Cod liver oil provides the omega 3 fats EPA and DHA together with vitamins A and D, which are stored in the fish liver. That vitamin content is what separates it from ordinary fish oil and is also the reason the amount matters.

What Cod Liver Oil Is Used For

Omega 3 supplementation
Joint stiffness and general wellbeing
Vitamin A and D support where the diet is lacking
Childrens growth and development formulations

Common Side Effects

Fishy aftertaste and burping
Loose motions
Nausea
Stomach discomfort

Precautions

Because it carries vitamin A, do not stack it with a multivitamin that also contains a high vitamin A dose, and pregnant women should avoid high vitamin A intake altogether, so plain fish oil is preferred in pregnancy. Omega 3 has a mild blood thinning effect, so mention it before surgery or if you take warfarin. Keeping it in the fridge reduces burping.

This page is general information only. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist, and it does not include dosage. Always follow the directions given to you and read the leaflet inside the pack.