The Difference Between Cod Liver Oil and Fish Oil: Information Your Doctor Might Not Have Told You

The Difference Between Cod Liver Oil and Fish Oil: Information Your Doctor Might Not Have Told You

The name “Cod Liver Oil” sounds attractive and compelling, often bringing to mind the image of a massive whale, even though the source is actually from the Cod Fish. The prestigious name and association with omega-3, the famous fatty acid, give the impression that it’s an invaluable compound worth taking regularly.

This article might surprise many, as it sheds light on aspects about Cod Liver Oil that most doctors might not mention. We will make a clear comparison between Cod Liver Oil and Fish Oil, especially in terms of the quantity of omega-3 content.

What is Cod Liver Oil?

Cod Liver Oil is a traditional remedy used by the Vikings to help them cope with the absence of sunlight for six months of the year. This “oil of strength” was derived from the Atlantic Cod Fish, providing them with vitamin D to compensate for the lack of sun.

Cod Liver Oil is extracted from the liver of the cod fish and is a yellowish liquid with a strong aroma. It is notable for containing a good amount of the essential omega-3 fatty acid, which has many positive health effects. Additionally, it is rich in Vitamin A, which supports skin, hair, and eye health, and Vitamin D, crucial for bone health and growth.

One can consume Cod Liver Oil naturally by eating cod fish, or through its extracted form available as a natural supplement or in pharmaceutical-grade supplements containing these beneficial fatty acids and vitamins

What is Fish Oil?

Fish oil is one of the healthiest types of fatty oils, extracted from the tissues of fatty fish like salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel, and sardines. Its significance lies in its high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which provide numerous health benefits. Fish oil differs from cod liver oil in that it typically contains higher levels of omega-3. For instance, supplements like Omegrow Syrup (Omega-3) for Children, 100 ml derive their primary omega-3 content from fish oil.

Many people confuse “cod liver oil” with “fish oil”. Cod liver oil is specifically derived from the liver of the cod fish, while fish oil refers to oil extracted from fatty fish, most notably salmon, which is especially rich in omega-3.

Benefits of Cod Liver Oil for Children

Cod liver oil provides children with various physical, mental, and immune health benefits:

1. Physical Health Benefits: Cod liver oil boosts physical activity in children, supports eye health by protecting the retina, and strengthens vision. It also aids in treating certain kidney issues, promotes hair and nail health, and benefits heart health by increasing good HDL cholesterol and reducing triglycerides, lowering the risk of arterial blockages and heart attacks.
2. Mental and Cognitive Benefits: One of the significant advantages of cod liver oil is its role in supporting mental development. From pregnancy, cod liver oil contributes to healthy brain development in fetuses. It enhances infants’ mental attentiveness and improves children’s social responsiveness in their early growth stages.
3. Immune Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and D, cod liver oil provides protective benefits for children. It reduces the risk of conditions like rickets and type 1 diabetes. Though it contains lower levels of omega-3 than fish oil, it still supports brain functions, especially focus and comprehension. Its high vitamin A content also protects and enhances vision, while vitamin D supports respiratory health, especially in preventing upper respiratory tract infections during colds.

Benefits of Fish Oil for Children

Fish oil is a highly concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, which work together to provide numerous health benefits for children. Though cod liver oil also contains omega-3, fish oil (particularly from salmon) is generally richer in both quantity and type of these essential fatty acids. Here are some key benefits fish oil offers for children:

1. Enhanced Cognitive Abilities: Omega-3 supports neurological and physical development from the earliest stages. Even in the womb, infants benefit from the omega-3 fatty acids consumed by the mother, often through dietary supplements. This effect extends through infancy, with improved responsiveness to stimuli and continues to bolster cognitive abilities, comprehension, and learning retention throughout school years.
2. Improved Memory: Fish oil enhances memory not just by aiding in information storage, but also by facilitating easy recall, which is essential for effective learning and studying.
3. Cardiovascular Health: Fish oil boosts levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol, reduces triglycerides, and helps manage blood pressure, playing a role in protecting against conditions like atherosclerosis.
4. Increased Focus and Reduced Hyperactivity: Fish oil can help reduce symptoms of hyperactivity and improve concentration in children, positively impacting academic performance and daily attention.
5. Mood Regulation: Omega-3s in fish oil are known for their mood-enhancing effects, helping to prevent depressive symptoms and negative emotions by improving brain chemistry, reducing feelings of apathy, low energy, and discouragement.

Potential Side Effects of Cod Liver Oil for Children

While cod liver oil from cod liver offers many benefits, it can also cause side effects, especially if taken without medical supervision. Side effects can be mild or more severe, depending on the child’s sensitivity and dosage.

• Mild Side Effects: These common effects vary but often include:
  • Bad breath and altered body odor
  • Occasional headaches
  • Digestive issues, sometimes progressing to nausea or vomiting
  • Metallic taste in the mouth
  • Increased belching with acidity in the stomach
  • Occasional skin dryness
• Severe Side Effects: Although rare, severe side effects may necessitate stopping cod liver oil use and consulting a doctor, who may adjust the dose or recommend an alternative supplement.

Serious Side Effects of Cod Liver Oil

While cod liver oil offers numerous health benefits, certain severe side effects necessitate immediate medical intervention. These adverse reactions can arise particularly from unsupervised, prolonged usage. Key risks include:

1. Vitamin Toxicity: Excessive vitamin A or D intake can lead to hypervitaminosis, which impacts blood clotting, elevates cholesterol levels, and weakens immune function.
2. Drug Interactions: Cod liver oil can interact negatively with medications for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, blood thinners, kidney disease treatments, and bone health supplements, potentially worsening these conditions.
3. Risk of Liver Failure: In cases where cod liver oil is used excessively or without necessity, the body stores the excess in the liver. Over time, this can lead to liver toxicity or even liver failure.
4. Severe Allergic Reactions: Cod liver oil may cause allergic reactions including rashes, dark urine, significant bleeding, vision changes, swelling (especially in the face, lips, or tongue), and yellowing of the eyes or skin. If any of these occur, seek medical assistance immediately.

Side Effects of Fish Oil in Children

Although fish oil supplements are generally safe, they can cause certain mild to moderate side effects in children:

1. Weight Gain: Improved mood and appetite may lead to increased food intake, which can result in weight gain. This can be managed with balanced portions and monitoring food intake.
2. Fishy Odor: Regular intake of fish oil can sometimes cause a noticeable fishy odor in breath or sweat, which may be socially uncomfortable but does not impact the supplement’s effectiveness.
3. Digestive Upset: Some children may experience mild digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or even vomiting after prolonged use of omega-3 supplements.
4. Severe Allergic Reactions: If a child has an allergy to any component of fish oil, symptoms like hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling can occur, warranting immediate medical attention.

Why Omegrow Syrup is a Good Choice for Omega-3

Omegrow Syrup (Omega-3) for children (100ml) is a high-quality option made by Spain’s renowned pharmaceutical company, Martinez, known for using top-grade ingredients. OMEGROW is manufactured under FDA guidelines, ensuring quality and safety. It contains high concentrations of EPA and DHA, allowing children to meet their omega-3 needs with lower doses. OmegaGro is also orange-flavored, making it appealing for children.

Conclusion

Contrary to popular belief, cod liver oil is not the most abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids. While rich in vitamins A and D, it has limited omega-3 content. Fish oil, derived from salmon, mackerel, and tuna, is a richer source. OMEGROW Syrup provides a well-balanced, high-concentration option for children’s omega-3 needs, particularly beneficial for cognitive development and immune health.