Cod Liver Oil Capsules vs. Liquid: Similarities and Differences

Cod Liver Oil Capsules vs. Liquid: What’s the Difference?

Wondering whether to take cod liver oil as a pill or a liquid? Learn how the two forms differ in terms of nutrient content, dosage, and ease of use.
Cod Liver Oil Capsules vs. Liquid: What’s the Difference?
Everyday Health
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Updated on September 2, 2025
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Available in both liquid and capsule form, cod liver oil supplements can be a helpful way to increase your consumption of essential omega-3 fatty acids. Knowing the differences between the two delivery methods may help you decide which one best fits your needs. Consult your doctor before adding any cod liver oil supplement to your wellness regimen.

Vitamins A and D

Cod liver oil is often taken for its vitamin A and D content, which are important for supporting bone, brain, vision, and immune health. While nutrition information varies from brand to brand, you may notice a significant difference in the vitamin A and D content of cod liver oil capsules and cod liver oil liquid supplements of the same brand. For example, one serving of Carlson Cod Liver Oil Liquid provides 28 percent of your daily value of vitamin A and 50 percent of your daily value of vitamin D, while one serving of Carlson Cod Liver Oil Capsules only provides 10 percent of your daily value of vitamin A and 20 percent of your daily value of vitamin D.

Because taking too much of certain vitamins, including fat-soluble vitamins A and D, can be toxic, more isn’t always better. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine safe supplementation levels for you.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Content

In addition to being a stronger source of vitamins A and D, cod liver oil liquid also contains more omega-3 fatty acids than cod liver oil capsules. Looking at the same Carlson supplements above, one serving of cod liver oil liquid contains 500 milligrams (mg) of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 370 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and 50 mg of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), while one serving of cod liver oil capsules contains 200 mg of DHA and 160 mg of EPA.

Easy Swallowing

While the nutrient content of the liquid and capsule versions of cod liver oil can vary significantly, none of it matters if you can’t swallow the supplement. If you have a difficult time swallowing pills, the liquid version of cod liver oil may be a better choice for you. However, the liquid may be tough to swallow as well if you don’t like the fishy taste (despite added flavors used by some brands to make products more palatable). Consider mixing the liquid version into a food or beverage to make it easier to take.

Safety Concerns

You shouldn’t take cod liver oil supplements in any form if you have a fish allergy, and you should stop taking the supplement if you experience an allergic reaction, such as hives, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing. Also, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the supplement if you’re taking any blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin, or cholesterol medications like cholestyramine or colestipol.

Cod liver oil may lead to an excessive intake of fat-soluble vitamins A and D as well, causing vitamin toxicity. To reduce your risk, look for cod liver oil supplements with smaller amounts of vitamins A and D.

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Jennifer Frediani

Jennifer Frediani, PhD, RD

Medical Reviewer

Jennifer K. Frediani, PhD, RD, ACSM-CES, is a nutrition scientist, exercise physiologist, and registered dietitian with over two decades of experience in clinical research, education, and lifestyle intervention. She's an assistant professor, research track, at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University, adjunct faculty in the nutrition and health sciences program at the Rollins School of Public Health, and a member of the Winship Cancer Institute.

Dr. Frediani earned her PhD in nutrition science from Emory University, and a master’s in exercise science and a bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics from Georgia State University. Her doctoral research focused on body composition and dietary assessment among tuberculosis patients in the Republic of Georgia, and her postdoctoral work explored nutritional influences on pediatric liver disease.

She has published widely in journals such as Nature Scientific Reports, The New England Journal of Medicine, Clinical Nutrition, and Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases.

At Emory, she directs adult clinical studies for the NIH RADx initiative, overseeing trials on novel diagnostics for infectious diseases. She also leads the development of Emory’s fully online master of science in clinical nutrition program, designed to prepare future registered dietitian nutritionists through integrated coursework and supervised experiential learning.

Her research focuses on weight-neutral lifestyle interventions to improve cardiometabolic outcomes, with a special emphasis on dietary assessment, physical activity, and metabolomics.

Frediani’s teaching philosophy centers on creating inclusive, student-driven learning environments that foster critical thinking and professional growth. She is passionate about reducing weight stigma in clinical care and promoting sustainable, individualized approaches to food and movement.

Outside of work, Frediani is an avid runner and food enthusiast who travels the world to explore culinary traditions and cultural foodways. She believes that everyone deserves to enjoy food that nourishes both body and soul — without shame or restriction.

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Jill Corleone, RDN, LD

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Jill Corleone is a registered dietitian and health coach who has been writing and lecturing on diet and health for more than 15 years. Her work has been featured on the Huffington Post, Diabetes Self-Management and in the book "Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation," edited by John R. Bach, M.D. Corleone holds a Bachelor of Science in nutrition.

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