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 noticed that there is no mention of cod liver oil oxidation, which is the most problem with those oils, I wonder what you think about this lipids-based study http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3914521/ and this article by Ray Peat: http://raypeat.com/articles/articles/fishoil.shtml
Thanks
I wish there was a study of fermented cod liver oil’s oxidation level
Was wondering if it’s essential to take this in the summer during the sunny days? We’ve taken it all winter long and have had virtually no common health issues.
Loved watching the video of the kids taking the cod liver oil! 😉 My little girl is not yet two and she LOVES the stuff. It cracks me up. She will actually open our refrigerator, get out the bottle and bring it to me asking for it. She’s much braver than momma. I chase mine with a BIG glass of raw milk. Lol. 😉
Jacquelyn @ LittleOwlCrunchyMomma
Why does the bottle say 2 caps is a serving when you are stating that it’s 5-10 caps?
It’s a lot of money already when you have a big family and with caps it’s a whole lot more.
My kids can’t get down the oil with out caps.
You have a very valid complaint. The 2 capsule recommendation is really just a maintenance dose. To benefit from a therapeutic dose you’d have to take much more. Personally, I am not a fan of the capsules. I recommend you experiment with different ways to administer the liquid oil to your children. It is more affordable and more easily absorbed.
Sarah,
Your recommendations….if one take’s the combo capsules w/the FCLO and the butter oil do you have to double your recommendation?
Kathy
I am interested in an answer to this too
If someone came out with a more affordable version of this, I think they would find a huge market for it.
The cost can be a stumbling block for many. If you can take it consistently and give it to your children regularly, the health benefits are priceless. I’ve seen some communities order in bulk to get discounts.
It must be pretty rancid after twelve months. Probably give you the diarraear
NOPE! Not a problem in our family at all.
It is a common misconception that the oil becomes rancid after fermenting for that long, but the fermentation process actually preserves it. I’ve been taking it myself and giving it to my 6 children for 3 years and never saw any negative side effects.
I took this brand before getting pregnant but now I’m on pregnancy safe DHA could I switch back and use this as a replacement?
I’ve seen dozens of pregnant women (including my wife) take up to 4 tubes of Fermented Cod Liver Oil per day and not only were their baby’s extremely healthy upon birth, but the pregnancies and deliveries went very well.
Athena Lutz… this is what we take and give our kids. You can get liquid or gel, so no capsules to swallow.