Fatty Acid
Wild Cod Liver Oil
Also known as: cod liver oil, CLO, gadidae oil
A nutrient-dense oil from wild Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) livers, naturally rich in EPA, DHA, vitamin A, and vitamin D3. Traditionally used for joint health and immune support.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Wild Cod Liver Oil product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Natural Factors Super Cod Liver Oil | 83 A- | $0.15 |
| 2 | Nutricost Cod Liver Oil | 82 A- | $0.15 |
| 3 | Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Alaskan Cod Liver Oil - Lemon | 81 A- | $0.51 |
| 4 | NOW Foods Cod Liver Oil Extra Strength | 74 B+ | $0.10 |
| 5 | Carlson Kid's Cod Liver Oil | 74 B+ | $0.46 |
| 6 | Carlson Cod Liver Oil Gems, Super 1,000 mg | 71 B | $0.29 |
| 7 | Carlson Cod Liver Oil Minis | 66 B- | $0.57 |
| 8 | Carlson Solar D Gems 6,000 IU (150 mcg) | 64 B- | $0.17 |
| 9 | Carlson Cod Liver Oil Grab + Go Packs, Pouch | 64 B- | $1.79 |
| 10 | Carlson Cod Liver Oil | 64 B- | $0.91 |
| 11 | Carlson Cod Liver Oil, Low Vitamin A | 64 B- | $0.35 |
| 12 | Carlson Solar D Gems 2,000 IU (50 mcg) | 64 B- | $0.18 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Wild Cod Liver Oil should I take?
The typical range is 1-3 grams daily of cod liver oil (providing 180-540 mg EPA and 120-360 mg DHA approximately). safe for long-term continuous use; fat-soluble vitamins accumulate over time
When should I take Wild Cod Liver Oil?
with meals containing additional fat for optimal absorption. recommended to reduce GI upset and improve absorption.
Which form of Wild Cod Liver Oil is best?
liquid oil. Other forms in the catalog: capsules, softgels.
Is Wild Cod Liver Oil safe?
Commonly reported: fishy aftertaste, mild GI upset, nausea (especially on empty stomach).
Which Wild Cod Liver Oil supplement scores highest?
Natural Factors Super Cod Liver Oil, at 83/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- omega-3 supplementation
- joint and bone support
- immune function
- vision and skin health
How it works
- provides preformed EPA/DHA reducing need for conversion
- supplies fat-soluble vitamins (A and D3)
- reduces systemic inflammation through omega-3 content
- supports membrane integrity
Dosage
- Typical range
- 1-3 grams daily of cod liver oil (providing 180-540 mg EPA and 120-360 mg DHA approximately)
- Timing
- with meals containing additional fat for optimal absorption
- With food
- recommended to reduce GI upset and improve absorption
- Duration
- safe for long-term continuous use; fat-soluble vitamins accumulate over time
- Special populations
- pregnant women should verify vitamin A content does not exceed safe limits; individuals on anticoagulants should monitor intake
Forms
- liquid oil· 70/100
- capsules· 70/100
- softgels· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- fishy aftertaste
- mild GI upset
- nausea (especially on empty stomach)
Contraindications
- allergy to fish or shellfish
- bleeding disorders (high-dose)
- scheduled surgery (may increase bleeding risk)
Products containing Wild Cod Liver Oil
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Wild Cod Liver Oil on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Cod liver oil has good clinical evidence for omega-3 and vitamin benefits, though newer purified fish oils have more extensive RCT data. Traditional use and composition well-documented.
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.