Cod liver oil vs fish oil

The global fish oil market is booming with a projected growth from USD 10.4 billion in 2025 to USD 24.6 billion by 2035 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9%. This growth is driven by rising consumer awareness of omega-3 its health benefits. * However, when it comes to fish oils, choosing the best quality fish oil supplements should be non-negotiable due to the risk of contaminants and/or oxidised (rancid) oils that can create inflammation and damage cellular structures. 

Nordic Naturals UK fish oil products ensure all impurities such as heavy metals and dioxins, saturated fats, and other undesirable compounds are removed using molecular distillation. All their fish oil products are complete with certificates of analysis, making Nordic Naturals the best fish oil supplement to choose for the whole family. They are fresh, pure and can be used by the whole family.

Fish oils are rich in the Omega-3s fatty acids EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) which are considered essential nutrients as the body cannot produce them therefore – they must be obtained through food or supplements. Whilst many people recognise the benefits of adding high quality Omega-3s to their diet, there is still some confusion about the differences between the well-known cod liver oil and fish oil.  

The global fish oil market is booming with a projected growth from USD 10.4 billion in 2025 to USD 24.6 billion by 2035 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9%. This growth is driven by rising consumer awareness of omega-3 its health benefits. * However, when it comes to fish oils, choosing the best quality fish oil supplements should be non-negotiable due to the risk of contaminants and/or oxidised (rancid) oils that can create inflammation and damage cellular structures. 

Nordic Naturals UK fish oil products ensure all impurities such as heavy metals and dioxins, saturated fats, and other undesirable compounds are removed using molecular distillation. All their fish oil products are complete with certificates of analysis, making Nordic Naturals the best fish oil supplement to choose for the whole family. They are fresh, pure and can be used by the whole family.

Fish oils are rich in the Omega-3s fatty acids EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) which are considered essential nutrients as the body cannot produce them therefore – they must be obtained through food or supplements. Whilst many people recognise the benefits of adding high quality Omega-3s to their diet, there is still some confusion about the differences between the well-known cod liver oil and fish oil.  

What is the difference between cod liver oil and fish oil?

Cod liver oil is extracted from the livers of the fish; Nordic naturals cod liver oil is made from 100% wild arctic cod which contains natural levels of Vitamin A and vitamin D in addition to the omega-3’s. Some brands use oil from the body of the fish from species such as pollock or haddock and add in Vitamin A and D to mimic cod liver oil, practices that are not applicable to Nordic naturals cod liver oil. 

Fish oil generally contains a higher concentration of the Omega-3s – EPA and DHA than cod liver oil but it does not contain the natural fat-soluble Vitamin A or D. It is also produced from the flesh of the fatty fish and not the liver. Nordic natural fish oil uses sustainable sources from wild-caught anchovies, sardines, mackerel and herring. 

Both cod liver and fish oils offer many health benefits throughout the various stages of our lives, and since 1955 Nordic Naturals have been producing only the purest, high quality fish oils.  

Cod liver oil benefits

Cod-liver oil may benefit our health and wellbeing in various ways – 

• Rich in Vitamin A and D for eye, immune and bone health, especially important in areas of limited sunlight and during the winter months. 
• Promotes healthy skin. 
• May support brain development and mental clarity. 
• May reduce inflammation and joint pain. 
• May support heart health. 
• May support gut health.

Fish oil benefits

• Cardiovascular health, helping to lower triglycerides and support cholesterol balance and may lower blood pressure. 
• Pregnancy and fetal brain and eye development, more DHA is needed during this time. 
• Mental health as both EPA and DHA can support cognitive health. 
• Regulation of inflammation and more.

Our omega-3 needs evolve as we do – from babies, children to teenagers, expectant mothers and older adults, Nordic Natural fish oils cover all those stages of our development with their wide range of products from kids omega- 3 supplements to prenatal DHA and pregnancy support, as well as teens and elderly especially for cognitive support. Many younger children and teenagers simply don’t get enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diet which is found in fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseeds, hemp seeds. Therefore, it is important at this stage of life, that they supplement their diet. 

With the growth of fish oil supplements on the market, it comes with challenges, in particular overfishing and non-sustainable practices. Nordic Naturals put sustainability and purity at the top of their core values. 

Sustainability matters

Nordic Naturals are not only committed to human health, but also the health of our oceans by using line and net fishing methods to prevent the seafloor and ecosystem damage that can be caused by other fishing methods such as bottom trawling. They source their fish in compliance with the Norwegian fisheries management system. They only use wild-caught, sustainably sourced fish from the Norwegian sea (Arctic Cod) and Pacific and Atlantic anchovies and sardines. When looking for the best omega-3 supplement, Nordic Naturals fish oils should be a first choice for their commitment to high standards in purity, freshness and sustainability, backed by scientific research and third-party testing. 

Other reasons to celebrate Nordic Naturals products are they are non gmo certified, contain only researched backed ingredients, enhanced absorption and much more. It is no surprise that Nordic Naturals is the No.1 bestselling fish oil brand in the US with many of their ranges available in the UK to help support individual needs throughout life.  

* https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/fish-oil-market