Cod Liver Oil Capsules vs. Liquid: What’s the Difference?

Available in both liquid and capsule form, cod liver oil supplements can be a helpful way to increase your consumption of essential omega-3 fatty acids. Knowing the differences between the two delivery methods may help you decide which one best fits your needs. Consult your doctor before adding any cod liver oil supplement to your wellness regimen.

Vitamins A and D

Cod liver oil is often taken for its vitamin A and D content, which are important for supporting bone, brain, vision, and immune health. While nutrition information varies from brand to brand, you may notice a significant difference in the vitamin A and D content of cod liver oil capsules and cod liver oil liquid supplements of the same brand. For example, one serving of Carlson Cod Liver Oil Liquid provides 28 percent of your daily value of vitamin A and 50 percent of your daily value of vitamin D, while one serving of Carlson Cod Liver Oil Capsules only provides 10 percent of your daily value of vitamin A and 20 percent of your daily value of vitamin D.

Because taking too much of certain vitamins, including fat-soluble vitamins A and D, can be toxic, more isn’t always better. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine safe supplementation levels for you.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Content

In addition to being a stronger source of vitamins A and D, cod liver oil liquid also contains more omega-3 fatty acids than cod liver oil capsules. Looking at the same Carlson supplements above, one serving of cod liver oil liquid contains 500 milligrams (mg) of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 370 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and 50 mg of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), while one serving of cod liver oil capsules contains 200 mg of DHA and 160 mg of EPA.

Easy Swallowing

While the nutrient content of the liquid and capsule versions of cod liver oil can vary significantly, none of it matters if you can’t swallow the supplement. If you have a difficult time swallowing pills, the liquid version of cod liver oil may be a better choice for you. However, the liquid may be tough to swallow as well if you don’t like the fishy taste (despite added flavors used by some brands to make products more palatable). Consider mixing the liquid version into a food or beverage to make it easier to take.

Safety Concerns

You shouldn’t take cod liver oil supplements in any form if you have a fish allergy, and you should stop taking the supplement if you experience an allergic reaction, such as hives, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing. Also, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the supplement if you’re taking any blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin, or cholesterol medications like cholestyramine or colestipol.

Cod liver oil may lead to an excessive intake of fat-soluble vitamins A and D as well, causing vitamin toxicity. To reduce your risk, look for cod liver oil supplements with smaller amounts of vitamins A and D.