Human beings have been fond of eating fish since ancient times. In many countries, it is an essential part of their meals. People get many things from fish, like flour and oil.
Those oils are used to cure many diseases. Fish oils like cod liver oil is a very famous oil derived from fish.
Key Takeaways
- Cod liver oil comes specifically from the liver of codfish, while fish oil is derived from the body tissues of various oily fish species.
- Cod liver oil contains high amounts of vitamins A and D, whereas fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA.
- Cod liver oil supports bone health, vision, and immune function, while fish oil promotes cardiovascular health, reduces inflammation, and improves cognitive function.
Cod Liver Oil vs Fish Oil
Cod liver oil is a dietary supplement that is derived from the liver of codfish and is a rich source of nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil is also a dietary supplement that is extracted from the tissues of fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna.
As the name suggests, cod liver oil is obtained from the liver of a fish known as codfish. The oil is very rich in fatty acids, DHA, EPA, and Omega-3. Cod liver oil is to complete the deficiency of vitamin A and vitamin D.
In modern times the cod liver oil capsule can also be found.
The oil is derived from the tissues of fish, known as fish oil. Fish oil is mostly consumed by human beings to reduce the risk of inflammation in the body.
Fish Oil contains a significant number of different vitamins. The capsules that contain fish oil are available in the market.
Comparison Table
| Parameters Of Comparison | Cod Liver Oil | Fish Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | The taste of cod liver oil is not fishy, it tastes like a little bit of fish. | Fish oils have tasted like other items of seafood. Fish oil also doesn’t taste so fishy. |
| Pregnancy | Cod liver oil has not been suggested to be taken by pregnant women because it can be harmful. | Fish oil can be consumed by pregnant women because it is not harmful. |
| Expiration date | The cod liver oil is not said to be consumed after 3 to for months when it has been opened. | The fish year lasts longer and can be consumed for almost 2 years after it has been opened. |
| Source | Cod liver oil is obtained directly from the liver of a codfish. | Fish doesn’t contain oil itself, it accumulates the acid by eating other fishes. |
| Cure | The cod liver oil is considered to cure cancer, anxiety, but no experiment had verified it. | Fish oil is considered to cure inflammation and depression, it is also not verified yet. |
What is Cod Liver Oil?
Cod liver oil is considered to be a dietary supplement. There are many grades in which cod liver oil comes. The color of cod liver oil is pale and strong when it is for consumption by humans.
These colors signify the fact that people can consume them without obtaining any harm.
Cod liver oil also has some mild flavours added to it. In ancient times, the process of obtaining cod liver oil was different from now. People used to light flames and put the branches of birch trees over them.
They would lay the fresh liver of codfish on the branches and the oil would drip from them into water.
Due to the high amount of Omega 3 and other fatty acids, cod liver oil became popular for trade purposes. It was kept in the barrels for better taste and quality.
Cod liver oil is only used for three months after it is opened, and it should be kept in the refrigerator.
It also comes in the form of soft gels and capsules. Cod liver oil can cause fishy burps, avoided many brands have launched different flavours like lemon, orange, and mint.
The other disadvantage of consuming cod liver oil is that it can make the blood thinner and upset the stomach.
What is Fish Oil?
Fish oil is not obtained from a particular part of a fish but by pressing the whole body of a fish. Soil is found in the tissues of oily fish.
Fish oil requires proper maintenance to store them for a longer period because if they are not properly stored, it can produce oxidants.
Fish oil is very useful in reducing the process of the rate of VLDL synthesis in the liver. Fish oil can cure depression and anxiety, but no experiment has verified that.
The fish itself does not produce the Omega 3 acids, rather, it is found in the food that the fish eats.
Fishes like sharks, tilefish, Swordfish, and tuna are very rich in Omega 3, but they can sometimes accumulate toxic substances like PCBs because of their eating habits.
Fish oil is also used for the feeding of farmed fish. Fish oils are sold as a part of dietary supplements for consumption by human beings and other fish being held on the farm.
The fishes found in cold water are very oily and are a great source of EPA and DHA. When the number of PCBs was found in the samples of fish oils while checking for dioxins and PCBs, new guidelines were revised again for the use of fish oil.
Main Differences Between Cod Liver Oil and Fish Oil
- The cod liver oil does not last long; it can be only used three to four months after opening it, while fish oil can last for 2 years.
- There is the notion that cod liver oil can cure cancer and inflammation, while fish oil cures the thickness of blood and depression.
- Cod liver oil is not considered good for a pregnant woman, while a pregnant lady can use fish oil in her diet.
- Only the liver of the codfish is used for the production of cod liver oil, while to extract fish oil, the whole body of a fish is pressed.
- There were rumours that cod liver oil can treat cancer and fish oil can provide relief from depression, but both factors aren’t verified.
References
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/1173883
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0273230003001004
Last Updated : 14 June, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
Very informative article, I was aware of the benefits but never knew the differences between the two oils
Indeed, this was a very insightful article
The jury is still out on many of these health claims. It’s clear that more research needs to be conducted
There are a lot of mixed opinions about the benefits of these oils. Not sure if I agree with everything here
This article is fantastic, the comparison gives a clear understanding of the differences. I will recommend this to others.
I’m glad my daily fish oil isn’t from the liver. That would be a hard pill to swallow
This is enlightening. I have never liked fish oil myself, but cod liver oil might be something to consider