Top 5 Cod Liver Oil Supplements in Canada, 2026
Published on Thursday, January 1, 2026
Cod liver oil is a fish oil pressed from cod livers, so unlike a standard omega-3 concentrate it also carries preformed vitamin A and vitamin D. In Canada it is regulated as a natural health product, which means a bottle legally sold here has to show an eight-digit NPN on the label. That extra nutrition comes with a ceiling: preformed vitamin A has a daily upper limit, so cod liver oil is not a supplement to double up on. Below are five options sold in Canada, compared on omega-3s per dose, vitamin A and D content, and format.
Top Picks Summary
Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil
Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil is renowned for its superior taste and purity, making it a top choice among cod liver oils. Sourced from sustainably caught Arctic cod, it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and D. The oil undergoes a strict quality control process to ensure it meets the highest safety standards. With a commitment to marine conservation and high-quality products, Nordic Naturals stands out in the omega-3 supplement market.
Carlson Norwegian Cod Liver Oil
Carlson Norwegian Cod Liver Oil is celebrated for its exceptional freshness and high nutrient content. It is sourced from wild-caught cod in Norway and is processed with great care to preserve its natural flavor and nutrients. The oil is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health, along with vitamins A and D for overall wellbeing. Carlson is recognized for its commitment to quality, making it a trusted choice for cod liver oil supplements.
Dropi Pure Icelandic Cod Liver Oil
Dropi Pure Icelandic Cod Liver Oil sets itself apart with its unique production method, utilizing traditional cold-press extraction to maintain the oil's natural nutrients. Hailing from the pristine waters of Iceland, this cod liver oil is known for its clean taste and high purity levels, free from harmful contaminants. It is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, supporting various aspects of health. Dropi's commitment to sustainability and quality makes it a standout option in the cod liver oil market.
NOW Foods Cod Liver Oil
NOW Foods Cod Liver Oil offers a high-quality supplement option known for its affordability and effectiveness. This oil is rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids, important for maintaining cardiovascular health, and comes with a natural lemon flavor that enhances palatability. NOW Foods is committed to manufacturing supplements that meet strict quality standards, providing consumers with a reliable choice in the competitive health supplement market. The brand's extensive line of products caters to diverse dietary needs.
Green Pasture Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil
Green Pasture Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil stands out due to its unique fermentation process, which preserves the oil's natural nutrients and enhances its health benefits. This product is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, making it an excellent choice for those seeking holistic health support. Known for its commitment to high-quality, raw materials, Green Pasture prioritizes nutrient density and purity in its offerings. Their innovative approach sets them apart in the cod liver oil category.
What makes Cod Liver Oil the best in its category? It is the one common omega-3 supplement that delivers EPA, DHA, vitamin A and vitamin D together from a single source rather than from added isolates.
How to Choose Cod Liver Oil in Canada
Cod liver oil is not interchangeable with a standard fish oil concentrate. It carries preformed vitamin A and vitamin D from the liver itself, which changes both what it does and how much you can take. Here is what to check on a Canadian label.
Look for an NPN. Health Canada licenses natural health products under the Natural Health Products Regulations, and a licensed cod liver oil carries an eight-digit Natural Product Number on the package. No NPN means the product is not authorised for sale in Canada.
Watch the vitamin A, not just the omega-3s. Cod liver oil supplies preformed vitamin A (retinol). Health Canada's tolerable upper intake level for preformed vitamin A is 3,000 mcg RAE (10,000 IU) per day for adults, and cod liver oil stacked on a retinol multivitamin can approach it.
Pregnancy is the main caution. High intakes of preformed vitamin A are linked to birth defects, so anyone pregnant or planning a pregnancy should talk to a health professional before taking cod liver oil.
Compare EPA + DHA per dose, not per bottle. A teaspoon of liquid cod liver oil typically delivers around 1,000 mg of total omega-3s; a 500-1,000 mg softgel usually delivers 100-250 mg, so softgels need several capsules to match one teaspoon.
Freshness beats any marketing claim. Cod liver oil oxidises, and a rancid oil tastes and smells strongly fishy. Buy a size you will finish, refrigerate liquids after opening, and check the batch certificate of analysis if the brand publishes one.
Vitamin D content varies by product. Some cod liver oils are standardised with added D3, others leave it naturally occurring and unstandardised - read the label if you are taking it specifically for vitamin D.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cod liver oil need an NPN in Canada?
Yes. Cod liver oil is a natural health product under Health Canada's Natural Health Products Regulations, so any product legally sold in Canada carries an eight-digit Natural Product Number (NPN) on the label. If a bottle shows no NPN, it has not been authorised for sale here.
How much cod liver oil is too much because of vitamin A?
Health Canada's tolerable upper intake level for preformed vitamin A is 3,000 mcg RAE (10,000 IU) per day for adults. One teaspoon of Carlson Norwegian Cod Liver Oil supplies 850 IU and one NOW Foods Cod Liver Oil softgel supplies 2,500 IU, so a single daily serving sits well inside that limit. The risk comes from stacking cod liver oil with a retinol multivitamin or taking several servings a day.
Which cod liver oil here gives the most EPA and DHA per serving?
Carlson Norwegian Cod Liver Oil, the 250 mL lemon liquid: one teaspoon provides 1,100 mg of total omega-3s including 400 mg EPA and 500 mg DHA, plus 850 IU vitamin A and 400 IU vitamin D3. Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil is close behind at 1,060 mg of total omega-3s per teaspoon.
Is cod liver oil the same as regular fish oil?
No. Regular fish oil is pressed from the body of oily fish and is essentially just EPA and DHA. Cod liver oil comes from the liver, so it also carries preformed vitamin A and vitamin D. That makes it more nutrient-dense, but it also puts a ceiling on the dose - you can take a high-dose fish oil concentrate in a way you cannot take cod liver oil.
Conclusion
Cod liver oil earns its place when you want omega-3s and the fat-soluble vitamins together rather than separately. Check the NPN, check the vitamin A on the label against anything else you already take, and pick a format you will finish before it oxidises. We hope you found what you were looking for, and feel free to use the search bar to explore more specific topics!