To make cod liver oil more palatable, a complex industrial
process was developed. This process involves bleaching,
odorizing, neutralizing, clarifying, winterizing, and distilling
the oil. The result is an oil with a lighter color and a less fishy
smell and taste, but the downside is that many of the natural
nutrients, including vitamins A and D, are eliminated as a result
of the process. Although many manufacturers proceed to enrich
their formulations with synthetic nutrients, processed oil does
not have the original nutritional characteristics of pure, fresh,
unprocessed cod liver oil.
By 2017, it was time to
revolutionize the cod liver oil
industry. A new process was
pioneered—one that delivers
a colorless, odorless, and
pleasant-tasting oil that
retains the full spectrum
of nutrients found in
unprocessed cod liver oil.
The process begins right at
the source. The Bering Sea
is one of the most pristine
fishing areas in the world.
Alaskan cod are caught by
skilled fishermen using a
hook-and-line technique.
One by one, the fish are
taken onto special boats,
where they are immediately
filleted and the livers
removed. The livers are then
• Virtually colorless, tasteless and odorless
• Processed by low temperature process that
avoids multiple industrial steps of processing
• Free of oxidation products
• 100% produced from a sustainable fishing
source in clean Alaskan waters
flash frozen. This sequence of events—from catching the live
fish to freezing the extracted liver—happens within 30 minutes.
Furthermore, the location of each catch is recorded using GPS
coordinates. This fishery has been certified for sustainability by
the Marine Stewardship Council, which is a significant mark of
distinction that demonstrates a commitment to environmental
responsibility and regeneration. The frozen livers are then
transported to a pharmaceutical-grade, shore-side production
plant in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, where the oil is extracted at low
temperatures, using no solvents or additives. This oil, which has
not been oxidized or adulterated in any way, is virtually colorless
and odorless. It also has a very mild taste. Notably, this process
also represents the first time that a pure and pleasant-tasting cod
liver oil retains its complete natural nutrient profile.
The Unique Nutritional Advantages of Cod Liver
Oil Produced by this Process
The nutritional composition of cod liver oil produced by this
method is truly unique. It contains high levels of the omega-3
fatty acids EPA and DHA, along with significant levels of DPA,
which has recently been found to have its own health benefits.
This oil also contains high levels of natural vitamins A and D,
which can play an important role in supporting the health
of the eyes, skin, bones, brain, and immune system. Recent
research has revealed that this cod liver oil has an unexpected
• Source traceable to the date and place where
the fish was caught
• Fully certified organic process
• High in omega-3 EPA, DHA and DPA
• Natural source of Vitamins A and D
• Contains verified levels of immune supportive
PRMs
attribute: a newly discovered class of important nutrients called
pro-resolving mediators (PRMs).
What are PRMs? They were discovered by Charles Serhan, PhD,
DSc, a respected researcher at Harvard Medical School, in the
1980s. PRMs are important substances that animals produce.
They can influence immune function and reduce inflammation. Dr.
Serhan continues to focus on PRMs and his work has gained great
prominence. PRMs have been found to be many times more potent
than the omega-3 fatty acids in regulating immune function.
Researchers at the prestigious
William Harvey Research Institute
at the Queen Mary University of
London have also been studying
PRMs and recently conducted a
double-blind, placebo-controlled
trial to test the effects of an
enriched fish oil supplement in 22
healthy volunteers between the
ages of 19 to 37 years. It was found
that the effect in people of omega-3
fatty acids was related to the effect
on the activity of PRMs in their
bodies. Dr. Jesmond Dalli, a senior
investigator at the William Harvey
Research Institute and a lead author
of the study, which was published
in Circulation Research in January
2020, was quoted as saying the
following: “We used the molecules
as our biomarkers to show how
omega-3 fatty acids are used by our
body and to determine if the production of these molecules has a
beneficial effect on white blood cells.”
Interestingly, it is now recognized that PRMs are found in human
breast milk and may contribute to supporting immune function
in breastfed infants. In children and adults, PRMs have important
roles in resolving inflammation and influencing the regulation
of immune function related to intestinal, brain, liver, and
musculoskeletal health.
Ancient Wisdom Through the Lens of Modern
Science (and Modern Manufacturing)
Humans have been consuming fish as a food source for millennia.
Centuries ago, astute observers began to theorize that fish
constituents could have a positive impact on health. It’s a theme
that has persisted and flourished in the modern era, and new
technologies and tools are helping to advance our understanding
about the mechanisms that make cod liver oil an excellent dietary
supplement that can support a wide range of benefits. The final
pieces—sustainable harvesting practices combined with a clean
and consciously crafted manufacturing process—have now fallen
into place. Cod liver oil, when produced to exacting standards
of quality and integrity, is truly nature’s most powerful marine
superfood.
Extraordinary Health ™ • Vol 39 35