Omega-3 fatty acids are a variety of polyunsaturated fat that plays several vital functions in your body, including those affecting inflammation, immunity, heart health, and brain function (1).
Three primary forms of omega-3 fatty acids:
- eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
- docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
- alpha-linoleic acid (ALA)
EPA and DHA, primarily found in fish, are the physiologically active omega-3 fatty acids. Meanwhile, ALA is contained in plant meals and must be transformed into EPA and DHA before your body can absorb it (2).
For people who don’t frequently eat fish, taking a fish oil supplement might be a handy and straightforward approach to enhance your consumption of omega-3 fatty acids.
Keep reading to view our selections of the 14 best fish oil pills.
How to pick a fish oil supplement
There are many factors to consider when buying a fish oil supplement:
- Supplement quality. It’s vital to review the ingredient list carefully and avoid explicit supplements containing fillers or fake components. Ideally, search for goods that have completed third-party testing and are certified by independent organizations, such as International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS), United States Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or The Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) (TGA).
- Dosage. Pay particular attention to the dose, including the quantity of EPA and DHA. Some items may also include ALA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid in plants that are converted to EPA and DHA in modest quantities (2).
- Fish oil source. You may want to investigate the Source of the fish oil as well. Ideally, choose smaller, responsibly fished fish, including sardines and anchovies, which tend to have lower amounts of mercury (3).
- Supplement kind. There are also numerous fish oil supplements, including softgels, liquids, or candies. At the same time, some like the convenience and easiness of capsules, drinks, and gummies may work better for others.
How we selected
When grouping up the top fish oil supplements, we examined the following factors:
- Vetting. All the goods featured were reviewed to ensure they fit Healthline’s medical and commercial standards.
- Quality. In addition to the quality of ingredients, we looked at the company’s testing and production methods.
- Fish oil source. We emphasized supplements, including oil from smaller fish.
Price. We included goods to fit a range of budgets.
Eathealthyisgood’s selections of the finest fish oil supplements
Best-rated fish oil supplement
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega
- Serving size: 2 softgels
- DHA per serving: 450 mg
- EPA per serving: 650 mg
- Servings per container: 45
With 1,100 mg of combined EPA and DHA in each softgel, Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega supplements are obtained only from wild-caught sardines and anchovies.
They’re also lemon scented, which may help reduce the fishy aftertaste frequently found in other fish oil pills.
Additionally, all Nordic Natural products are certified by Friend of the Sea, which assures seafood is supplied from sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
A certificate of analysis (COA) is also available for all Nordic Naturals products. This article contains thorough information on the purity, strength, and quality of supplements.
Best fish oil subscriptions
Care/of Fish Oil Wild at Heart
- Serving size: 2 softgels
- DHA per serving: 220 mg
- EPA per serving: 180 mg
- Servings per container: 30
Care/of provides a type of cafeteria plan for vitamins. You explore the internet shop and pick and select the ingredients you want. Or you can apply online form and let the provider choose tailored vitamins for you.
The supplements are given mainly via a subscription service, with monthly delivery.
One of the components you might choose is Fish Oil Wild at Heart, which includes salmon oil responsibly harvested from wild Alaskan salmon and processed by cold press extraction.
Salmon oil includes omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and EPA. In addition to fish oil, the softgels include bovine-sourced gelatin, glycerin, mixed tocopherols, and water.
Care/of supplements is evaluated three times throughout the production process. However, they aren’t third-party tested.
HUM Nutrients OMG! The Great OMEGA
- 2 softgels = 1 serving
- 400 mg DHA per serving
- 800 mg EPA per serving
- 30 servings per container
HUM Nutrition is a vitamin membership service that provides individualized vitamin recommendations after completing a quick health questionnaire. For health guidance, the program also links you with your qualified nutritionist.
The OMG! Omega the Great product is a fish oil softgel with 1,400 mg of total Omega-3s per serving derived from wild anchovies.
All HUM Nutrition products have been third-party tested, non-GMO, gluten-free, and with no artificial sweeteners or colors.
You may buy it without subscribing, but it’s significantly cheaper to join up for a three-month membership.
Best fish oil supplements for cardiovascular health
Super Omega-3 Life Extension
- 2 softgels = 1 serving
- 500 mg DHA per serving
- 700 mg EPA per serving
- 60 servings per container
The Life Extension Super Omega-3 supplement, which has 1,200 mg of combined EPA and DHA in each dose, is an excellent way to include additional heart-healthy omega-3s into your diet.
It also contains antioxidant-rich olive extract, which may benefit the heart. Sesame seed lignans are also added for their antibacterial and antioxidant qualities, which aid in preserving the fish oil (5, 6).
This supplement is accredited by IFOS, a program that analyzes the quality and efficacy of fish oil products. It is primarily made from sustainably harvested anchovies off the coast of Chile.
It’s also available in various forms, including enteric-coated tablets and easy-to-swallow softgels.
Thorne Omega-3 with Coenzyme Q10
- 1 gelcap = 1 serving
- 180 mg DHA per serving
- EPA content per serving: 450 mg
- 90 servings per container
This high-quality fish oil supplement mixes omega-3 fatty acids with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a heart-healthy antioxidant that protects against oxidative damage and helps your cells create energy (7).
Each gelcap includes 630 mg of pollock-derived EPA and DHA, as well as 30 milligrams of CoQ10.
Thorne Research created it, and it has been approved by the TGA, the Australian government organization that supervises drugs and supplements.
Thorne Research products are also subjected to four rounds of rigorous testing to verify that you are receiving the highest quality possible. NFS International also has third-party verified Thorne’s production facilities.
Best inexpensive fish oil supplements
Amazon Elements Super Omega-3 with Lemon Flavor
- Serving size: 2 capsules
- DHA per serving: 450 mg
- EPA per serving: 650 mg
- Servings per container: 60
Amazon’s Super Omega-3 fish oil supplements include omega 3s from wild-caught fish, including anchovies, sardines, and mackerel.
Other ingredients include gelatin, glycerin, and filtered water, There are no artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives, and they’re gluten and GMO-free.
The fish oil in Super Omega-3 originates from Norway, and the product is combined and packaged in the United States. Amazon asserts that levels of pollutants, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, or arsenic, do not exceed accepted safety requirements.
This is the source model for all Amazon Elements supplements. The components originate from throughout the globe, but the mixing and production are all done in the United States by Arizona Nutritional Supplements (ANS) (ANS).
ANS has been issued the certification of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), signifying that the company’s operating methods fulfill the criteria for quality control and testing stipulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (FDA).
Amazon assures that all supplements in the Amazon Elements brand are tested for potency, purity, and integrity. It gives a COA for each product documenting the findings of the testing.
Nature Made Fish Oil Plus Vitamin D 1,000 IU
- Serving size: 2 softgels
- DHA per serving: 600 mg mixed EPA and DHA
- EPA per serving: 600 mg mixed EPA and DHA
- Servings per container: 45
This Nature Made supplement is high quality but the economical alternative for people wishing to simultaneously enhance their consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.
It also includes 2,000 IU of vitamin D, an essential vitamin available naturally in relatively few dietary sources (4).
These supplements are created from wild-caught fish and have been processed to eliminate mercury and other hazardous substances, such as dioxins, furans, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (PCBs).
Nature Made supplements are also validated by U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), a nonprofit organization that establishes high criteria for supplements’ strength, quality, packaging, and purity.
Best tasting fish oil supplement
Barlean’s Ideal Omega3 Softgels
- Dose: 1 softgel
- DHA per serving: 250 mg
- EPA per serving: 750 mg
- Servings per container: 30
Just one Ideal Omega3 softgel capsule delivers 1,000 mg of mixed EPA and DHA extracted from pollock, making it fast and straightforward to acquire your daily dosage.
In addition to receiving a 5-star certification from IFOS, this pharmaceutical-grade supplement has also been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council for sustainable fishing methods.
Plus, it’s available as orange-flavored softgels to help cover the disagreeable taste and smell of fish oil.
The most effective liquid fish oil supplement
Carlson Labs Offers the Finest Fish Oil
- One teaspoon per serving (5 ml)
- 500 mg DHA per serving
- 800 mg EPA per serving
- 100 servings per container
This supplement is an excellent choice for people who prefer liquid fish oil over softgels or capsules.
Each teaspoon (5 mL) provides 1,600 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, 1,300 mg of which come from wild-caught anchovies, sardines, and mackerel.
The remaining omega-3 fatty acids come from sunflower oil in the form of ALA.
It is not only IFOS certified, but non-GMO validated, which means it is free of genetically modified organisms.
It’s also high in vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin that functions as an antioxidant (8).
It also comes in lemon and orange tastes, making it ideal for blending into smoothies or juices.
Supplements for softgel fish oil that are the best
Triple Strength Omega-3 Innovix Labs
- 1 softgel = 1 serving
- 360 mg DHA per serving
- EPA content per serving: 480 mg
- 200 servings per container
This Triple Strength Omega-3 supplement contains 900 mg of omega-3 fatty acids in a single capsule, making it a perfect choice for individuals looking to simplify their regimen.
In addition to receiving a 5-star certification from IFOS, all Innovix Labs tablets are made from sustainably sourced fish such as anchovies, sardines, and mackerel and are processed to eliminate hazardous components such as mercury.
The capsules also feature an enteric coating that prevents them from breaking down and dissolving in your stomach, which is considered to help reduce side effects such as fishy burps and aftertaste.
Omega-3 Fish Oil Viva Naturals
- 2 softgels = 1 serving
- 480 mg DHA per serving
- EPA content per serving: 1,400 mg
- 90 servings per container
Every serving of this easy fish oil combination contains 2,200 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, including 1,880 mg of combined EPA and DHA.
In addition to being IFOS-certified, it is made from tiny, wild-caught fish such as mackerel, anchovies, and sardines taken using sustainable fishing methods.
The oil is further purified, which helps to minimize any fishy odor or aftertaste.
The best gummy
Gummies with Fish Oil from Nature Made
- 2 gummies per serving
- 47.5 mg DHA per serving
- EPA content per serving: 9.5 mg
- 75 servings per container
If the notion of swallowing a softgel makes you queasy, these candies are a terrific way to boost your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
They are made from wild-caught ocean fish and provide 57 mg of mixed EPA and DHA per serving.
They’re also USP-certified and devoid of synthetic colors and flavors.
However, keep in mind that these gummies provide a far lower amount of omega-3 fatty acids than most other fish oil supplements. Each serving of these gummies has three grams of added sugar.
Instead of depending just on these gummies to achieve your omega-3 requirements, combine them with a well-balanced diet high in omega-3 fatty acids.
The best cod liver oil
Arctic Cod Liver Oil by Nordic Naturals
- One teaspoon per serving (5 ml)
- 510 mg DHA per serving
- EPA content per serving: 340 mg
- 48 servings per container
Cod liver oil is a distinct form of fish oil extracted from the livers of codfish. It is high in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E and omega-3 fatty acids (9).
This supplement, made entirely of wild Arctic cod from the Norwegian Sea, is available in both liquid and softgel form. Depending on the formulation, it contains 600–850 mg of mixed EPA and DHA.
Nordic Naturals supplements are created sustainably, non-GMO, and approved by third-party organizations such as Friend of the Sea and European Pharmacopoea.
There are also a choice of flavors to choose from, including unflavored, orange, strawberry, and lemon.
The best fish oil supplement for children
Omega Pals Chirpin’ Slurpin’ Lemonade Fish Oil by Barlean’s
- One teaspoon per serving (5 ml)
- 210 mg DHA per serving
- EPA content per serving: 330 mg
- 29 servings per container
Are you looking for fish oil that your child would take without complaint? Barlean’s Omega Pals fish oil comes in various kid-friendly tastes, including lemonade, tangerine, citrus, and strawberry banana. It also contains 540 mg of DHA and EPA together.
The product is intended for youngsters aged one year and above.
Youngsters must consume adequate omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA since they are necessary for brain development and eye health (10).
However, there are presently no defined DHA consumption recommendations. Instead, there are total omega-3 consumption recommendations, which are as follows (1):
- 700 mg for children aged 1–3 years.
- 900 mg for children aged 4–8 years.
- 9–13 years old: 1,000 mg for females and 1,200 mg for boys, respectively.
Frequently asked questions
What precisely does fish oil do for you?
Fish oil contains omega-3 lipids, which provide a variety of health advantages.
Because omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory, they may benefit a variety of illnesses known to be linked to chronic inflammation, notably heart disease. High triglyceride levels, which are a cause of heart disease, may also be reduced by EPA and DHA (1, 11).
Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids are essential for vision and eye health since they are required for eye growth and may aid in the treatment of dry eye illness (1).
Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial to brain function. They are required in infancy and youth to aid in normal brain development (1, 10).
Adults may benefit from omega-3 supplementation in stroke prevention and cognitive impairment (12).
Is fish oil beneficial to your hair?
There hasn’t been much research on fish oil for hair, but a 2018 study found that fermented fish oil may enhance hair development owing to its DHA concentration (13).
However, more study is required to thoroughly understand the benefits of fish oil on hair health.
Should you use fish oil daily?
You may take fish oil daily. However, owing to the significant anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fats, excessive dosages of fish oil over time (including at least 900 mg of EPA + 600 mg DHA) may cause immune system suppression (1).
It is critical to examine the EPA and DHA levels in your fish oil before purchasing to avoid purchasing one that may have this effect.
What dosage of fish oil should you take?
Most health organizations suggest consuming 250–500 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day, with modest variances according to age and health condition (14, 15).
The daily recommended intake of ALA for women is 1.1 grams per day and 1.6 grams per day for males (16).
What are the potential side effects of using fish oil supplements?
Fishy burps are the most prevalent side effect of fish oil supplements, but there are now numerous “burpless” fish oil solutions on the market that promise to reduce this unpleasant but harmless side effect.
Check the expiry date if you feel nausea or vomiting after taking fish oil. The oil may oxidize and turn rancid. To reduce any unpleasant side effects, take the supplement after a meal.
What medications should not be taken in conjunction with fish oil?
In excessive quantities, omega-3 products and fish oil supplements may thin the blood. As a result, they should not be used if you are on blood thinning drugs such as warfarin (or other anticoagulants) without the approval of a healthcare expert (1).
The bottom line
There are many varieties of omega-3 supplements, each from a different source and with varied components.
They also come in numerous formats, including pills, drinks, and gummies.
For optimum results, pick a fish oil supplement that works for you and take it with a balanced diet to optimize its advantages.
Finally, more is not always better when it comes to fish oil. Excessive ingestion may cause more damage than benefits.
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