Health and Me

Ishita Srivastava

NHS Doctor Says This Oil Instead of Cod Liver Is The Best Omega-3 Source

In one of his recent podcasts, GP and The Doctor Will See You Now author, Dr Amir Khan claims that cod liver oil is not the best source for omega-3 and it is best to consume algae oil instead.

He said, “I know it’s hard to believe that fish are not the real source of omega-3. They are basically like the middleman. This simply implies that fish don’t make their own omega-3. So where do they get it from?

 "The real omega-3 factories are microscopic marine algae and phytoplankton, and fish build up those omega-3 by eating them in the food chain but it all starts with them. So when you take a fish oil supplement, you’re getting omega-3 second-hand.”

Extracted from the liver of cod fish, this oil is an incredibly efficient source of essential omega-3 fatty acids. It is also loaded with vitamins A and D. One tablespoon of cod liver oil delivers 170 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin D and 453 percent of vitamin A.

Vitamin A prevents cellular damage from oxidation, which contributes to the development of glaucoma while acids like DHA and EPA lower pressure and increase blood circulation in the eye, which also helps stall the progression of glaucoma.

Since cod liver oil contains both vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids, it’s a powerful weapon in fighting cancer, as its anti-inflammatory properties help prevent cancer cell development, but it could also be used to treat cancer.

Cancerous tumors need to create new blood vessels to grow, a process called angiogenesis. Cod liver oil prevents angiogenesis and disrupts cancer cell reproduction, interfering with tumor growth.

One tablespoon of cod liver oil contains: 

<ul><li>Calories: 123</li><li>Protein: 0 grams</li><li>Fat: 14 grams</li><li>Carbohydrates: 0 grams</li><li>Fiber: 0 grams</li><li>Sugar: 0 grams</li></ul>It should be consumed in moderation, though, as excess vitamin A can cause damage to your body. Cod liver oil has been shown to promote heart health, even brain functioning, and improve bone and immune system response.

<h2>How Is Algae Oil Better?</h2>Algae oil is considered superior to cod liver oil due to its higher purity, sustainability, and plant-based, vegan-friendly nature. It provides a direct, clean source of DHA/EPA omega-3s without the mercury, heavy metals, or fishy aftertaste often associated with fish-based oils, offering a sustainable, eco-friendly, and more stable alternative.

Additionally, since it is produced in controlled environments (fermentation), algae oil is free from ocean-borne contaminants like mercury, PCBs, and microplastics that can accumulate in fish.

Moreover, while  cod liver oil provides Vitamins A and D, algae oil provides a more concentrated source of omega-3 DHA, which is highly beneficial for brain and heart health.

Experts also note that algae oil is very high in omega-9 fatty acids, a type of monounsaturated fat that helps reduce inflammation and the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

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In one of his recent podcasts, GP and The Doctor Will See You Now author, Dr Amir Khan claims that cod liver oil is not the best source for omega-3 and it is best to consume algae oil instead. He said, “I know it’s hard to believe that fish are not the real source of omega-3. They are basically like the middleman. This simply implies that fish don’t make their own omega-3. So where do they get it from? "The real omega-3 factories are microscopic marine algae and phytoplankton, and fish build up those omega-3 by eating them in the food chain but it all starts with them. So when you take a fish oil supplement, you’re getting omega-3 second-hand.”What Is Cod Liver Oil?Extracted from the liver of cod fish, this oil is an incredibly efficient source of essential omega-3 fatty acids. It is also loaded with vitamins A and D. One tablespoon of cod liver oil delivers 170 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin D and 453 percent of vitamin A. Vitamin A prevents cellular damage from oxidation, which contributes to the development of glaucoma while acids like DHA and EPA lower pressure and increase blood circulation in the eye, which also helps stall the progression of glaucoma.Since cod liver oil contains both vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids, it’s a powerful weapon in fighting cancer, as its anti-inflammatory properties help prevent cancer cell development, but it could also be used to treat cancer.Cancerous tumors need to create new blood vessels to grow, a process called angiogenesis. Cod liver oil prevents angiogenesis and disrupts cancer cell reproduction, interfering with tumor growth.One tablespoon of cod liver oil contains: Calories: 123Protein: 0 gramsFat: 14 gramsCarbohydrates: 0 gramsFiber: 0 gramsSugar: 0 gramsIt should be consumed in moderation, though, as excess vitamin A can cause damage to your body. Cod liver oil has been shown to promote heart health, even brain functioning, and improve bone and immune system response.How Is Algae Oil Better?Algae oil is considered superior to cod liver oil due to its higher purity, sustainability, and plant-based, vegan-friendly nature. It provides a direct, clean source of DHA/EPA omega-3s without the mercury, heavy metals, or fishy aftertaste often associated with fish-based oils, offering a sustainable, eco-friendly, and more stable alternative.Additionally, since it is produced in controlled environments (fermentation), algae oil is free from ocean-borne contaminants like mercury, PCBs, and microplastics that can accumulate in fish.Moreover, while  cod liver oil provides Vitamins A and D, algae oil provides a more concentrated source of omega-3 DHA, which is highly beneficial for brain and heart health.Experts also note that algae oil is very high in omega-9 fatty acids, a type of monounsaturated fat that helps reduce inflammation and the risk of Type 2 diabetes.