Atlantic Cod Liver Oil | EPA, DHA, Vitamin A and D | Fish Gelatin Softgels | 120 Softgels

Preformed vitamin A (retinol) at the dose in this product (5,000 IU per softgel, 10,000 IU per day at the recommended dose) is at the adult tolerable upper intake level and significantly exceeds the safe upper limit for pregnancy. High dose preformed vitamin A is teratogenic and may cause birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not use this product.

Why Choose This Formula

• 700mg Atlantic cod liver oil per softgel Gadus morhua, liver | The traditional whole food source of omega-3s with naturally occurring vitamins A and D
• EPA 49mg + DHA 56mg per softgel 98mg EPA + 112mg DHA per day at 2 softgels | 210mg combined EPA and DHA per day
• Vitamin A 5,000 IU (1,500mcg RAE) per softgel Naturally occurring preformed retinol from cod liver | 10,000 IU per day at recommended dose
• Vitamin D 500 IU (12.5mcg) per softgel Naturally occurring cholecalciferol from cod liver | 1,000 IU per day at recommended dose
• Fish gelatin softgel Piscine gelatin, not bovine or porcine | Suitable for those avoiding mammalian gelatin
• Health Canada licensed NPN 80136576
• Non GMO | Gluten free | Dairy free | Soy free
• Made in Canada GMP certified facility under Health Canada oversight
• 120 softgels 60 day supply at 2 softgels per day

What This Is

Atlantic Cod Liver Oil provides 700mg of cod liver oil per softgel sourced from Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), delivering EPA (49mg), DHA (56mg), naturally occurring preformed vitamin A (5,000 IU, 1,500mcg RAE), and naturally occurring vitamin D3 (500 IU, 12.5mcg) in a fish gelatin softgel.

Licensed by Health Canada with NPN 80136576, manufactured in Canada to GMP standards. Do not use if pregnant. Do not exceed the recommended dose.

The Science

Cod Liver Oil vs Fish Oil: A Critical Distinction

Both are omega-3 supplements derived from fish, but they come from different parts of the fish and have fundamentally different nutritional profiles.

Fish oil is extracted from the body (flesh) of fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies. It is rich in EPA and DHA but contains negligible amounts of fat soluble vitamins A and D, as these vitamins are stored in the liver, not the flesh.

Cod liver oil is extracted specifically from the liver of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). The liver is the primary storage organ for fat soluble vitamins in fish, which is why cod liver oil naturally contains significant amounts of preformed vitamin A (retinol) and vitamin D (cholecalciferol) in addition to EPA and DHA.

This combination of omega-3 fatty acids with naturally occurring vitamins A and D is the defining characteristic of cod liver oil and the reason it has been used as a nutritional supplement in Northern European and North Atlantic communities for centuries, particularly during winter months when dietary vitamin D from sunlight is limited.

EPA and DHA

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are long chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids. The conversion of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, the plant derived omega-3) to EPA and DHA in the human body is inefficient, typically less than 5 to 10% for EPA and less than 1% for DHA. Direct dietary sources from marine foods or supplements are the most reliable way to maintain adequate tissue levels.

At 2 softgels per day, this formula provides 98mg EPA and 112mg DHA (210mg combined).

DHA is the primary structural omega-3 fatty acid in the brain (approximately 97% of brain omega-3s) and retina (approximately 93% of retinal omega-3s). EPA is the precursor to 3-series prostaglandins and other eicosanoids involved in healthy inflammatory response.

Vitamin A: Naturally Occurring Preformed Retinol

The vitamin A in cod liver oil is preformed retinol, the directly bioavailable form stored in the liver of the cod. Unlike beta-carotene (provitamin A from plant foods), preformed retinol does not require conversion and is absorbed and utilized directly.

At 5,000 IU (1,500mcg RAE) per softgel and 2 softgels per day, the daily vitamin A intake from this formula is 10,000 IU (3,000mcg RAE), which is at the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for adults established by Health Canada and the Institute of Medicine.

The UL for preformed vitamin A in pregnancy is significantly lower (approximately 3,000 IU or 900mcg RAE per day), which is the basis for the absolute pregnancy contraindication. Do not exceed the recommended dose, as chronic intake above the UL can cause hypervitaminosis A.

Vitamin D: Naturally Occurring Cholecalciferol

The vitamin D in cod liver oil is cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), the same form produced in human skin upon UV-B exposure.

At 500 IU (12.5mcg) per softgel and 2 softgels per day, the daily vitamin D intake is 1,000 IU (25mcg), a commonly recommended supplemental dose for adults in Canada where sunlight derived vitamin D production is limited for much of the year. The tolerable upper intake level for vitamin D for adults is 4,000 IU (100mcg) per day; 1,000 IU is well within safe limits.

Fish Gelatin Softgel

The softgel shell is made from piscine (fish derived) gelatin rather than the bovine or porcine gelatin used in most softgel supplements. Suitable for those who avoid mammalian gelatin for religious, cultural, or personal reasons. Not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.

d-alpha Tocopherol (natural vitamin E) is included as an antioxidant preservative to protect the highly unsaturated EPA and DHA fatty acids from oxidative rancidity.

Medicinal Ingredients (per softgel)

• Cod Liver Oil (Gadus morhua, liver) 700mg
• Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) 49mg
• Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) 56mg
• Vitamin A (preformed retinol) 1,500mcg RAE (5,000 IU)
• Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) 12.5mcg (500 IU)

Non medicinal ingredients: Piscine gelatin (non GMO), glycerin, purified water, d-alpha tocopherol.

Per Daily Dose (2 Softgels)

• Cod Liver Oil: 1,400mg
• EPA: 98mg | DHA: 112mg | Total EPA and DHA: 210mg
• Vitamin A: 3,000mcg RAE (10,000 IU) at the adult tolerable upper intake level
• Vitamin D: 25mcg (1,000 IU)

Quality and Trust

• NPN 80136576 Licensed by Health Canada as a Natural Health Product
• Made in Canada GMP certified facility under Health Canada oversight
• Sourced from Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)
• Fish gelatin softgel Piscine gelatin, non GMO, not bovine or porcine
• d-alpha Tocopherol Natural vitamin E antioxidant preservative
• Non GMO | Gluten free | Dairy free | Soy free
• 120 softgels 60 day supply at 2 softgels per day

Who This Is For

• Adults 19 years and older seeking a traditional cod liver oil supplement providing omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) alongside naturally occurring vitamins A and D in a single softgel
• Those who want the combined nutritional profile of cod liver oil rather than a plain fish oil supplement
• Those who avoid mammalian gelatin (bovine or porcine) and prefer a fish gelatin softgel
• Adults in Canada seeking a Health Canada licensed, GMP manufactured, non GMO cod liver oil supplement

How to Use

Adults 19 years and older: Take 1 softgel 2 times per day with food. At 2 softgels per day, one bottle of 120 softgels provides a 60 day supply. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep bottle tightly sealed after each use.

Safety and Cautions

Do not use if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Preformed vitamin A at the dose in this product significantly exceeds the safe upper limit for pregnancy and may cause birth defects.

Do not exceed the recommended dose. Chronic intake of preformed vitamin A above the tolerable upper intake level can cause hypervitaminosis A.

Consult a healthcare practitioner before use if you are taking blood thinners or anticoagulant medications, as omega-3 fatty acids have mild antiplatelet activity. Consult a healthcare practitioner before use if you have a fish allergy. Not suitable for vegans or vegetarians (fish gelatin softgel). Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if the seal is broken or missing.

NPN 80136576. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All health claims are consistent with Health Canada's Natural Health Products Regulations.