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Supplements/Fatty Acid

Cod Liver Oil

Traditional A, D, omega-3 source.

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Overview

Traditional A, D, omega-3 source.

Natural sources
  • Endogenously produced or biosynthesized molecule
  • Standardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplement
  • Combined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity
Common forms
  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Mechanism of action

Combined vitamins A, D, EPA/DHA.

Pathways
  • · Combined vitamins A, D, EPA/DHA

Effects on the body

Supports
Multiple support

Organ system effects

Bones

Cod Liver Oil contributes to bone mineralization, osteoblast activity, or calcium-phosphate homeostasis.

Evidence-based benefits

Multiple support

Moderate evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Vitamin A toxicity risk
Rare
    Serious

      Drug interactions

      Prescription medications (general)
      Always disclose Cod Liver Oil use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.
      minor

      Supplement interactions

      Pairs well with
      • A high-quality multivitamin
        Covers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
      • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
        Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.
      Avoid combining with

      No specific avoidances listed.

      Dosing & bioavailability

      Typical dose
      5–10 mL
      Best form
      Most evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
      Timing
      Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
      With food?
      Either with or without food.

      Where to buy

      Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

      Scientific evidence8Show studies
      RCTAnn Otol Rhinol Laryngol · 2002

      Cod liver oil for URTI

      Linday LA, et al.

      94 children

      Key findings

      Reduced upper respiratory visits.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Cod Liver Oil — Multiple support

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Cod Liver Oil Multiple support" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cod Liver Oil and "Multiple support". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Cod Liver Oil — randomized controlled trial

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Cod Liver Oil randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cod Liver Oil and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Cod Liver Oil — meta-analysis

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Cod Liver Oil meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cod Liver Oil and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Cod Liver Oil — pharmacokinetics

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Cod Liver Oil pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cod Liver Oil and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Cod Liver Oil — safety adverse events

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Cod Liver Oil safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cod Liver Oil and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Cod Liver Oil — dose response

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Cod Liver Oil dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cod Liver Oil and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

      Google Scholar: Cod Liver Oil — clinical evidence

      Live Scholar search

      Cross-database citation index for Cod Liver Oil as it relates to "clinical evidence".

      Key findings

      Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

      Open study
      Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

      Community discussion

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