🇺🇸 FDA
GRAS · DSHEA dietary supplement · qualified health claims under the omega-3 framework (EPA+DHA + CHD risk · 2003Q-0401; EPA+DHA + blood pressure · 2014Q-0337); vitamin A and D structure/function claims permitted within DVs
Cod Liver Oil (Vitamin A · D · EPA · DHA combined)
Also known as: Cod-liver oil · Hippoglossus or Gadus liver oil · CLO
Mechanism of action
- Combined delivery of EPA/DHA (omega-3 pathway) with preformed vitamin A (retinol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
- Phospholipid-supported absorption from native triglyceride form
- Maternal-to-infant DHA transfer during pregnancy and lactation (Helland 2003)
Molecular + tissue targets
- Cardiovascular EPA+DHA pool
- Vitamin A retinoid status
- Vitamin D3 25(OH)D status
- Maternal DHA reserves and infant cognitive development
Dosage range
10 mL/day cod liver oil during pregnancy from 18 weeks through 3 months postpartum (Helland 2003 PMID 12509593 Pediatrics double-blind RCT n=84 children at age 4 · cod-liver-oil group MPC 106.4 vs corn-oil 102.3 · maternal DHA supplementation associated with higher cognitive performance in offspring); modern commercial doses typically 5-10 mL providing ~1,000-2,500 mg EPA+DHA combined plus ~ 800-1,200 IU vitamin D and ~ 2,500-4,500 IU vitamin A
Safety notes
WATCHPOINT: excess preformed vitamin A (retinol) intake in pregnancy can be teratogenic (>10,000 IU/day cumulative) · check the per-serving retinol content before stacking with multivitamins or other vitamin-A sources; vitamin D3 contribution should be counted toward the daily 25(OH)D target; standard fish-allergen disclosure
Cross-market regulatory status
🇪🇺 EFSA
Authorized claims Reg 432/2012 EPA+DHA cardiovascular, vitamin D calcium-phosphorus, vitamin A vision and immune function — applicable when the source thresholds are met per serving
🇧🇷 ANVISA
RDC 243/2018 dietary supplement · IN 28/2018 Anexo V alegação funcional verbatim: "Os ácidos graxos ômega 3 EPA e DHA auxiliam na redução dos triglicerídeos." (≥ 1.500 mg EPA+DHA/dia)
Authorized claims · verbatim (4)
Direct quotes from each jurisdiction's framework · never paraphrased · with framework reference and conditions of use.
🇪🇺 EFSA · 3 claims
Reg 432/2012
EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart.
Conditions: Reg 1924/2006 art 10(2): claim may be used only for food which provides a daily intake of at least 250 mg of EPA and DHA; consumer informed that the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA
Authorized 2012
Reg 432/2012
Vitamin D contributes to normal absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus.
Conditions: Reg 1924/2006 art 10(2) + Annex: claim may only be used for food which is at least a "source of vitamin D"
Authorized 2012
Reg 432/2012
Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
Conditions: Reg 1924/2006 art 10(2) + Annex: claim may only be used for food which is at least a "source of vitamin A"
Authorized 2012
🇧🇷 ANVISA · 1 claim
IN 28/2018 Anexo V alegação funcional
Os ácidos graxos ômega 3 EPA e DHA auxiliam na redução dos triglicerídeos.
Conditions: IN 28/2018 Anexo V: alegação restrita a suplementos que forneçam ao menos 1.500 mg de EPA + DHA por dia
Authorized 2018
Common use cases
- cardiovascular EPA+DHA threshold with vitamin A+D co-intake (Northern-latitude winter context)
- maternal supplementation when fish intake is low
- traditional dietary insurance pattern in cold-climate populations
Cross-reference
Health goals: heart health joint bone cognitive support reproductive health
Lifestyles: senior 60 plus pregnancy
Full dossier: /ingredients/cod-liver-oil/
Machine-readable JSON: /api/nc/cod-liver-oil.json