Fish Oil vs. Krill Oil vs. Cod Liver OIl

by Angie Mohr

Here we will take a look at the differences between 3 popular supplement oils. Cod liver oil was a staple in Dr. Weston Price’s protocols (who’s info is a huge influence in our community), often given with high-vitamin butter oil to provide the “Activator X” for optimal mineral absorption. I will include Price insights were applicable.

1. Fish Oil

Omega-3 Content: High in EPA and DHA (500–1000 mg per 1g capsule), ideal for potent anti-inflammatory effects.

Key Benefits: Supports heart health by lowering triglycerides, reduces joint inflammation, and aids brain function, anti-aging and mental clarity.

Other Nutrients: Mainly omega-3s; some include vitamin E for stability. Lacks the vitamins A/D that Dr. W. Price paired with fatty foods for dental remineralization.

Purity and Pollutants: Moderate risk from larger fish; opt for small species like anchovies with molecular distillation and third-party testing (e.g., IFOS) to minimize mercury/PCBs. Krill remains cleaner overall.

Price’s Insights: Price didn’t emphasize fish oil specifically, but his work on fatty sea “pastures” (e.g., fish) for Activator X-like nutrients suggests sustainable small-fish sources could complement dental health protocols when vitamins A/D are added.

Holistic Notes: Cost-effective for omega-3 boosts; balance with plant sources like flax for omega-6 harmony.

2. Cod Liver Oil

Omega-3 Content: Moderate EPA/DHA (100–200 mg per teaspoon), effective but less concentrated.

Key Benefits: Omega-3s for inflammation reduction; vitamins A/D support immune/bone health and, per Price, dental remineralization when combined with grass-fed fats for Activator X synergy.

Other Nutrients: Naturally high in vitamins A (4000–10000 IU/tsp) and D (400–1000 IU/tsp); Price used fresh versions for these, noting their role in activating minerals for tooth repair.

Purity and Pollutants: Higher risk from cod livers; choose non-fermented, cold-processed (e.g., virgin/extra-virgin) with testing to avoid toxins—fermentation is a modern WAPF addition, not Price’s recommendation nor do we recommend it.

Price’s Insights: A staple in his protocols (1–2 tsp daily with butter oil) for reversing early cavities and improving gum health via A/D and Activator X, based on patient outcomes in nutrient-dense diets.

Holistic Notes: Traditional superfood for winter wellness; pair with grass-fed butter for K2-like benefits.

3. Krill Oil

Omega-3 Content: 100–300 mg EPA/DHA per capsule, with superior phospholipid absorption.

Key Benefits: Heart/brain support with astaxanthin for antioxidant protection; may indirectly aid dental inflammation.

Other Nutrients: Astaxanthin and choline; no A/D.

Purity and Pollutants: Lowest risk—Antarctic krill’s short life/low food-chain position minimizes contaminants; MSC certification for sustainability.

Price’s Insights: Not available in his era, but its clean omega-3s align with his sea-based nutrient emphasis; lacks A/D/Activator X synergy for full dental benefits.

Holistic Notes: Best for purity concerns; consider algae alternatives for vegan paths.

Key Differences and Considerations

• Omega-3 Potency: Fish oil highest; cod liver moderate with added vitamins; krill lower but better absorbed.
• Purity: Krill cleanest, then purified small-fish oil, then cod liver.
• Holistic/Price Alignment: Cod liver oil for dental synergy; all benefit from pairing with grass-fed fats for Activator X effects like calcium direction to teeth/bones.

For dental health per Price, focus on 1 tsp fresh cod liver oil daily with grass-fed butter, alongside omega-3s from any source. Consult a naturopath for personalization.

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