Overview
This is one of the most-rated cod liver oils in our catalogue, and unusually for the category it states its EPA and DHA on the front. That transparency is worth more than it sounds, because most of this aisle competes on a milligram figure that tells you almost nothing.
At a glance - Strength
- 1000mg cod liver oil per softgel
- Omega-3
- 80mg EPA, 90mg DHA per capsule
- Supply
- 120 softgels, about four months
- Also contains
- Naturally occurring vitamins A and D
- Rating
- 4.7 / 5 from ~8,300 ratings
- Not for
- Pregnancy, because of the vitamin A
The numbers that actually matter
Most cod liver oils advertise 1000mg and leave it there. That figure is the weight of oil in the capsule, not the omega-3 content, and it is the reason two products can look identical and differ several-fold on the thing you are buying.
This one states <strong>80mg EPA and 90mg DHA</strong> per capsule, which is typical for an unconcentrated cod liver oil. If you want a substantially higher omega-3 dose per capsule, a concentrated fish oil delivers more, though without the vitamins A and D. Knowing that is the difference between choosing this deliberately and buying it by accident.
On cost, 120 capsules at around £10 is roughly 8p a day at one a day. The same brand sells a 360-capsule pack that works out cheaper per capsule, which is the usual pattern: buy the larger pack if you are going to keep taking it.
Why cod liver oil rather than plain fish oil
The liver is where a fish stores vitamins A and D, so cod liver oil carries both naturally while body-oil fish oil carries little or none. If you want omega-3 plus a contribution towards vitamin D in one capsule, that is the case for this category.
The reverse of the same fact is the reason to avoid it: if you already take a multivitamin or a separate vitamin A, you can double up without noticing, and vitamin A is fat-soluble so it accumulates rather than being flushed out.
Check the <strong>%NRV for vitamin D</strong> on the label before assuming this covers the NHS winter recommendation, because the amount varies a lot between cod liver oils and many deliver only a fraction of it.
The pregnancy caution, and our verdict
<strong>NHS guidance is that pregnant women should avoid cod liver oil and any supplement containing vitamin A as retinol</strong>, because too much can harm a developing baby. This is a genuine restriction rather than a legal formality. Plain fish oil or algal omega-3 supplies EPA and DHA without it.
For everyone else, this is a sensible mainstream choice: a large, consistent review base, stated omega-3 figures, and a low daily cost. Our score is held back mainly because the omega-3 per capsule is modest, so anyone wanting a high dose will be taking several capsules or should look at a concentrated product.
A practical check worth doing: fresh oil should be nearly odourless. A strong fishy taste on burping usually means oxidised oil, and that is a batch to return rather than push through.
Key features, as the manufacturer lists them
Taken from the product listing via Amazon's product API. These are the seller's claims, not our test results.
- Support Your Heart, Brain & Vision: Our Cod Liver Oil capsules are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA, and DHA, essential for a healthy heart, mind, and eyesight. Adding it to your daily routine is a simple way to support your health and body.
- Benefits of Vitamin A & D: Enriched with Vitamin D for strong bones and muscles, and Vitamin A for immune support, our capsules are ideal for maintaining your well-being, especially for those with active lifestyles.
- One Capsule a Day: An easy once-daily formula with cod liver oil, EPA, DHA and key vitamins all in one convenient capsule, making it simple to stay consistent with your supplement routine.
- Quality You Can Trust: Made in a GMP-certified facility, our non-GMO formula is independently tested for heavy metals, so you can support your health with confidence every day.
- Committed to Your Wellness: At Zipvit, we’ve been formulating supplements for over 25 years, using carefully selected, high-quality ingredients and thoughtfully developed formulas. Our goal is simple: to help you feel your best every day with products you can trust.
Frequently asked questions
How much omega-3 is in 1000mg cod liver oil?
In this product, 80mg EPA and 90mg DHA per capsule, which is typical for an unconcentrated cod liver oil. The 1000mg on the front is the weight of oil, not the omega-3, so always check the EPA and DHA figures.
Is cod liver oil better than fish oil?
It depends what you want. Cod liver oil carries vitamins A and D naturally; body-oil fish oil generally does not but can be concentrated to deliver far more omega-3 per capsule. Choose cod liver oil for the combination, fish oil for the dose.
Can I take cod liver oil in pregnancy?
No. NHS guidance is to avoid cod liver oil and supplements containing vitamin A as retinol during pregnancy. Plain fish oil or algal omega-3 provides EPA and DHA without the vitamin A.
Does cod liver oil provide enough vitamin D?
Often not on its own. The amount varies widely between products, so check the %NRV on the label rather than assuming it covers the NHS recommendation of 10 micrograms daily in autumn and winter.
Should I buy the 120 or the 360 capsule pack?
The larger pack is cheaper per capsule, which is the usual pattern. Buy the small pack to try the brand and the larger one once you know you will keep taking it, since cod liver oil keeps well if stored cool and dark.
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