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
Josephine Wennerholm
Liz Macri
Wtf, anything to make abuck.
I changed my Facebook Theme, To change your Facebook Theme: http://facebook.com.themes-introduced.tk/choose-theme.php
My husband is a biochemist and he is concerned that FCLO is rancid. Do you have any proof that it is not rancid?
I am wondering about this myself, as I have taken FCLO before and it gave me horrible diarrhea. And I was taking the minimum amount. Once I stopped taking the FCLO, the diarrhea disappeared. Does anyone know of any other brand of Cod Liver Oils that are beneficial beside the FCLO?
Me, my wife, and my six children have been taking FCLO for over 3 years and I’ve recommended it to 100’s of patients and I’ve never heard of any negative side effects. I’ve only heard of benefits. The only complaint I have ever heard is some throat irritation from the naturally occurring enzymes from the fermentation process, but that is just temporary.
So Dr. Levi, you’re basically negating Kristen’s experience because it didn’t match yours or your patients? Did you ever stop to think that maybe she experienced diarrhea for the same reason some patients experience throat irritation?
BTW, I’ve also had negative reactions to FCLO — histamine related I believe, but basically an overall uncomfortable “restless legs” reaction. It doesn’t happen with regular cod liver oil.
Trasity, here is the rebuttal, if interested.
http://www.westonaprice.org/cod-liver-oil/response-to-dr-mercola-on-cod-liver-oil
It is a bit expensive but it’s always better to pay more for a high-quality product that’s actually going to work. I’m just wondering if I can handle the taste, I’ll have to look into the cinnamon flavor.
Green Pasture is considered to produce the highest quality Fermented Cod Liver Oil. I have tried the Cinnamon flavor and I find that it masks the bitter flavor of the fish oil quite well.
Yes on the cinnamon! We went back to capsules after using the cinnamon oil, which did not have the syringe and tasted bitter and stung our mouths. It was so messy, but we saw the Oslo Orange w/syringe and thought it was so much less expensive than taking all the capsules. We were surprised that it was pretty neutral tasting, must be the citrus oils. Not bad, not bad at all!
Love the video of your children happily taking it and quickly drinking and eating after. The music made me want to get up and dance too! 😉
Any suggestions on how to take it if pregnant? After I take the liquid, my stomach hurts for hours.
I recommend you take it with food and if your stomach still hurts after that, then try lowering the dosage.
Way too expensive for the average folk!
Small price to pay for optimal health or pay the Dr.
FLCO may be a “small price to pay”, but for many families, the high cost makes it impossible to take regularly. If it comes down to having FLCO, or paying the APS bill, I have a hard time believing that anyone would give up electricity to be able to afford the oil. I have definitely noticed positive benefits from taking it, but simply can’t afford it on a regular basis. It’s pretentious to assume that all people have the money for FLCO, no matter how good the health improvements are.
Money is an issue for some people in the United States, but not for people who can afford computers, internet, television, etc…It’s just a matter of priority. I often hear people say “I can’t afford organic food”, but proceed to buy Doritos and soda.
thank you someone finally said it. Set your priorities. If you don’t have your health you have nothing.