from sardines and anchovies through a pressing process.
Cod liver oil is rich in vitamin D3, essential for the immune system and strong bones, teeth, and muscles. Fish oil naturally does not contain vitamin D. If fish oil contains vitamin D, it is always added.
Cod liver oil is also rich in vitamin A, important for the eyes, immune system, and healthy skin, hair, and nails. Möller’s Omega-3 contains a safe dosage of vitamin A, unlike other cod liver oils. Fish oil naturally does not contain vitamin A.
Cod liver oil contains a high content of omega-3 fatty acids in natural triglyceride form, as it occurs in fish. This ensures better absorption in the body. Fish oil often contains omega-3 fatty acids in the form of ethyl esters.
Cod liver oil contains more DHA than EPA in proportion. For fish oil, it’s the other way around.
Cod liver oil is extracted from the liver of Arctic cod, caught in the ocean around the Lofoten. One of the cleanest seas in the world. Fish oil from sardines and anchovies is often extracted from fish from the oceans around South America.

The Differences between Brands of Liquid Cod Liver Oil and Fish Oil

To make the choice easier, we have created an overview with the most well-known brands of liquid cod liver oil and fish oil. This liquid omega-3 overview is from May 2024.

Product	Cod liver oil or fish oil?	Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) per 5 ml	Vitamin D per 5 ml	Vitamin A per 5 ml
Möller’s Omega-3	Cod liver oil	510/370 mg	10 mcg	250 mcg = Safe
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 is Cod Liver Oil?

A fish oil is only cod liver oil if the oil is extracted directly from the liver of a fish. Möller’s comes from the liver of cod. This cod liver is naturally rich in omega-3, but also in vitamins A and D, unlike the fish used for ‘regular’ fish oil. Cod liver oil contains the same amount of vitamins A and D as naturally occurs in cod liver. Also, omega-3 fatty acids are present in high amounts and in natural form, caused by the distinctive production process. All in all, the purest, best fish oil.

Benefits of Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil is obtained through a steam process from the liver of Arctic cod (highly concentrated in omega-3 and vitamins A and D). The steam process is a unique method, introduced by Peter Möller. The steam has a low temperature, and this slowly separates the oil from the liver. The liver is less than 24 hours old, ensuring it is produced in high quality. Good quality, purity, and taste are guaranteed. The result is pure cod liver oil to which nothing is added except vitamin E for quality preservation and possibly a flavor. Möller’s has once again been awarded the Superior Taste Award for exceptionally good taste this year.

Due to the unique steam process, Möller’s cod liver oil retains its quality and a high content of nutrients. The oil is slowly separated by steam, thereby preserving the natural form of the fatty acids. This ensures better absorption of the fatty acids in the body than the ethyl esters produced during the production process of fish oil.

When producing fish oil, the entire fish is compressed, and this oil is further processed into fish oil. The oil that is released contains no natural vitamins at all and has a completely different fatty acid composition and less DHA and EPA than cod liver oil.

The DHA and EPA fish fatty acid content in Möller “s Omega-3 is exceptionally high. This is due to the distinctive production process and the reflection of omega-3 values in cod liver. Möller” s contains as much as 510 mg DHA and 370 mg EPA per serving. And in the right proportion!

Complete with Vitamins a, D, and E

Another important difference with fish oil is that the cod liver, from which cod liver oil is made, is rich in vitamins A and D. The vitamin A and D content in Möller’s cod liver oil is as high as the natural content in cod liver.

By adding vitamin E, we can guarantee the quality of the cod liver oil. Vitamin E is a very important antioxidant.

Vitamins A and D are both essential for a well-functioning immune system. In addition, vitamin D also plays an important role in maintaining strong bones and teeth, and the bone development of children.

Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy vision and for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Although this is an extremely important vitamin, the content should not be too high. Möller’s is one of the few suitable for pregnant women. It is even recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. When buying a fish oil/cod liver oil, pay attention to the vitamin A content. Some fish oils contain too much added vitamin A.

Sustainable

Möller’s Omega-3 comes from the liver of fresh Arctic cod, a fish that is not threatened by overfishing. Caught for more than 170 years in the Norwegian Sea just north of the Arctic Circle, through sustainable fishing. Daily direct, fresh transport of the catch to local fisheries. Good health, from fish to bottle.

Möller’s is Friend of the Sea certified, for sustainable wild fish catching in Norway. Sustainable means: no overfishing, selective fishing method, no impact on the seabed, and use of the entire fish. The liver for the cod liver oil and the rest of the fish for consumption.

Unlike many other brands of fish oil, which use the entire fish for fish oil through a pressing process, Möller “s exclusively uses the oil from the liver. The rest of the fish is used for, among other things, fish fillets for the food industry. Cutting waste is used for, among other things, biofuel and animal feed. The cod liver oil is the by-product of cod; this makes Möller” s process 100% circular and sustainable.

Clean Waters and High Purity

Möller “s stands for the best quality and high purity. The cod used for Möller” s comes from the Arctic Sea near Norway, one of the cleanest seas in the world. Throughout the entire production process, the oil is checked for the presence of contaminants, PCB “s, heavy metals, and dioxins. The cod liver oil is purified by means of molecular distillation to guarantee a pure and fresh product. This removes possible contaminants from the oil. Möller” s meets all EU requirements and GOED standards.

Easy to Take

Möller’s Omega-3 is liquid and you only need 1 spoon per day. Unlike 2 or 3 spoons of other cod liver oil or fish oil. The liquid form makes it easy to take. This is particularly ideal for children. No more hassle with swallowing large capsules.

In 4 Delicious Flavors

Möller’s is the only brand available in 4 delicious flavors, something for everyone. Each flavor is awarded a Superior Taste Award for exceptionally good taste! Not comparable to the ‘old-fashioned’ cod liver oil.
View here the different variants.

The Conclusion: why is Möller’s Omega-3 the Best Omega-3 Product?

Möller’s Omega-3	Other fish oil
Natural omega-3 and complete with vitamins A, D and E	No vitamins present in the fish, sometimes they are added to the fish oil
Very high content of DHA and EPA (essential fish fatty acids) in the right proportion	Lower content of DHA and EPA
Fish oil separated by unique steam process –> pure & concentrated	Oil pressed from the whole fish
Fish oil from cod liver from Arctic Sea with a high concentration of omega-3 and vitamin D	Oil from (usually) sardines / anchovies from South America
Omega-3 in triglycerides (natural form) –> better absorption	Omega-3 in ethyl esters (converted in production process –> unnatural form)