The Benefits of Cod and Ratfish Oil and How to Compare Brands

Fish oils, sometimes called the "gold of the ocean," are precious oils with many potential health benefits. However, with so many types of fish oil on the market, it’s important for consumers to understand what to look for when comparing products and brands. This blog focuses on three premium brands - Rosita, Dropi and Green pasture - and two types of fish oil: cod liver oil and ratfish liver oil.

Cod is a popular fish known for its flaky flesh and mild flavour. Ratfish, also known as rabittfish, have have smooth skin, large eyes and a rabbit-like face.

                                                                                     Cod fish

 

                                                                               Ratfish (Rabbit fish)

 

Benefits of Cod Liver Oil and Ratfish (AKA Rabbitfish)  Liver Oil

1. Rich in Vitamins A and D

Cod and ratfish liver oil contain fat-soluble vitamins like A and D, which give them exceptional nutritional value.

A teaspoon (5 ml) of cod liver oil contains: 

•   Calories: 40
•   Fat: 4.5 grams
•   Omega-3 fatty acids: 890 mg
•   Saturated fat: 1 gram
•   Monounsaturated fat: 2.1 grams
•   Polyunsaturated fat: 1 gram

One teaspoon of cod liver oil provides 90% of your daily vitamin A requirement and 113% of your daily vitamin D requirement.

Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy eyes, brain function and skin.

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones by regulating calcium absorption.

2. Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation of the body can help your body to heal wounds and fight infections. However, inflammation can sometimes persist for a long time. Chronic inflammation is harmful as it may increase a person’s risk of developing high blood pressure and heart disease.

Cod and ratfish liver oil contain omega-3 fatty acids, which suppress the proteins that are involved in the process of inflammation.

Vitamins A and D, found in cod and ratfish liver oil are also powerful antioxidants. By binding and neutralizing free radicals, they can reduce inflammation.

It has been found that fish oil reduces inflammatory molecules called cytokines and their production in obese and stressed individuals in two older studies published in Pub Med journal.[1]

3. Improve Bone Health

Cod and ratfish liver oil are rich in vitamin D, which helps with maintaining strong and healthy bones. Ingesting vitamin D is essential for people who live far from the equator where they get little exposure to sun throughout the day.

As you age, it's important to keep your bones healthy. After 30 years of age, people start losing bone mass, which can result in a higher tendency to experience bone fractures and other bone-related problems later in life, especially for women after menopause.

Taking these oils may help reduce age-related bone loss and provide a great source of vitamin D. Why? Because it helps the body absorb calcium from the gut, a necessary mineral for strong bones.Omega-3 supplementation increased women's bone mineral density, according to one study.[2]Researchers have found that fish oil supplements reduce bone breakdown markers, which could prevent osteoporosis.[3]

 

4. Reduce Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Joint Pain

Autoimmune diseases can damage joints and lead to rheumatoid arthritis.

Cod liver oil can help relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, including stiffness and swelling. The omega-3 fatty acids of cod liver oil are believed to reduce inflammation in joints and prevent damage.

A three month study by researchers at the Institute for Phytopharmaceuticals in Berlin, Germany, looked into the reported effects of 43 people who took a 1 gram of cod liver oil daily.[4] Their analysis suggests that this treatment reduced morning stiffness, pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

5. Anti-Cancer Properties

Cod liver oil and ratfish liver oil may also be powerful cancer fighter because they contain vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids. These oils contain anti-inflammatory properties, which may prevent the development of cancer cells. Cancerous tumors need to create new blood vessels to grow, a process known as angiogenesis. Cod liver oil can help prevent angiogenesis and interfer with cancer cell reproduction, preventing tumor growth.

6. Promotes Eye health

Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, which can help prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataract formation by protecting the eyes and mucus membranes. Another study published in PubMed suggests that consuming fish oil in high doses for 19 weeks helps improve vision in people with Age-related macular degeneration (AMD).[5]

7. Enhance memory

Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D may enhance memory in older people through improved cognition and brain function. Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health suggests that taking fish oil during pregnancy helps promote brain development in the fetus.[6]

 

8. Boosts immunity

Vitamin A found in cod liver oil acts as an antioxidant and reduces free radical damage to cells to improve immunity.

9. May Reduce Heart Disease Risk

There are over 17.5 million deaths caused by heart disease worldwide each year.

Research shows that eating fish regularly lowers the risk of heart disease due to its omega-3 fatty acid content.

Heart health benefits of omega-3s include:

• Cod liver oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which may lower blood triglycerides by 15% to 30% .
• Lowering blood pressure: Omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil may lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: Omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil can raise good HDL cholesterol, which is linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
• Preventing plaque formation: Animal studies have shown that cod liver oil may prevent plaque formation in the arteries. Heart attacks and strokes can result from plaque build-up in the arteries.

10. May Improve Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

Worldwide, anxiety and depression affect over 615 million people.

Chronic inflammation is linked to anxiety and depression. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that cod liver oil can help reduce depression and anxiety. This anlaysis of 21,835 participants found that cod liver oil users showed a lower rate of depression and anxiety symptoms compared to those who didn't take it regularly.[7]

Ratfish oil supports the pineal gland in the brain, which produces melatonin, and regulates sleep.

11. Inhibit Free Radical Damage

Vitamin E, found in ratfish liver oil, is a potent, fat-soluble antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage. A free radical is a chemical that damages DNA and cells in the body.

In addition to protecting fats from oxidation, vitamin E maintains the integrity of cell membranes, boosts immune function and prevents blood clot formation.

12.  May Support the Skin

Topical treatment of psoriasis (a skin disease that causes a rash) with ratfish liver oil may be beneficial in the intermittent treatment of the skin condition, based on the fact that alkylglycerols in ratfish liver oil are reported to have excellent emollient (softening) properties. According to one study published in PubMed Fish oil supplements can help treat skin conditions like dermatitis and psoriasis.[8]

13. Fatty Acids in Ratfish Liver Oil

Ratfish oil contains phytosterols, which are special fats. This fat supports immunity, regulates inflammation and maintains healthy cholesterol levels.

A total of nearly 25 fatty acids can be found in ratfish liver oil, including omega-2, omega-4, omega-6, omega-7, omega-9, omega-11 and omega-12.

14. Easy to Add to Your Diet

You can easily add cod liver oil to your diet. Many forms are available, but liquids and capsules are the most common.1-2 teaspoons is a common dose, but taking up to one tablespoon a day is usually considered safe.

How to Choose the Right Fish Oil Supplement for You: A Buyer's Guide

✓Natural and raw: Wild-caught, never sourced from farm-raised fish.

✓Unprocessed oil: Unprocessed cod liver oil, no chemical method involved.

✓Oil Extraction method: Cold pressed method is more reliable as it preserves all the nutrients.

✓Oil Purification: Chemical-free and heat-free method to purify cod liver oil.

✓Contains 100 percent natural vitamins A and D and omega fatty acids.

✓Country of origin: Norway and Iceland are among the most trusted brands.

✓Supplement type: Select whether capsule or liquid form is more convenient for you.

✓Buying it from a reputable company.

✓Other ingredients.

✓Watch out for fillers and additives; choose products free of fillers, artificial flavors and preservatives.

✓Flavors: Cod liver oil is available in different flavors like ginger, mint, spearmint, fennel, and mandarin.

✓ Third-party tested: Certifications from third-party reviewers for safety and purity standards.

Fish Oil Supplements Comparison: Seven Premium products from three brands (Rosita vs Dropi vs Green Pasture)

 

Brands	Dropi		Rosita
Products	Dropi Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil 170 ml	Dropi Pure Icelandic Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil - 90 Capsules	Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil Softgels	Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil Liquid	Rosita Extra Virgin Ratfish Liver Oil-10ml	Rosita Extra Virgin Ratfish Liver Oil- 50 ml
Product image
Supplement Type	Liquid	Capsule	Softgels	Liquid	Liquid	Liquid
Description	Dietary supplement Extra virgin cod liver oil Atlantic cod  Contains Vit A and D	Dietary supplement Gluten free Natural and raw Contains Vit A and D	Dietary supplement Premium extra virgin Wild & raw Contains Vit A and D	Dietary supplement  Premium extra virgin Wild & raw Contains Vit A and D	Dietary supplement  Mild buttery taste Wild & raw Contains Vit A,D and E	Dietary supplement  Mild buttery taste Wild & raw Contains Vit A,D and E
Active ingredients	Cod liver oil	Cod liver oil	Wild caught cod liver oil	Wild caught cod liver oil	Raw ratfish liver oil	Raw ratfish liver oil
Other ingredients	Rosemary   Vitamin E	Fish gelatin	Rosemary Vitamin E Fish collagen	Rosemary Vitamin E	None	None
Quality	100% Natural	100% Natural	100% Natural	100% Natural	100% Natural	100% Natural
Origin	Iceland	Iceland	Norway	Norway	Norway	Norway
Extraction	Cold extraction method	Cold extraction method	Cold extraction method	Cold extraction method	Cold extraction method	Cold extraction method
Cleaning	Chemical free and low heat process	Chemical free and low heat process	Chemical free and low heat process	Chemical free and low heat process	Chemical free and low heat process	Chemical free and low temp. process
Serving size/Dose	1 teaspoon (5 ml) daily	2-4 capsules a day	3 capsules (500mg each)	1 teaspoon(5ml) daily	10 to 12 drops daily.	10 to 12 drops daily.
Serving per bottle	34	~25-45	30	30	~20	~100
Bottle size	170ml	90 capsules	90 capsules	150ml	10ml (~200 drops) ~15 days supply	50ml (~1000 drops) ~77 days supply
Third party Tested	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Manufacturers' price per bottle*	USD44.99  CAD59.84	USD47.95  CAD63.77	USD 64.95 CAD 87.50	USD 64.95 CAD 87.50	USD34.95 CAD46.48	USD125.95 CAD167.51

 *Lower prices avaiable at goodievibes.com

 

   

Fish Oil Supplements: The Takeaways

Dropi offers cod liver oil in capsules and liquids with a vareity of flavours. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules and want to take them in liquid form in different flavors including ginger, mint, fennel and spearmint. Select which flavor you like the most. Dropi Clean Icelandic cod liver oil capsules in a variety of flavors.

Rosita provides cod liver oil as well as ratfish liver oil. Rosita cod liver oil is also available in soft gels and liquid form. Both provide you with a total of 30 servings. 

Rosita ratfish liver oil is pure, potent and premium. Due to its potency, it is especially important to begin slowly, with a smaller dosage than recommended. The 50 ml bottle is more economical at USD 2.52 per ml compared to the 10 ml bottle, which is USD 3.5 per ml.

A rare, ancient extraction process is used by Rosita to handcraft raw cod liver oil in small batches. Rosita's cod are caught from the clear, pristine waters off the Norwegian coast to ensure freshness, quality and sustainability. These fish are never frozen; instead, they are cleaned while being carried on the boat and their livers are handled gently. Finally, the oils are then extracted using a heat-free, chemical-free method.

In this way, a high-quality, raw extra virgin cod liver oil is extracted with a mild fish taste. No synthetic nutrients or heat processing are present, and the product appears light, thick, and cloudy. 

The process used to create Dropi Icelandic Cod Liver Oil is inspired by Iceland's rich and vibrant fishing culture. From the pristine waters off of the Northwest coast, fishermen pull shimmering, fresh Icelandic cod (Gadus morhua). To prevent pollution and contamination, these fishing grounds are surrounded by an industrial-free zone that has been carefully protected.

 Rosita and Dropi both are third party tested brands.

Cod and ratfish/rabbitfish oil are one-stop-shop for Vitamins D and A along with essential omega fatty acids. 

Looking for a fun and tasty way to boost your child's health? Try our Green Pasture fermented cod liver oil in delicious cinnamon and orange flavors that kids will absolutely love!

Always ask your doctor or healthcare professional before introducing a new supplement to your diet and start with a smaller dose before taking the daily recommended dose recommended by the manufacturer to make sure it is right for you.

Ready to see how good these fish oils are for you? From the ocean to your body, how fish oil can transform your health and wellbeing? Check out GoodieVibes.com for these and other premium nutritional supplements.

Sources

^ 1- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26340264/

^ 2- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5755813/

^ 3- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3238146/

^4 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12069368/

^ 5- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5133126/

^ 6- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5588657/

^ 7- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17184843//

^ 8- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4134971/