I first came across fermented cod liver oil when I became frustrated with my 6 year old son’s dental health. I took him to a conventional dentist and all they had to offer was anesthetics and drilling. Logically, I knew something deeper was wrong because my 4 other kids didn’t have as much tooth decay as him.
After much research, I realized the strong connection between his teeth and the overall health of his body. He was lacking in some serious nutrients that were causing his body to leech these important nutrients from his teeth.
I finally came to the conclusion that fermented cod liver oil was something I needed to try. Rami Nagel talks about the importance of this supplement in his book Cure Tooth Decay.
My wife was so excited when I introduced this supplement into our home. She always wanted to find something that was simple to give our entire family (ages 6 to 6 months old) and that she knew had everything they needed, especially the most the important nutrients, such as omega 3 fatty acids and adequate quantities of bio-available (easily absorbed) forms of natural vitamin A and D, which she knew we could not get from any single food.
As a naturopathic doctor I like to individualize my recommendations to my patients, but I believe this supplement has such a foundational role that I end up recommending it to everyone because clinical research reveals over and over again that as a nation we are chronically deficient in everything that fermented cod liver oil has to offer.
Why Fermented Cod Liver Oil and NOT Regular Cod Liver Oil or Fish Oil
Nearly all manufacturers of cod liver oil, krill oil and fish oil supplements use high heat or chemicals to extract the therapeutic oils. It is by far the most efficient way to do it taking only a few hours to accomplish. But this process destroys the naturally occurring vitamin A and D content and denatures the delicate omega 3 fatty acids.
The manufacturers then usually re-add the vitamin A and D, typically in synthetic form, therefore making these vitamins much less bio-available and sometimes toxic.
Fermenting the cod livers does not cause these problems. It requires 6 to 12 months to delicately render the fish oil using traditional fermentation methods of the livers. This preserves the natural nutrient content and delicate fatty acids. It also makes them much more bio-available to our bodies.
Fermented cod liver oil not only is great to help prevent infectious disease (yes, your children will get sick far less often and recover much more quickly!), but is also excellent for preventing the array of chronic degenerative diseases that plague our society: depression, cancer, heart-disease, auto-immune disorders etc.
Here is an extended listed of the benefits of fermented cod liver oil (FCLO):
- Promotes healthy cholesterol levels (HDL/LDL ratios)
- Prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaque
- Is a systemic anti-inflammatory
- Reduces symptoms from arthritis (rheumatoid and osteoarthritis)
- Promotes mental health (prevents degenerative mental diseases)
- Supports tooth and bone health
- Promotes healthy hormone balance
- Supports the health of hair, skin, and nails
- Reduces inflammatory skin conditions (acne, eczema, etc.)
- Helps manage ADHD symptoms
- Helps manage inflammatory lung conditions (asthma)
- Can help stabilize mood disorders (bi-polar, depression, etc.).
Recommended Dosage
My wife administers 2 mL (little less than 1/2 a teaspoon) to our children, which is the bare minimum you would want to give your family daily.
Here are the dosages I would recommend:
Children (3 months to 12 years): 1/8 – 1/2 tsp or 1-4 capsules (0.625 – 2.5 ml)
Adults and children 12+ years: 1/2 – 1 tsp or 5-10 capsules (2.5 – 5 ml)
Pregnant and nursing women: 1 – 2 tsp or 10-20 capsules (5-10 ml)
Click here for sources of fermented cod liver oil in both liquid or capsule form.
Best Taken with Butter Oil
The best way to take FCLO is with butter oil to boost nutrient absorption. If this supplement is not available, ghee from grassfed cows may be used. For those with dairy allergies, use emu oil. One quarter teaspoon per day is sufficient.
The benefits of taking these healthy fats together is based on the detailed research of Dr. Weston A. Price.
Fermented Cod Liver Oil for those with Sensitive Throat Issues
Keep in mind that sometimes the fermented cod liver oil can cause a slight burning sensation in the throat, which is due to the beneficial lactic acid from the fermentation.
This sensation will go away quite quickly and even be prevented entirely if you chase it down with something that has fat in it like milk or a smoothie (which we like to use with our family).
More Information
Myths and Truths of an Ancient Superfood
The Truth About Trans Fats in Cod Liver Oil
How Kinesiology (Muscle Testing) Can Help You Select the Best Cod Liver Oil Brand for Your Family
I just recently read the article found here: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/12/23/important-cod-liver-oil-update.aspx
I would really appreciate your insight on this. I was going to start taking FCLO until I read the above article, but after reading what you post on it I’m just confused and unsure of what’s best.
i’m very interested in what you think about the studies dr. mercola talks about also. thanks!
oops, just saw http://www.westonaprice.org/cod-liver-oil/response-to-dr-mercola-on-cod-liver-oil
just wish I could afford this, it would literally be hundreds each month for our family.
My integrated endocrinologist (who loves supplements) has just cautioned me against cod liver oil. Apart from the high vitamin A content, new studies have revealed that few fish species are not contaminated with mercury lately.
High vitamin A is a concern when synthetic versions are used, but it’s very hard to get too much from natural sources.
Is this product safe for someone with a mild-moderate shrimp allergy? I would love to try this for my son who has adhd, but have been reluctant due to his allergy.
My husband is allergic to shrimp and has been taking fermented cod liver oil for over a year. There is no shrimp in it and should be no problem. It has never bothered him at all.
Ryan Leisure
I brought our bottle of FCLO in to our naturolpath along with some other supplements we take to have them tested using kinesiology (muscle testing). It tested neutral for my son, meaning he would benefit from it nutrient wise. It actually tested harmful for me. Next time we go I plan on bring a bottle of Nordic Naturals, and seeing how that tests. I am curious if anyone else out there has taken FCLO in for testing.
Ive taken both the plain and cinnamon tingle in for testing to 2 different muscle testers. The first, she said it didn’t test good for anybody anywhere. I was shocked. The second time was a different tester and I only tested cinnamon and only for my son with issues. She said it didn’t test for him but likely because his body wasn’t digesting fats well right then. I need to take it back and retest. I continue to give the normal doses to my family anyway because it just seems right to me in my spirit. It also makes a noticeable difference in one son’s throat clearing tic, though I haven’t tested that son for it.
I am concerned about the fukushima radiation now in regards to this FCLO and how long it would actually take for the contamination to reach the fish being used for Blue Ice FCLO. If not already then at some point it will obviously be contaminated and then what do we use.
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I am pregnant and take 1 to 1.5 tsp a day.
Does Green Pastures FCLO need to be refrigerated?
I always keep mine in the fridge.
I also use a wine bottle stopper with vacuum pump to extract the air in the bottle after each opening. Before I did this I found that the oil started to taste rancid by the time it was around 2/3 used.
I have been giving my toddler over 1tsp for tooth decay since last fall. He has not even had a runny nose all fall/winter. I’m now taking 1.5 tsp of the FCLO and butter oil every day since I’m pregnant. Ladies, remember that fish oil supplements may lengthen the gestation of your baby, so be prepared to go past 40 weeks! I’m in this one for the long haul.
I just had my baby 2 weeks ago, on my exact due date…took 2 tsp a day…maybe you’ll be lucky too!