Clearing Controversies and Confusion With Fermented Cod Liver Oil

Is fermented cod liver oil a by-product of a "rotting process?"
Is fermented cod liver oil that nutritious?
Is it really a traditional food?
Is fermentation safe?
What is the difference in nutrients between regular and fermented cod liver oil?

Is fermented cod liver oil a by-product of a "rotting process?"

These are questions that we have when cod liver oil comes to mind. To give a peace of mind, here's a very helpful article to clarify some of the confusions you may have. Written by Alison Birks, MS, AHG, CNS, who is a nutritionist and researcher who has looked into the issue of cod liver oil, fermented and otherwise. 

Excerpts from this article that I found useful and interesting:

The process of preparing cod liver oil by fermentation is similar to that used in traditional Thai cuisine to produce fish sauce (Nam phrik) and fish paste (Kaengtai pla).

In general, the process of fermentation has been shown to reduce toxic components in food. In one dramatic example, a recent study showed that the deadly nerve toxin in “fugu” or puffer fish, (terodotoxin) was virtually eliminated by traditional methods of food preparation such as prolonged fermentation, and that it yielded a non-toxic, edible food product. It is also well established that anti-nutrients in plant foods are degraded during fermentation. Based on these assumptions, fermented CLO quite possibly may have less naturally present toxins than other forms of CLO.

Putrefaction versus Fermentation 

Putrefaction or "rotting" is very different from lactic acid fermentation. The formation of putrescine and cadaverine are biomarkers for incomplete lactic acid fermentation. Both are foul-smelling, toxic biogenic amines produced during putrefaction. Cadaverine is a breakdown product of the amino acid lysine, while putrescine derives from the amino acid ornithine. Both are components formed during decomposition of the proteins in rotting meats through anaerobic bacterial action. Interestingly, small traces of these compounds are often present in fermented meat products and contribute to the overall flavor profile without causing any harm to human health. Some individuals are intolerant of even trace amounts of biogenic amines in the diet and need to restrict intake. Many factors can affect the formation of biogenic amines, and the process needs to be tightly controlled. A quality manufacturing facility can optimize the environmental conditions to allow only beneficial microorganisms to thrive, and for complete fermentation to occur. According to Dave Wetzel of Green Pasture, Green Pasture Fermented CLO has repeatedly tested free of undesirable biogenic amines such as putrescine and cadaverine."

To learn more about fermented cod liver oil, click here.

Hope you find this article helpful!

Open Purchase Order for Green Pasture Cod Liver Oil in Singapore (Deadline: 1 September 2013)

The health benefits of taking properly fermented cod liver oil (FCLO) is astounding. Its abundance in naturally-ocurring omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and D are vital for our brain, nervous system, immunity, and optimal functioning of our bodies. It's especially important for growing children, pregnant and nursing mothers.

There are a few types of FCLO: pure, emulsified, and butteroil/FCLO blend. You can learn about the differences here. Currently I only have the regular FCLO (Oslo Orange) and the emulsified FCLO (peppermint) in stock. Some people have shown interest in getting the butteroil/FCLO blend (both in gel and capsule forms), which are out of stock. With that, I am opening a purchase order for those of you who would like to give FCLO a try. You can see the different types of FCLO here and pre-order using this form. The deadline for submitting your pre-order forms is 1 September 2013. You will receive your order between 2nd to 4th week of September.

Although the cost of FCLO may seem high at first sight, it is actually not so if you understand what you getting. You can read my post on cost and other considerations about getting Green Pasture FCLO here.

Thank you.

Green Pasture Fermented Cod Liver Oil Summary and FAQ's

Summary of Green Pasture Fermented Cod Liver Oil (source)

"ALL cod Liver Oil in the World is molecularly distilled. It has to have synthetic vitamins A and D added back because the natural balance is destroyed during the intense industrial processing. 

EXCEPT this one that is - the incredible, Blue Ice Cod Liver Oil. It's fermented using traditional methods combined with the quality and assurance of modern manufacturing process. This is the convenient capsules, if you would prefer liquid see This Page. 

It’s the richest known natural source of vitamins A and D in their most easy to absorb form and is packed with valuable Omega oils. But this is only part of the nutritional story., because there are many more powerful nutrients such as quinones, vitamin K, vitamin E and CoQ enzymes. 

The traditional lacto-fermentation process also transforms aspects of the natural vitamins into different metabolites that are readily easily absorbed by your body. You will be enjoying vastly more nutrients (in a totally natural form) than you would do if using the other cheap, refined oils. 

Fermenting fish livers has thousands of years of healthy tradition But during the time of the industrial revolution in the 1850s, Cod Liver Oil’s quality was completely compromised in the name of mass production. Around a hundred years later, it became industry standard to process Cod Liver Oil so heavily, that synthetic vitamins are added back in (and not in the right balance!) 

That’s why you wont see the breakdown of the amounts of Vitamins in this traditional food, and you can read more on the technicalities of this below. 

Wild caught from the clean, pure waters of the Arctic region to excellent marine stewardship standards. Produced by Green Pastures a family firm, in certified, GMP premises in America. Every batch is independently tested, and guaranteed free from PCB's and heavy metals. The process meets and exceeds many international standards including Norwegian Medical Standards (NMS), European Pharmacopeia Standards (EPS) and the California Prop 65"

You can find Green Pasture FAQs here.

Why Aren't the Vitamin A and D Amounts Specified?

From Green Pasture

The concern that facilitated the discussion about what nutrient content to list on the Fermented Cod Liver Oil label, is that there are a wide range of test results on method and lab. In addition, there are thousands of nutrients within Fermented Cod Liver Oil including many minor forms of A/D that are not currently discussed.

The FDA views a dietary supplement like a drug, but the Fermented Cod Liver Oil is more like a food. Drugs have 'known' amounts of very specific ADDED nutrients (if one wants to call lab made molecules nutrients). Lab nutrients can be easily measured and reported.

After working with the product for 5 years our conclusion is that media medicine and FDA label requirements do not fit the Fermented Cod Liver Oil. It is like putting a square peg in a round hole. It is beyond vitamin A and D. It is not proper to tie Fermented Cod Liver Oil into a standard CLO discussion nor can the product accurately be defined in these terms. We get questions about A / D / EPA / DHA and we do discuss openly and as a result sometimes people struggle to understand the concept that the Fermented Cod Liver Oil  is not a drug and it is not as easy as it has exactly 842iu's of vitamin D per ml and this will do this or that in your body.

The product cannot be defined in standard media medicine terms and there is no need to know these things other than discussion and intrigue as the product is what it is as it has been for thousands of years (prior to the industrialization of fish oils). Not knowing this or that does not change the product nor how one should use the product.

Our new labels will have the familiar design you’ve come to recognize, however, quantities of Vitamins A & D will no longer appear on the label. Instead, we’ve moved detailed information about our testing results to our web site. Along with random testing results of Vitamin A & D found in our products, we’ll also be providing information on pollutants like heavy metals and PCBs - none of which fits into the small space of a label.

There are numerous forms of Vitamin A & D. Nutrient pioneer, Dr. Royal Lee, identified over 160 forms of Vitamin A alone. We test our products for just two of those forms - a daunting enough task.

In testing our Fermented Cod Liver Oil, we noticed some of the minor forms of Vitamin A identified by Dr. Lee. Since Vitamin A is broken down into minor forms during the natural digestion process, our research results are not surprising. We believe these minor forms have additional health benefits that can’t be represented on a label.

Similar variability and testing struggles are present in Vitamin D. Hundreds of forms are possible, but in the end only two are commonly measured.

Our former label reported the average amounts of Vitamins A & D present in the random testing of our Fermented Cod Liver Oil, but this is no longer permitted by the FDA. Current standards call for the testing of each batch produced to meet minimum FDA requirements. But as we’ve pointed out, the variables of natural foods are too numerous to ensure that each batch will contain a consistent amount. And it is not practical to test each batch as our batches are small compared to mainstream manufacturers.

Because of this, the challenge we face is determining how to present this information on a label.

In general, the industrialized food model meets label requirements by adding specific amounts of synthetic vitamins that are easily measured in a lab and reporting those on their labels. Green Pasture Products is committed to providing high quality real food and will not use synthetic vitamins, regardless of the consequences.

One option we considered would be to show the lowest possible amount of Vitamins A& D based on any batch, but this does not give you an accurate picture of the nutritional value of our products. As such we have decided to remove this information from our labels and make it available on our website – where it makes sense. The random test data that will be provided will not be for any one specific lot or jar but is for general discussion.

We will not compromise our products simply to satisfy FDA labeling requirements. We prefer to offer products as they have been available for thousands of years – without regard to today's industrialized media-driven, food-labeling requirements.

A decade ago, the main reason physicians ordered a vitamin D test was if there was a concern about the patient’s bone density. However, a flurry of research now has implicated the prohormone in a host of conditions, including among others, certain cancers, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, Alzheimer’s disease, psoriasis, and all-cause mortality, while also indicating that vitamin D insufficiency is prevalent. Even though vitamin D’s mechanism of action in the prevention or progression of various diseases has not been established definitively, these studies have been picked up by the popular press, causing demand for vitamin D testing to skyrocket. At the same time, there have been notable technological advancements in vitamin D testing, controversies surrounding certain tests, and considerable confusion about both analytical considerations and clinical interpretation of vitamin D results, leaving laboratorians and clinicians unsure about how to implement or interpret the test properly.

"There’s significant confusion out there," agreed Hershel Raff, PhD, director of the endocrinology research laboratory for ACL Laboratories and professor of medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. "Vitamin D testing has become part of the routine physical in Wisconsin, but some doctors don’t really understand what they’re ordering, so they check off anything that looks close." Raff believes the vitamin D naming conventions only muddy the waters: 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 also is known as ergocalciferol, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, as cholecalciferol, and 1,25 (OH)2 D, as calcitriol. Some doctors mistakenly think 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 or 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 is the same as 25-OH-D or 1,25 (OH)2 D.

In concert with the confusion about which vitamin D test to order, there is no consensus about the appropriate reference range and cut-offs for deficiency or insufficiency, as well as optimal and possible toxicity status.

Yet another level of confusion exists as a result of several lingering analytical issues with the various assays.

According to Rao, it is not uncommon for physicians to receive vitamin D test results for the same patient but from different labs that have used different assays and produced different results, putting laboratorians in a spot to explain the discrepancies.

Even as there has been a trail of confusion in vitamin D analytics, there is, in the eyes of many, hope on the horizon.

While LCMS is becoming the preferred analytical method of many reference labs and has been called the gold standard for measuring vitamin D, not all lab directors see it that way.

As the vitamin D field continues to evolve, there are steps laboratorians can take to improve vitamin D testing proficiency and inform the medical community about the test’s appropriate use. Raff spends a good bit of time educating physicians one-on-one, in group presentations, and in writing, including in an internal newsletter that detailed the biochemistry of vitamin D and the differences between 25-OH-D and 1,25 (OH)2 D testing and their respective indications.

While the industry awaits analytical improvements and further clinical evidence about vitamin D, laboratories will be challenged to maintain high-quality testing and keep physicians well-informed about testing indications. As Carter put it, "We’ll just have to grit our teeth."

Learn About Fermented Cod Liver Oil

"If my family were to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to bring one superfood to consume, in addition to whatever we found on the island, I would pick this one (cod liver oil)" (source)

"If you want to prevent learning disabilities in your children," said David Horrobin, distinguished medical and biochemical researcher, "feed them cod liver oil." (source)

Introduction to Cod Liver Oil

Learn about the amazing components what make up cod liver oil.

Nutrition of cod liver oil

What's So Good About Cod Liver Oil?

"Healthy" is relative. What was once considered "healthy" is no longer is and vice versa. As such, let's look at a few reasons why even the healthiest among us need nutrient-dense food such as fermented cod liver oil. (It's a rather long post, but it's full of important information and I hope you stay with me until the end.. and learn something new).

Why Should I Take Cod Liver Oil if I'm Already Healthy?

There are many brands of cod liver oil out there, but how can we know which ones are good? Which ones retain most, if not, all the naturally-occurring nutrients? Let's take a look.

What To Look For in Cod Liver Oil and What is the Best Brand?

If you're already taking fish oil or some kind of omega 3 DHA and EPA, chances are you already know the health benefits of fish oil. Now it's a matter of finding the right kind of fish oils. Let's take a look at the differences between regular fish oil, regular cod liver oil, and fermented cod liver oil.

Differences between Fermented Cod Liver Oil, Regular Cod Liver Oil, and Regular Fish Oil

The cost of FCLO may seem high at first sight, it is actually not so if you understand what you getting. Read here for discussions on cost, taste, and other considerations about getting Green Pasture FCLO

Cost, Taste, and Considerations for Getting Green Pasture Fermented Cod Liver Oil

There are so many brands of cod liver oil out there, why did I choose Green Pasture?

My Personal Reasons for Taking Green Pasture Fermented Cod Liver Oil
Green Pasture FCLO Testimonies

There are so much more to properly fermented cod liver oil (FCLO) than just omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. Naturally-occurring vitamin A and D are abundant in FCLO and are vital for optimal body functions but unfortunately many brands out there have inappropriately imbalanced ratio of the two vitamins, due to industrial processing, creating more harms than benefits (may even be toxic!). Learn more about the importance of vitamin A and D, how they work synergistically, and why an imbalanced ratio of A to D is not good.

Notes on Vitamins A and D Contents in Green Pasture FCLO

Where to Buy Green Pasture Fermented Cod Liver Oil in Singapore

Types of Green Pasture Fermented Cod Liver Oil and How to Order

Clearing Controversies and Confusion With Fermented Cod Liver Oil

Buying Green Pasture Fermented Cod Liver Oil in Singapore

Learn about the amazing health benefits of fermented cod liver oil here.

Green Pasture is rated as the "best" brand of cod liver oil by Weston A. Price Foundation and is the only brand that I would recommend to anyone. If you do an internet search on the best cod liver oil, you will almost always get referred to Green Pasture. You can read Green Pasture's FAQ's and Summary here.

Green Pasture Fermented Cod Liver Oil (FCLO) Product List

Click on the flavors to see the description and product label.

Regular FCLO (liquid), 237 ml

SGD$85

Original (pre-order)

Oslo Orange (in stock)

Butter Oil/FCLO Blend (gel), 240 ml (pre-order)

SGD$95

Original

Cinnamon Tingle

Butter Oil/FCLO Blend (capsules), 120 capsules

SGD$90

Original (pre-order)

Emulsified FCLO (gel), 237 ml

SGD$85

Peppermint (in stock)

Click here if you are unsure about the differences between the different types of FCLO and which FCLO to get.

How to Order?

Use this order form. Please read the instruction below carefully before you place your order.

- Email Confirmation. You will get an email confirmation when you submit your order form. If not, please contact me.

- Supply Availability. I do not always have stocks available for purchase. I buy extras when I order for my own consumption, as such, I only have limited quantities of Green Pasture FCLO's at any one time.

1. If items are available, full payment is due upon ordering (after you receive email confirmation). 

2. If items are not available, you need to pre-order and wait until the next shipment if the current stock runs out. Fifty percent deposit is required to place a pre-order of any quantity through online bank transfer. The remaining balance will have to be paid after the order has arrived and before delivery/pick up. 

- Local Delivery or Self Pick Up. To avoid any frustration due to damage or loss in transit, local delivery is only via my chosen carrier. Flat rate delivery charge of SG$6 within Singapore (door-to-door) up to 8 bottles of FCLO, then it's an additional of SG$1 per bottle. You will need to specify the delivery time window: 9am-1pm, 1-5pm, or 5-9pm. If no one is there when the initial attempt of delivery is made, an additional $6 will be charged for a second delivery. You can also choose to pick up locally.

- International Buyers. Please note that it is the buyers' responsibility to cover the cost of international shipping, tracking, insurance, and any issues in customs) and I will not be held responsible for any damage or loss in transit once they are shipped. (FCLO is a valuable product. Although items generally arrive safely 95-98% of the time, sometimes they do get lost in transit and it can get frustrating).

Disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with Green Pasture nor am I paid to write a review about their products. I'm just a very satisfied consumer and believe in the effectiveness of Green Pasture FCLO. All opinions are completely my own. 

Where to Buy Green Pasture Fermented Cod Liver Oil in Singapore and Different Types of FCLO

Where to Buy Green Pasture Fermented Cod Liver Oil in Singapore?

Rated as the "best" by Weston A. Price Foundation, Green Pasture undoubtedly is the number one brand recommended by the health community.

See WAPF website if you are in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Hong Kong. US residents can buy directly from Green Pasture website.

See here to learn more about Green Pasture FCLO and FAQ's.

Types of Green Pasture FCLO's

- Regular FCLO. This is 100% FCLO in liquid form. This is the most cost-effective option, but in order to get the maximum benefit, your diets need to include saturated fats such as high vitamin butter oil (HVBO), butter from pasture-fed cows, or coconut oil as FCLO works synergistically with saturated fats.

- Butter oil/FCLO blend. This blend combines one-third high vitamin butter oil (HVBO) and two-thirds FCLO in gel form. We've learned that CLO on its own was relatively ineffective but combined with HVBO, it produces excellent results.

- Emulsified FCLO. Emulsification aids in flavor and some may find it easier to digest (gel form). It's one of the easiest to swallow.

- Capsules FCLO. If you can't take FCLO in liquid form, this is for you. However, it is the most expensive way of consuming FCLO.

How to Order?

For Singapore, You can order for the different types and flavors of FCLO here. Fermented CLO is extremely stable and they can keep for a long time. You can put it on the counter, in the fridge, or freezer. If you leave it on the counter, the CLO will continue to ferment, gradually making the taste stronger over time. 

If you are curious or confused on which ones to get, I'm currently taking the butter oil/FCLO blend and my baby is taking the regular FCLO (Oslo Orange), along with coconut oil separately. She tried the Cinnamon Tingle butter oil/FCLO blend, but it was too spicy for her. She also tried the emulsified FCLO (peppermint) before and was fine with it. It actually taste good (and sweet) because they add stevia leaf (a natural sweetener with a zero glycemic index!). I would get the butter oil/FCLO blend if you don't consume ample saturated fats in your diet. For the little ones, I recommend either the regular FCLO or the emulsified peppermint FCLO.

I am convinced that everyone, especially pregnant and nursing mothers, growing children, and those recovering from illnesses. If you are not yet convinced, I encourage you to do further reading on FCLO and see for yourself the amazing benefits of this elixir.

Disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with Green Pasture nor am I paid to write a review about their products. I'm just a very satisfied consumer and believe in the effectiveness of Green Pasture FCLO. All opinions are completely my own. 

Notes on Vitamins A and D Contents in Fermented Cod Liver Oil

Vitamin A and D Work as Partners

"At least 2,000 genes, or nearly 10 percent of your genes, have been identified that are directly influenced by vitamin D, which in turn impact a wide variety of health issues, from preventing the common cold and flu to inhibiting at least sixteen different types of cancer. There’s even evidence linking vitamin D to the process of brain detoxification of heavy metals such as mercury. Widespread vitamin D deficiency has also been strongly linked to the childhood epidemics of autism, asthma, and diabetes, both type 1 and 2. Vitamin A, which is essential for your immune system just like vitamin D, is also a precursor to active hormones that regulate the expression of your genes, and they work in tandem. For example, there is evidence that without vitamin D, vitamin A can be ineffective or even toxic. But if you’re deficient in vitamin A, vitamin D cannot function properly either." (source)

Risks of Vitamin A and D Toxicity

"Some forms of synthetic vitamin A found in supplements can be toxic at only moderately high doses, fat-soluble vitamin A naturally found in foods like cod liver oil, liver, and butterfat is safe at up to ten times the doses of water-soluble, solidified and emulsified vitamin A found in some supplements that produce toxicity. Additionally, the vitamin D found in cod liver oil and butterfat from pasture-raised animals protects against vitamin A toxicity, and allows one to consume a much higher amount of vitamin A before it becomes toxic." (source)

Importance of Balanced Ratio of Vitamin A to D (source)

"The Weston Price Foundation’s strong belief is that vitamin A is not at all toxic but is necessary for optimal vitamin D function. However they believe there is sufficient vitamin A in the diet of most Americans, especially if they are taking a multivitamin.

Consuming such high amounts of vitamin A as contained in cod liver oil and most multi-vitamins, while not getting nearly enough vitamin D, combined with the fact that most people are deficient in vitamin D to begin with, could potentially cause vitamin A to become toxic. We agree with this statement and have consistently warned people not to use multivitamins and not to take brands of cod liver oil that are low in vitamin D."

An example of a very
low vitamin D to A ratio in cod liver oil.

A ratio of vitamin A to D of 5:1 is ideal (source)

For further reading about vitamin A and D

Vitamin A Saga
Am I Getting Too Much Vitamin D
From Seafood to Sunshine: A New Understanding of Vitamin D Safety
Cod Liver Oil Basics and Recommendations