Is it ethical to take cod liver oil?

I've heard lots about cod being over-fished and endangered, so I try not to eat the fish itself unless it's from a sustainable fishery.





What should I do about cod liver oil capsules?Is it ethical to take cod liver oil?
Overfishing in many areas is causeing eco-system unbalance. North Sea cod is a particular problem. Not just to the comercial fish, but to the by-catch too, ie those thrown back as too small or over quota. Other fisheries, like iceland, are more sustainable.





Depending on why you need cod liver oil, see a nutritionist if you think you might be deficient (it is possible to overdose on fish oils)


There are vegitable substitutes for omega oils, especially hemp, which is a very sustainable crop. Unfortunatly due to government restrictions, (although comercial hemp is very different to the drug) little is grown in the UK %26amp; most imported from ChinaIs it ethical to take cod liver oil?
If you need it for your health, don't worry about it. Environmental conservation doesn't mean going without things we need. It means doing things more efficiently and less wastefully.





If you're not sure you need it, talk with your doctor, There are substitutes with many of the benefits of cod liver oil. For example, if it's just Omega-3 fat you want, generic ';fish oil'; may be all you need, or maybe this. ';While the best source for cod liver oil is Arctic Cod (due to rich Omega-3 and vitamin levels, as well as purity), the Norwegian Medicinal Standard still allows Seit (white fish) and Haddock to be used as cod liver oil source substitutes.';





But the most important thing is this - don't stop taking cod liver oil without talking to your doctor.
ask about alternatives and take those instead.
I'm sure this is a byproduct, but if you want to make your point find an alternative. That stuff's nasty in any case.
I believe what you buy is a substitute.