Cod Liver Oil Prices Range From 20 Cents to $1 Per Serving

Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil holds the top recommendation for buyers, selected for potency, purity and an orange flavor that masks the fishy taste. A single teaspoon delivers more than 1,000 milligrams of omega-3 and is made from wild-caught, sustainably sourced cod. The product carries a higher price per ounce than many competing options.

Cod liver oil supplies omega-3, vitamin A and vitamin D, three nutrients that are often missing from the modern Western diet. Omega-3 can lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels while raising HDL cholesterol, which the source article associates with reduced cardiovascular risk. Vitamin A supports eyesight and immune function. Vitamin D regulates phosphorus and calcium absorption for bone and tooth development, and the National Institutes of Health notes it can increase resistance to certain diseases. Vitamin D is produced in the body when skin meets sunlight, but indoor routines limit that exposure for many people.

Products come as liquids or capsules. Liquids deliver more omega-3 and vitamins per serving but require refrigeration after opening. Capsules need no refrigeration and leave less fishy taste in the mouth. Manufacturers add mint, lemon, orange and other flavors to liquids to make them easier to take. Some companies sell fermented cod liver oil, arguing that distillation strips nutrients that must then be replaced synthetically. Other producers counter that fermentation damages omega-3 fatty acids and speeds rancidity. The source article states that more studies are needed to settle the dispute.

Capsules run 20 cents to $1 per serving. Liquids cost 30 to 60 cents per serving, and bottles often hold more servings, which raises the shelf price. Buyers choosing sustainability can look for certification from the Marine Stewardship Council or a similar organization, which usually adds some cost.

Cod liver oil differs from fish oil in source and composition. Cod liver oil comes only from cod livers, while fish oil comes from the flesh of tuna, herring, mackerel and salmon. Fish oil contains omega-3 only; cod liver oil adds vitamins A and D. Reported side effects include fishy burps, nausea, loose stool and indigestion. The oil can act as a blood thinner, so the source article advises anyone taking prescription blood thinners or managing high blood pressure to consult a doctor first. It is not recommended for pregnant women and can interact with some contraceptive medicines and with weight-loss drugs containing orlistat.

For budget buyers, kosher-certified capsules from a named brand are packaged in the United States and tested for mercury, dioxins and other contaminants. They are free of wheat, gluten and soy. The soft gels are large and difficult for some people to swallow. A lemon-flavored liquid is presented as another option, certified under International Fish Oil Standards for purity and packaged with a nitrogen flush to preserve freshness. It contains some synthetic vitamins. Prices listed reflect the time and date of publication and are subject to change.