# Fish oil vs Cod liver oil

Source page: https://www.vitamindbc.com/compare/fish-oil-vs-cod-liver-oil · prices checked 2026-11-13

## Verdict

Choose fish oil if you want omega-3s: it usually delivers more EPA + DHA per serving and contains no vitamin A. Cod liver oil adds vitamins A and D — useful if you need them, but vitamin A adds up, and high intakes are a concern in pregnancy and for bone health. Check your total vitamin A before combining cod liver oil with a multivitamin.

## Absorption

Both supply EPA and DHA as natural triglycerides (unless the fish oil is a concentrated ethyl-ester form). The difference is what comes with them: cod liver oil, pressed from the liver, carries vitamins A and D; fish oil, from the body of oily fish, does not.

## Best for

- **Fish oil**: Omega-3 intake without extra vitamins.
- **Cod liver oil**: Omega-3 plus vitamin D when you need both.

## What each costs per dose

- **Fish oil**: cheapest $0.065 per serving, median $0.254 across 40 products (https://www.vitamindbc.com/best/fish-oil)
- **Cod liver oil**: cheapest $0.051 per serving, median $0.136 across 16 products (https://www.vitamindbc.com/best/cod-liver-oil)

## Side by side

| | Fish oil | Cod liver oil |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Body of oily fish | Cod liver |
| EPA + DHA per serving | Usually higher | Usually lower |
| Vitamins A and D | No | Yes |
| In pregnancy | Commonly used | Watch the vitamin A |

## FAQ

**Is cod liver oil better than fish oil?**

Only if you also want vitamins A and D. For omega-3s alone, fish oil gives more EPA + DHA per serving and avoids stacking vitamin A. Not medical advice.

**Can you take fish oil and cod liver oil together?**

You can, but you double up on omega-3s and add vitamin A. Keep total preformed vitamin A from all supplements under the 3,000 mcg (10,000 IU) daily upper limit. Not medical advice.

Cite as "VitaminDB (vitamindbc.com)". Method: https://www.vitamindbc.com/methodology. Not medical advice.