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Best Cod Liver Oil & Glucosamine Supplement UK 2026 — 5 Top Brands Compared

Cod Liver Oil Glucosamine Capsules

Last Updated: March 2026 | Written by Chris Jones | Social Media Manager at Nutrivity (7+ years in the UK supplement industry)

Cod liver oil and glucosamine are two of the most popular joint health supplements in the UK — and for good reason. Cod liver oil provides omega-3 fatty acids along with naturally occurring vitamins A and D, while glucosamine is a compound found naturally in cartilage that has been used for decades as a joint support supplement. Combining both in a single capsule has become increasingly popular, saving the hassle and cost of buying two separate products.

After spending over seven years working in the UK supplement industry at Nutrivity, I’ve compared five of the most popular combined cod liver oil and glucosamine products available in the UK. This guide covers ingredient strength, value for money, dietary suitability, and what separates each product. Full transparency — Nutrivity is one of the brands included, and it’s the company I work for. I’ve been honest about where competitors offer genuine advantages.

What to Look for in a Cod Liver Oil & Glucosamine Supplement

Why Combine Cod Liver Oil and Glucosamine?

Taking cod liver oil and glucosamine together as a combination supplement is popular because both ingredients target joint health from different angles. Cod liver oil provides omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which are associated with supporting normal heart, brain, and eye function. It also naturally contains vitamins A and D, with vitamin D contributing to the maintenance of normal bones and muscle function. Glucosamine sulphate is a building block of cartilage — the connective tissue that cushions joints. Together, these ingredients offer a broad-spectrum approach to joint support in a single daily capsule.

Glucosamine Strength

The glucosamine content per capsule varies significantly between products. Clinical studies on glucosamine have typically used doses of 1500mg per day, but most combined cod liver oil and glucosamine capsules provide considerably less than this — often between 100mg and 400mg per capsule. This is because the capsule must accommodate both the oil and the glucosamine. If you need a higher glucosamine dose, you may need a dedicated standalone glucosamine supplement alongside your cod liver oil. Most glucosamine in these products is derived from shellfish (crustaceans), which is an important allergen consideration.

Omega-3 Content

Not all cod liver oil capsules are equal in omega-3 content. Some products specify the EPA and DHA content per capsule, while others list only the total cod liver oil amount. Products that specify omega-3 content allow for more accurate comparison. Higher-end formulations may also include additional fish oil to boost the overall omega-3 content beyond what cod liver oil alone provides.

Added Vitamins and Nutrients

Some combination products go beyond just cod liver oil and glucosamine by adding vitamins C, D, and E, chondroitin, or minerals like zinc and manganese. Vitamin C is particularly relevant because it contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage — an authorised EU health claim that strengthens the product’s positioning for joint health. Products with added vitamins can make specific authorised health claims that simpler formulations cannot.

Allergens

Combined cod liver oil and glucosamine supplements typically contain multiple allergens. Fish (from the cod liver oil and fish oil) and crustaceans (from the shellfish-derived glucosamine) are present in virtually all products. Some also contain soya (from lecithin used as an emulsifier). If you have any of these allergies, this type of combined supplement is likely unsuitable for you. These products are never vegan or vegetarian.

The 5 Best Cod Liver Oil & Glucosamine Supplements in the UK — Compared

Feature Nutrivity Seven Seas JointCare Supplex Boots Cod Liver Oil + Glucosamine Holland & Barrett Cod Liver Oil + Glucosamine Tesco Joint Care
Glucosamine per daily dose 400mg (310mg active) ~400mg ~400mg ~400mg ~400mg
Cod liver oil per daily dose 400mg Cod liver oil + fish oil blend Cod liver oil + fish oil blend Cod liver oil blend Cod liver oil blend
Additional omega-3 fish oil 400mg (separate) Fish oil blend (Triomega) Fish oil included Fish oil included Not specified
Added vitamins None Vitamins C, D, E, Manganese Vitamins A, C, D Vitamins A, D Vitamins A, C, D
Chondroitin No No (Supplex), Yes (other variants) No No No
Daily dose 1 capsule 2 capsules 1 capsule 1 capsule 2 capsules
Pack size (largest common) 365 capsules 60 capsules 180 capsules 90 capsules 50 capsules
Supply duration 12 months 30 days 6 months 3 months 25 days
Approx. price £48.99 £9.95 £13.50 £9.99 £4.50
Cost per day ~13.4p ~33.2p ~7.5p ~11.1p ~18.0p
Halal suitable Yes (halal-sourced bovine gelatine) No (beef gelatine, not halal specified) No (beef gelatine, not halal specified) Not specified No (beef gelatine, not halal specified)
Allergens Fish, crustaceans, soya Fish, crustaceans, soya Fish, crustaceans Fish, crustaceans Fish, crustaceans
UK manufactured Yes (GMP) UK UK UK UK
Availability nutrivity.co.uk, Amazon Supermarkets, pharmacies, Amazon Boots stores and online Holland & Barrett stores and online Tesco stores and online

Prices are approximate and based on the most commonly available pack at the time of writing. Nutrivity also offers 30 softgels (£8.99), 60 softgels (£10.99), 120 softgels (£17.99), and 240 softgels (£37.99).

Individual Product Reviews

1. Nutrivity Cod Liver Oil & Glucosamine 1000mg Capsules

Cod Liver Oil + Glucosamine 1000mg Capsules Best for: Year-round supply, halal suitability, triple-active formula, value over 12 months

Nutrivity’s combined capsule stands out for two reasons: it’s the only product in this comparison available as a full 365-capsule year’s supply, and it’s the only one with confirmed halal-sourced bovine gelatine. The formula packs three active ingredients into each capsule — 400mg cod liver oil, 400mg omega-3 fish oil, and 400mg glucosamine sulphate (providing 310mg of active glucosamine) — in a 1230mg fill weight.

At approximately 13.4p per day for the 365-pack, it sits in the mid-range for daily cost. Five pack sizes from 30 to 365 capsules give buyers flexibility to trial before committing. The one-capsule daily dose is simpler than the two-per-day required by Seven Seas and Tesco.

The trade-off is the lack of added vitamins. Seven Seas, Boots, and Tesco all include vitamins C and/or D, which allow them to make authorised health claims about bone maintenance and collagen formation. Nutrivity’s simpler formula relies on the naturally occurring vitamins A and D within the cod liver oil itself, without supplementing them to specific claim levels.

Strengths: Only product with confirmed halal suitability, only 365-capsule year’s supply available, triple-active formula (cod liver oil + omega-3 fish oil + glucosamine), one capsule per day, five pack sizes (30–365), UK manufactured to GMP standards, free UK delivery.

Weaknesses: No added vitamins C or D beyond naturally occurring levels. Cannot make authorised health claims about bone maintenance or collagen formation. Contains soya (lecithin). Not suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or those with fish, crustacean, or soya allergies.

Best price: nutrivity.co.uk (free UK delivery)

2. Seven Seas JointCare Supplex

Best for: Brand recognition, added vitamins and minerals, widest retail availability

Seven Seas is the UK’s number one omega-3 brand, and JointCare Supplex is their combined cod liver oil and glucosamine product. The formula includes fish oil, glucosamine, plus added vitamins C, D, and E, and the mineral manganese. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage, and vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and muscle function — both are authorised EU health claims that add credibility.

Seven Seas products are available in virtually every supermarket, pharmacy, and health retailer in the UK, making them the most accessible option. The brand has over 80 years of heritage in marine oil research.

At approximately 33.2p per day (requiring two capsules), it is significantly more expensive than Nutrivity, Boots, and Holland & Barrett. The 60-capsule pack lasts just 30 days, meaning monthly repurchasing. Halal suitability is not specified.

Strengths: UK’s most recognised omega-3 brand, added vitamins C, D, E, and manganese enabling authorised health claims, over 80 years of marine oil heritage, widest retail availability (supermarkets, pharmacies, online), Triomega fish oil blend.

Weaknesses: Most expensive daily cost among major brands (33.2p), only 30-day supply, requires two capsules daily, no confirmed halal suitability, beef gelatine capsule.

Best price: Supermarkets, pharmacies, or seven-seas.co.uk

3. Boots Cod Liver Oil + Glucosamine

Best for: Best daily value, high street convenience, added vitamin C for collagen claims

Boots’ own-brand cod liver oil and glucosamine capsules offer the lowest daily cost in this comparison at approximately 7.5p per day for the 180-capsule pack (6-month supply). The formula includes added vitamins C and D — vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage, and vitamin D supports the maintenance of normal bones and muscles. These are authorised health claims that add genuine value to the product.

At one capsule daily, it’s convenient and the 180-capsule pack means you only need to repurchase twice a year. The product is available in Boots stores nationwide and online. Customer reviews average 4.8 stars from 43 reviews.

Halal suitability is not specified, and the product is currently listed as temporarily unavailable online, though it may be found in-store. It uses beef gelatin with no halal sourcing confirmation.

Strengths: Cheapest daily cost in this comparison (7.5p), 6-month supply, added vitamins C and D enabling authorised health claims, one capsule daily, high street availability, free from artificial colours and preservatives, lactose free.

Weaknesses: Currently temporarily unavailable online. No confirmed halal suitability. Beef gelatin capsule. Less detailed product information compared to Nutrivity and Seven Seas. No separate omega-3 fish oil component specified.

Best price: boots.com or in-store

4. Holland & Barrett Cod Liver Oil + Glucosamine

Best for: Health food store availability, competitive mid-range pricing

Holland & Barrett’s combined capsule provides cod liver oil and glucosamine with added vitamins A and D. At approximately 11.1p per day for the 90-capsule pack, it’s competitively priced and available in Holland & Barrett’s extensive UK store network.

The product is high in omega-3 and provides vitamins A and D for immune system, bone, and muscle function support. One capsule daily makes dosing straightforward. Holland & Barrett frequently runs promotions including penny sales and multi-buy offers, which can reduce the effective daily cost further.

Detailed ingredient breakdown per capsule is less transparent than some competitors, and halal suitability is not specified.

Strengths: Competitive daily cost (11.1p), widely available in Holland & Barrett stores, added vitamins A and D, one capsule daily, frequent promotional offers reducing effective cost.

Weaknesses: Less detailed ingredient information available. No confirmed halal suitability. Only available through Holland & Barrett. No added vitamin C for collagen claims.

Best price: hollandandbarrett.com or in-store

5. Tesco Joint Care

Best for: Supermarket convenience, added vitamins C and D

Tesco’s own-brand Joint Care capsules combine cod liver oil, glucosamine, and added vitamins A, C, and D in a straightforward supermarket-priced product. The inclusion of vitamin C (contributing to normal collagen formation for cartilage) and vitamin D (supporting bones and muscles) enables authorised health claims on the packaging.

At approximately 18p per day (two capsules daily), it’s mid-range for pricing. The 50-capsule pack lasts just 25 days, making it one of the shortest supply durations in this comparison. However, the convenience of picking it up during a regular grocery shop is a practical advantage for many buyers.

Strengths: Added vitamins A, C, and D enabling authorised health claims, available during regular grocery shopping, straightforward formulation, widely accessible.

Weaknesses: Only 25-day supply, requires two capsules daily, higher daily cost than Boots and Holland & Barrett, limited product information, no confirmed halal suitability, beef gelatin capsule.

Best price: tesco.com or in-store

Which Cod Liver Oil & Glucosamine Supplement Should You Buy?

The right choice depends on your priorities:

If you want the lowest daily cost — Boots at approximately 7.5p per day with added vitamins C and D is the clear budget winner, assuming it’s in stock.

If you follow a halal diet — Nutrivity is the only product in this comparison with confirmed halal-sourced bovine gelatin. No other brand specifies their gelatin source as halal.

If you want a full year’s supply in one purchase — Nutrivity’s 365-capsule pack at £48.99 eliminates reordering for 12 months. No other product in this comparison offers more than a 6-month supply.

If brand recognition and authorised health claims matter — Seven Seas JointCare Supplex has the strongest brand heritage, the most comprehensive added vitamin profile, and the widest retail availability. You pay a premium for this at 33.2p per day.

If you want the best balance of value, convenience, and health claims — Boots offers the most complete package for the lowest daily cost, combining cod liver oil, glucosamine, vitamin C (for collagen/cartilage claims), and vitamin D (for bone/muscle claims) at 7.5p per day.

If you want the highest total active ingredient content per capsule — Nutrivity’s triple-active formula (400mg cod liver oil + 400mg omega-3 fish oil + 400mg glucosamine in a 1230mg fill) provides the highest combined active content in a single capsule.

Value Breakdown: Annual Cost Comparison

Brand Packs needed for 12 months Annual cost Daily cost
Boots (180) 2 packs ~£27.00 ~7.5p
Holland & Barrett (90) 4 packs ~£39.96 ~11.1p
Nutrivity (365) 1 pack ~£48.99 ~13.4p
Tesco (50) ~14.6 packs ~£65.70 ~18.0p
Seven Seas Supplex (60) 12 packs ~£119.40 ~33.2p

The annual cost range is wide — from approximately £27 for Boots to nearly £120 for Seven Seas. Nutrivity sits in the middle at £48.99 but offers the only year’s supply in a single purchase, the only confirmed halal option, and the highest total active ingredient content per capsule. Boots offers the best raw value but lacks halal confirmation and detailed ingredient transparency.

Our Methodology

This comparison was created by Chris Jones, Social Media Manager at Nutrivity with over seven years of experience in the UK supplement industry. Products were evaluated based on publicly available information including ingredient content, pricing, dietary suitability, retail availability, and customer reviews.

In the interest of transparency: Nutrivity is included as one of the five products reviewed. We have made every effort to present competitor products fairly, including acknowledging that Boots offers a lower daily cost and that Seven Seas, Boots, and Tesco include added vitamins that enable authorised health claims — advantages that Nutrivity’s simpler formula does not hold. Pricing information was gathered in March 2026 and may have changed since publication.

This article provides general information about cod liver oil and glucosamine supplements. It is not medical advice. These are food supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have allergies to fish or shellfish, or take prescribed medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why take cod liver oil and glucosamine together?

Cod liver oil provides omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) along with naturally occurring vitamins A and D, while glucosamine sulphate is a component of cartilage that has been used as a joint support supplement for decades. Taking them together in a single capsule provides a broad-spectrum approach to joint health support and eliminates the need to buy and take two separate supplements.

How much glucosamine is enough?

Clinical studies on glucosamine have typically used doses of 1500mg per day. However, most combined cod liver oil and glucosamine capsules provide between 100mg and 400mg of glucosamine per capsule — significantly less than the studied dose. Combined products are best viewed as providing a maintenance level of glucosamine alongside the benefits of cod liver oil. If you require a higher glucosamine dose, a standalone glucosamine supplement taken alongside your cod liver oil may be more appropriate.

Is cod liver oil and glucosamine suitable for halal diets?

The fish oil and glucosamine ingredients are generally considered halal. The concern is the capsule shell — most products use beef gelatin, which must be sourced from halal-slaughtered animals to be considered halal. Nutrivity is the only product in this comparison that confirms the use of halal-sourced bovine gelatin. Other brands do not specify their gelatin source.

Can I take cod liver oil and glucosamine if I have a shellfish allergy?

No. The glucosamine in virtually all combined cod liver oil and glucosamine products is derived from crustacean shells (shellfish). If you have a shellfish allergy, you should avoid these products entirely. Some standalone glucosamine supplements use non-shellfish sources (such as corn-derived glucosamine), but these are not typically found in combined cod liver oil products.

Is cod liver oil and glucosamine suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

No. These products contain fish-derived cod liver oil, shellfish-derived glucosamine, and gelatin capsule shells. They are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans under any circumstances.

Can I take cod liver oil and glucosamine during pregnancy?

Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, which should be limited during pregnancy. Most manufacturers advise against taking cod liver oil supplements during pregnancy, or recommend consulting a doctor first. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, speak to your GP before taking any supplement containing cod liver oil or vitamin A.

What is the difference between cod liver oil and fish oil?

Cod liver oil is extracted specifically from the livers of cod fish. It naturally contains omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) plus vitamins A and D. Standard fish oil is extracted from the body tissues of oily fish like mackerel, sardines, and anchovies, and contains omega-3 but not the same levels of vitamins A and D. Some products, including Nutrivity’s, include both cod liver oil and additional fish oil to boost the overall omega-3 content.

How long does cod liver oil and glucosamine take to work?

Glucosamine supplements are typically taken for several weeks or months before any effect on joint comfort is noticed. Most guidance suggests allowing at least 8–12 weeks of consistent daily use before assessing effectiveness. The omega-3 and vitamin benefits of cod liver oil may support general health more quickly, but joint-specific benefits generally require sustained use.