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Looking for the best cod liver oil supplements?
Cod liver oil is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids and a natural source of vitamins A & D. It's one of the first healthy oils used in households dating back to the 1930's.
If you want to add this healthy oil to your diet you want to ensure you're getting the best product that will meet your needs.
Factors such as where the fish come from to make your oil, the level of omega 3 fatty acids and purity levels all play a big part in getting the best health benefits from them.
The information below is a brief summary of what you should look for when buying cod liver oil. Please read my Guide to Buying Cod Liver Oil for more detailed information.
Some of the best cod liver oil will come from fish caught in clear, unpolluted water. The 'hot zone' for this is primarily off the Norway coastline where they've been fishing for arctic cod for thousands of years.
You want to ensure your cod liver oil provides a high amount of omega 3 fatty acids. Since you're getting this from a natural source, the amount of omega 3's can vary from fish to fish.
However, fish oil manufacturers strive to provide a minimal amount of omega 3 fatty acids per measured dose. This is achieved through analyzing the oil and providing these results to consumers.
Does your cod liver oil come with a Certificate of Analysis or provide the test results from a third-party laboratory to confirm the listed amounts on the ingredient label?
The best cod liver oil should be tested to ensure it contains minimal amounts of contaminants. Some fish oil companies will provide these test results for you to see; either directly on their website or by request.
Buy from companies that specialize in producing fish oils. While many nutritional supplement companies have a fish oil in their product line, the majority of these oils are produced by only a handful of companies that
'private label' their products for other companies.
I prefer to buy my fish oils from companies that specialize in this area. It may help you to do some research behind the company that makes your cod liver oil to learn more about their manufacturing standards and testing procedures.
While price may play a part in your decision, remember that low quality cod liver oils may provide low benefits. Beware of low priced fish oils as these may contain rancid fish oils. Rancid fish oils are one of the primary causes for many side effects from fish oils. I've found that premium quality cod liver oils are only a few cents more per dose and will usually provide more health benefits.
Do you prefer using fish oil capsules or soft gels? Some soft gel capsules are made from animal collagen which may pose a problem for some dietary lifestyles. You can find soft gels made from plant-based or
marine-based products.
Some fish oil manufacturers will tell you what their soft gels are made from; either on their websites or on the ingredient label. If this information is not available, you can try contacting the manufacturer's Customer Service
Department for this information.
You can choose from a variety of high quality cod liver oils, including liquid cod liver oil and soft gel capsules, from your local health food store and online retailers.
A few of the most popular brands are: Nordic Naturals, Carlson Labs and Garden of Life. These products contain potent omega 3 fatty acid levels (including EPA and DHA) and they stand behind their high levels of purity and quality control in their fish oil products.
One of the biggest sellers on Amazon.com is Carlson Labs Norwegian Natural Vitamin E Cod Liver Oil
This particular fish oil has almost 150 customer reviews with many positive comments.
Choosing to use the best cod liver oil supplement will help ensure you and your family get the benefits you seek. This natural marine oil can provide the nutrients you need for optimal health and vitality.