Cod Liver Oil

Figure 1. The Atlantic Cod, Gadus morhua.

Cod Liver Oil is the generic name for the dietary supplement derived from liver of cod fish, i.e. fish belonging to the family Gadidae. Cod Liver Oil is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), Vitamin A, and Vitamin D. 

Around 20% of Cod Liver Oil is made up of Omega-3 fatty acids. Though similar in fatty acid composition to other fish oils, Cod Liver Oil has higher concentrations of Vitamin A and Vitamin D. In a per tablespoon serving of Cod Liver Oil (13.6g), Cod Liver Oil contains 4.08mg of Vitamin A and 0.034mg of Vitamin D, compared to 0.9mg/0.7mg daily requirement of Vitamin A for men/women and 0.015mg daily requirement of Vitamin D.

For nutritional values, refer to the Codex entries for EPA, DHA, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D.