The Difference Between Fish Oil and Cod Liver Oil

The Difference Between Fish Oil and Cod Liver Oil

What’s the difference, and when is one of the other the right one to take?

Fish Oil vs. Cod Liver Oil

Fish oil and cod liver oil are both great sources of the beneficial omega-3s EPA and DHA. The difference between the two is cod liver oil has the added benefit of having vitamins A and D3 and fish oil does not contain vitamins A and D3. This makes a difference for those who are not taking a multivitamin or any other supplemental source of A or D3.

Vitamins A and D3 support a healthy immune response. Vitamin A is also important for healthy vision, so sometimes older people prefer to take cod liver oil for their eyes. This is particularly true for those who have trouble driving at night due to the glare from headlights. This can be a sign we have low vitamin A levels. Families who want to support immune health when their children go back to school, also often opt for cod liver oil.

For those that are getting enough vitamin A and D3 from their diet or another supplement will usually want to take fish oil instead of cod liver oil. Another difference is cod liver oil often has more DHA than EPA. Fish oils can be all over the place depending on the type of fish.

Carlson liquid fish oils and cod liver oils have award-winning taste and taste like a fresh lemon, orange, or lemon-lime. They should be refrigerated after opening to ensure long-lasting freshness. Carlson liquid fish oil and cod liver oil can be drizzled over popcorn, a salad, or other foods, or can be taken directly from the spoon. Fish oil and cod liver oil soft gels are also available.

Featured Articles

Summer Eye Health: Harnessing Lutein, Vitamins A, C, and E for Optimal Vision
Health + Wellness / Jul 07th 2025
Summer is here, and with it comes endless sunshine, outdoor adventures, and vibrant days spent basking in the warmth. But while we’re busy enjoying all that summer has to offer, our eyes are working overtime—facing intense sunlight, dust, wind, and even hours of screen time as we capture memories or
Read More
Top Supplements Every Woman Should Consider
Omegas + Supplements / May 20th 2025
In today's fast-paced world, maintaining optimal health and wellness is more important than ever, especially for women who often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. While a balanced diet and regular exercise form the foundation of good health, supplements play an essential role in enhancing overall well-being. By addressing specific nutritional
Read More
An Update on Our Plastic Neutral Journey
Omegas + Supplements / May 05th 2025
At Carlson, we take the health of our planet as seriously as the health of our customers. Carlson is a leader in the omega-3 fish oil market, and now we’re determined to become leaders in the industry in taking action to protect the environment and our waterways through teaming up
Read More