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Flaxseed vs Cod liver oil

binniesmart
binniesmart Posts: 74
edited February 10 in Food and Nutrition
Advice please. I started taking flaxseed oil supplements just before my wedding as I read it was good for skin and nails, and heart-protective. I hate the fishy aftertaste of cod liver oil but I know they both have similar benefits. Is taking one better than the other? Or would both be good for sources of omega 3-6-9?

Replies

  • mockchoc
    mockchoc Posts: 6,573 Member
    In to hear about 6 and 9. What is your diet like?
  • curvygirl77
    curvygirl77 Posts: 769 Member
    Cod Liver Oil is disgusting to me so based on taste alone I would pick flaxseed or chia seeds
  • Hendrix7
    Hendrix7 Posts: 1,903 Member
    Fish oil supplements contain omega 3, flaxseed contains ALA which the body has to convert to omega 3 and it does this quite poorly.

    So in terms of omega 3 supplementation fish oil is far better, if you don't like the taste of liquid get the capsules.
  • binniesmart
    binniesmart Posts: 74
    I have to admit, my diet is very varied but very poorly disciplined! I try to avoid refined carbs and gluten-free works well for me. Am back on the wagon as of today after a very merry festive season, and will just start counting calories, aiming towards a ketogenic diet, as my family have terrible issues with glucose intolerance and think i can comply well with good fats.
    Exercising successfully since october, combo of kettle bells and spinning.

    I know the omega-3 conversion is poor with flaxseed, so I did think both was a good idea. It's not so much the taste, but the 'fishy burps' after taking the capsules (TMI)... It's a short-lived side effect I suppose. I'm bad for taking capsules at breakfast time which is usually a glass of milk, rather than a proper meal...
  • Hendrix7
    Hendrix7 Posts: 1,903 Member
    Apparently freezing them stops the burps.....I haven't tried it as they don't give me any burps anyway but worth a try.
  • millerll
    millerll Posts: 873 Member
    I buy the "burpless" fish oil capsules. Problem solved.
  • Fuzzipeg
    Fuzzipeg Posts: 2,303 Member
    I chose not to do the Flax seeds vegetarian option because they are plant based and I have problems with plants, parts of many plants. Omegas are also in eggs and other foods. A better quality of Cod liver oil capsule might be less repetitive. I would say not to take them close to hot drinks or foods the capsule might dissolve prematurely.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,416 Member
    Fish oil supplements contain omega 3, flaxseed contains ALA which the body has to convert to omega 3 and it does this quite poorly.

    So in terms of omega 3 supplementation fish oil is far better, if you don't like the taste of liquid get the capsules.
    ALA is an omega 3 and actually the essential omega 3.......DHA and Epa are not essential.....the body converts or desaturates the shorter chain ALA into longer chain, but your right the body depending on the person and thier diet might not do well converting them.......consuming fish is the better alternative anyway.
  • socajam
    socajam Posts: 2,530 Member
    Advice please. I started taking flaxseed oil supplements just before my wedding as I read it was good for skin and nails, and heart-protective. I hate the fishy aftertaste of cod liver oil but I know they both have similar benefits. Is taking one better than the other? Or would both be good for sources of omega 3-6-9?

    Cod live oil with a small amount of orange juice will solve the problem. Or squeeze a small amount of lemon in the spoon first, then pour in the cod liver oil.

    CO is excellent for winter, especially if one has a cold. As soon as I feel a cold coming on, I reach for my CO and it goes.
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