Cod liver oil is a natural supplement extracted from the livers of cod fish that contains the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), along with vitamins A and D.

Because it’s sourced from the liver, cod liver oil contains high amounts of vitamins A and D, unlike regular fish oil. It was even used to treat and eradicate rickets (a disease caused by a vitamin D deficiency) in the 19th and 20th centuries

However, cod liver oil supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use. Supplements generally lack solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for them but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. Speak with your doctor before supplementing.

Active Components of Cod Liver Oil – Cod Liver Oil For Glowing Skin

Vitamin A

1 tsp/5 mL of cod liver oil contains approximately 850-4,000 IU of vitamin A, equivalent to 255 – 1200 mcg of retinol/RE. This is quite high, as the daily intake requirement is 1000 mcg RE for men, 800 mcg RE for non-pregnant as well as pregnant women and 1,300 mcg RE for lactating women

Vitamin A protects the eyes and skin from UV damage and helps control stress. It is an essential nutrient (can’t be produced by the body) critical for memory, maintaining the circadian rhythm, and controlling blood sugar levels