Cod Liver Oil FAQs

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Q. I have a question regarding your recommendation about consuming cod liver oil for omega oils and DHA. I currently take an oil, which isn’t cod liver but oil from the algae, which is how the cod gets the DHA. I would like to know whether it is true that cod gets the omega-3s from the algae and therefore consuming the algae itself is as beneficial as cod liver oil? Would you have any information on this or know where I can get more information, as I would like to give my baby the right oil.

A. We do NOT recommend the oil from algae–this is very bad for babies. And besides, it does not contain vitamins A and D, which is the reason you are giving cod liver oil to babies. Use one of the recommend brands in our Shopping Guide

Q. In the letter sections of Wise Traditions Vo17 No.1 on p.4. One letter references a remedy for warts: vitamin E, vitamin A and vitamin C. I took the recommended amounts for four weeks with no results. I used Dr. Mercola’s vitamin E, Organic India food-based vitamin C and Klaire Lab micellized VitaminA.

Does anyone know why it did not work? Could perhaps a better form or brand of Vitamin A be needed? If so, any suggestions? Any help would be appreciated. I have been seeing a holistic doctor to treat the planter’s wart since June of this year with it still hanging in there.

A. I would use cod liver oil for your vitamin A (which needs to be balanced with the vitamin D) and eat plenty of butter for vitamin E. The Indian food-based vitamin C is probably OK. In addition to taking cod liver oil internally, I would rub some on the wart.

Q. Is vitamin mk-7 supplement derived from natto a good vitamin K to combine with cod liver oil? I’m asking because you write on the website that cod liver alone can be dangerous, so will taking cod liver oil be safe if taken with vitamin mk-7 derived from natto?

A. Yes, it is fine–but much more delicious to get your vitamin K from cheese, goose liver, duck fat, eggs and butter!!

Q. If you suggest that synthetic vitamins are bad to consume, why do you recommend cod liver oils which contain synthetic vitamins A and D in the good category of the shopping guide? Is vitamin D3 synthetic?

A. The Good category of cod liver oil products is definitely a compromise–much better to use those in the Best category, but these are not available everywhere. Yes, added vitamin D3 is synthetic.

Q. I was told that Menhaden Fish is the best fish that has EPA DHA and DPA.
Where can I buy this fish and is it the best source of these nutrients?

A. All seafood is a good source of EPA and DHA. We recommend cod liver oil as the best source. EPA and DHA need to be balanced with AA, found in animal fats.

Q. Years ago I was given a prescription to raise my Vitamin D. I was told it could take many months to build up in my system to optimal levels. Since then I stopped supplementing. My vitamin D levels have dropped again. If I opt to take cod liver oil, approximately how long would it take for my vitamin D levels to be raised to the optimal level?

A. Cod liver oil is definitely better than taking vitamin D. See https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/abcs-of-nutrition/vitamin-d-supplementation-panacea-potential-problem/ on optimal levels of vitamin D and how to supplement. No one could really say how long it would take you.

Q. I read the “Cod Liver Oil Basics and Recommendations” and would like to ask which of the recommended brands has got proof (and regular tests) that their oil is not toxic (does not contain metals etc.).

A. WAPF has tested for stability (fermented clo was the most stable) but not for metals, pcbs, etc. You need to ask the manufacturer for these test results. I know that Green Pasture tests regularly and their oil is very clean–they have a patented filter process they use.

Q. I recently began taking cod liver oil (from green pasture) 1 month ago. There are times when I notice some interesting effects immediately after taking a dose (no more than 2 ml). One of the main symptoms I have is cold hands/reduced blood flow. Over the next few hours, my energy levels will drop and digestion seems impaired. Have your received similar feedback and do you have any advice to combat these symptoms?

A. This is interesting; we have never heard this before. But it could be because you are very sensitive to omega-3 fatty acids (which can cause digestive problems). Be sure you are balancing the cod liver oil with enough animal fats containing arachidonic acid (AA), such as butter.

Q. Today, Dr. Mercola published this on Cod Liver Oil: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/03/16/warning-new-proof-confirms-if-you-take-this-supplement-vitamin-d-will-not-work-as-well.aspx

Please set me straight. Is his article citing research that could be newer than that published in your book, Nourishing Fats? Should I stop taking Cod Liver Oil? I am very interested in listening to your wisdom

A. I have sent this on to Chris Masterjohn for comment but on the surface it is ridiculous. We get A and D together in food all the time. The research indicates that we need to get A and D together for both A and D to work. I am sure this is coming from the vitamin D supplement people, who are getting burned by the problems people are encountering when they take too much D. Keep taking your cod liver oil!!

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