Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a way of making old-school health habits feel like a political statement. It’s not just the shirtless pull-ups or the raw milk advocacy. Lately, everyone is talking about RFK Jr cod liver oil use and how it fits into his broader "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) platform. People are curious. Is he just being retro, or is there actually something to this pungent, oily liquid that our great-grandparents used to force-feed children?
He’s been vocal about it. In various interviews and town halls, Kennedy has pointed toward a return to "ancestral" nutrition. He often argues that the modern American diet is a literal minefield of processed seed oils and synthetic additives. For him, cod liver oil represents a bridge back to a time before the chronic disease epidemic took hold. It’s about nutrient density. It’s about fat-soluble vitamins. Honestly, it’s about a deep-seated distrust of the modern food industrial complex.
What is the deal with RFK Jr and cod liver oil anyway?
Kennedy doesn't just mention it in passing. He views it as a fundamental tool for neurological health and immune resilience. During his appearances on podcasts like Joe Rogan or in discussions with health influencers, he frequently references the decline in fat-soluble vitamin intake among Americans.
Most people think cod liver oil is just "fish oil." It isn't. Not exactly.
Standard fish oil is pressed from the flesh of fatty fish like salmon or mackerel. It's mostly just Omega-3s. Cod liver oil is different because it comes specifically from the liver of the Atlantic cod. This means it carries a massive payload of Vitamin A and Vitamin D. Kennedy often ties this back to the work of Dr. Weston A. Price, a dentist from the 1930s who traveled the world studying indigenous diets. Price found that "primitive" groups had significantly higher intakes of these specific vitamins compared to modernized humans.
Kennedy’s focus on RFK Jr cod liver oil isn't just a quirk; it’s part of a philosophy that suggests we’ve traded our biological heritage for convenience.
The Science: Is he right or just nostalgic?
Let’s look at the numbers. A single teaspoon of high-quality cod liver oil can provide roughly 90% of your daily Vitamin A requirement and over 100% of your Vitamin D. In an era where Vitamin D deficiency is basically a silent pandemic, that’s huge.
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But there’s a catch.
The Vitamin A in cod liver oil is "preformed" retinol. This is the stuff your body can use immediately. It’s great for your eyes and your skin. However, Kennedy’s critics often point out that you can actually get too much Vitamin A. It’s fat-soluble, so it builds up in your tissues. If you're chugging it like Gatorade, you're going to have problems.
Then there are the Omega-3s: EPA and DHA. These are the building blocks of the brain. Since Kennedy spends a lot of time talking about neurodevelopmental issues and "brain fog," his obsession with DHA makes sense. DHA is literally what your brain is made of. When he talks about RFK Jr cod liver oil, he’s essentially talking about brain maintenance.
The "Fermented" Debate
You’ll often hear the MAHA crowd talking about fermented cod liver oil. This is a specific niche. Traditional processing involves heat, which can turn the delicate oils rancid. Fermentation—essentially letting the livers sit and release oil naturally—is supposed to preserve the nutrients better.
Kennedy has leaned into this "raw" and "unprocessed" vibe.
Some scientists are skeptical. They argue that fermentation can lead to high levels of biogenic amines or even oxidation if not done perfectly. But for Kennedy, the risk of "natural" oxidation is often secondary to the risk of "industrial" processing. He prefers the old ways. He trusts the tradition more than the FDA-approved refinement process. It’s a classic Kennedy stance: skepticism of the system, trust in the soil (or the sea).
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Why this matters for the 2026 health landscape
We are seeing a massive shift in how people view supplements. It’s no longer about a multivitamin from a big-box store. People want "whole food" sources. Kennedy’s advocacy has pushed things like beef organs and RFK Jr cod liver oil into the mainstream.
It’s about bio-availability.
If you eat a carrot, your body has to convert the beta-carotene into retinol. Some people are bad at that conversion. Like, really bad. If you take cod liver oil, you skip the middleman. This "direct-to-cell" nutrition is a cornerstone of the Kennedy health philosophy. He’s betting that the public is tired of being told that highly processed, fortified cereals are just as good as the real thing.
Misconceptions and the "Fishy" Truth
One thing people get wrong is the taste. Modern cod liver oil doesn't have to taste like a wet dock. Many brands now use nitrogen flushing to prevent the oil from hitting oxygen. This keeps the flavor mild.
If your oil tastes like a nightmare, it’s probably rancid.
Rancid oil is pro-inflammatory. That’s the exact opposite of what you want. Kennedy often mentions the importance of sourcing, and he’s right here. You can’t just buy the cheapest bottle on the shelf and expect the "RFK Jr results." You need high-grade, third-party tested stuff that isn't loaded with synthetic Vitamin A to replace what was lost during heating.
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The MAHA Framework
Under the "Make America Healthy Again" banner, Kennedy isn't just suggesting you take cod liver oil. He’s suggesting we change the way we think about public health.
He wants to move away from "sick care."
He looks at the rising rates of autoimmune issues and wonders if a lack of these fat-soluble vitamins is the culprit. While the mainstream medical community usually focuses on pharmaceuticals, Kennedy looks at the foundation. He sees cod liver oil as part of a foundational layer of health. It’s not a cure-all. It’s a building block.
Practical Steps for the Curious
If you’re looking to follow the RFK Jr cod liver oil route, don't just dive into the deep end. Start slow.
- Check your levels. Get a blood test for Vitamin D and Vitamin A (retinol). Don't supplement blindly. You need to know your baseline.
- Quality is everything. Look for "Extra Virgin" or "Raw" labels. Brands like Rosita or Green Pasture are often cited by the ancestral health community. Avoid "refined" oils that have been bleached or deodorized with high heat.
- Watch the ratio. High Vitamin D can deplete Vitamin K2. If you're going heavy on the cod liver oil, make sure you're getting K2 from grass-fed butter or fermented foods like natto. Kennedy is big on "synergy," and this is where it matters most.
- Storage matters. Keep your oil in the fridge. Light and heat are the enemies of Omega-3s. If you leave it on the counter, you're basically drinking liquid inflammation after a week.
- Listen to your gut. Some people don't tolerate fish oils well. If you get "fish burps," you might need digestive enzymes or a different brand.
Kennedy’s approach to health is about taking personal responsibility and questioning the status quo. Whether you agree with his politics or not, the push toward nutrient-dense, whole-food supplements like cod liver oil is a conversation worth having. It forces us to ask: what did our ancestors know that we've forgotten?
The shift toward these "primitive" nutrients isn't just a trend; it's a reaction to a modern world that feels increasingly disconnected from the biology that sustained us for thousands of years.
Next Steps for Implementation
To actually see results from this protocol, prioritize finding a "virgin" cod liver oil that is cold-pressed. Avoid products that list "Vitamin A Palmitate" on the back—this is usually a sign that the natural vitamins were destroyed and replaced with synthetic versions. If you are pregnant or have a pre-existing liver condition, consult with a functional medicine practitioner specifically about retinol toxicity before starting a high-dose regimen. Focus on consistent, small doses rather than occasional large ones to allow your fat-soluble nutrient stores to stabilize over 3-6 months.