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The Best Fish Oil to Boost Your Omega-3 Levels in 2022

  • Don-Pedro Ume, PharmD
  • February 14, 2022
omega 3 capsules

Omega-3s are the essential fats necessary for optimal health. They play a pivotal role in maintaining cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and lowering the risk of many diseases. Since the human body can’t produce omega-3s, we have to get them from dietary sources (oily fish, seafood, algae) or supplements.

To make your search for the right product easier, we selected and evaluated 10 best fish oil supplements on the market. Before we dive into detailed product descriptions and fish oil reviews, let’s take a look at a brief overview of the top 10 fish oil brands in 2022.

The Best Fish Oil Products in 2022

We’re committed to providing you with the best products available. If you purchase through one of the links on our site, we may earn a commission. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure.

Life Extension® Super Omega-3 Plus Review

Life Extension® Super Omega-3 Plus Review Life Extension Review

The Best Fish Oil Supplement of 2020 and 2021

  • Additional omega-3s from Antarctic krill
  • Excellent for reducing joint pain
  • No fishy aftertaste
  • Contains super-antioxidant astaxanthin
star 9.9
From $33.75 for 120 softgels Read Review
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Nature Made® Fish Oil, 1,000 mg Review

Nature Made® Fish Oil, 1,000 mg Review Nature Made Logo

The Most Affordable Fish Oil Supplements

  • No. 1 pharmacist recommended brand
  • Purified to eliminate mercury
  • Supports healthy heart function
  • USP-verified
star 9.8
From $11.99 for 250 softgels Read Review
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Nordic Natural® Omega-3 Review

Nordic Natural® Omega-3 Review Nordic Naturals Review

The Best Fish Oil for ADHD

  • Highly absorbable triglycerides
  • Made with 100% wild-caught fish
  • Award-winning product
  • Refreshing lemon taste
star 9.6
From $17.95 for 60 softgels Read Review
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Thorne® Omega Plus™ Review

Thorne® Omega Plus™ Review Thorne Review

The Best Fish Oil for Kids

  • Contains GLA from borage oil
  • Excellent for skin and bone health
  • Molecularly distilled
star 9.5
From $39.00 for 90 gelcaps Read Review
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Carlson The Very Finest Fish Oil Review

Carlson The Very Finest Fish Oil Review

The Best Liquid Fish Oil With High Omega-3 Content

  • 1,600 mg of omega-3s per serving
  • Boosts cognitive and joint function
  • Made with wild-caught fish
  • IGEN and IFOS non-GMO certified
star 9.3
From $26.50 for 6.7 fl oz Read Review
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Viva Naturals Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil Review

Viva Naturals Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil Review VivaNaturals

The Best Fish Oil to Lower Triglycerides

  • 2,000 mg of omega-3s per serving
  • Superior triglyceride form
  • Boosts eye and skin health
  • No gluten or dairy
star 9.2
From $37.99 for 180 softgels Read Review
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Live Conscious™ OmegaWell™ Review

Live Conscious™ OmegaWell™ Review Live Conscious Logo

The Most Effective Fish Oil with Enteric Coating

  • Enteric-coated soft gels
  • Sustainably sourced
  • Manufactured in the US
  • No fishy aftertaste
star 9.0
From $24.99 for one bottle of 60 softgels Read Review
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Nuzena® Optima Omega-3 + Review

Nuzena® Optima Omega-3 + Review Nuzena

The Best Fish Oil for Bodybuilding

  • Promotes mental and skin health
  • 100% natural ingredients
  • Boosts bone collagen synthesis
  • GMP-certified
  • Made in the US
star 8.9
From $30.00 for 60 veggie capsules Read Review
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Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil Review

Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil Review Rosita

The Best-Rated Fish Oil With Natural Vitamins

  • Excellent for reducing inflammation
  • Made with raw, unprocessed oil
  • 130% DV of vitamin A per serving
  • Natural antioxidants
star 8.7
From $49.00 for 5 fl oz Read Review
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Vitamin Shoppe Omega-3 Fish Oil Review

Vitamin Shoppe Omega-3 Fish Oil Review The Vitamin Shoppe

The Best Fish Oil Brand With High Vitamin E Content

  • 86% DV of vitamin E per serving
  • No fishy aftertaste
  • Molecularly distilled for purity
  • Free of gluten, dairy, and soy
star 8.6
From $19.99 for 60 softgels Read Review
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Our Top-Rated Fish Oil Reviews

We reviewed and ranked the most highly praised fish oil formulas available on the market according to their efficacy and quality.

Let’s have a look at the details.

Life Extension® Super Omega-3 Plus Review

Life Extension® Super Omega-3 Plus Review Life Extension® Super Omega-3 Plus
star 9.9

The Best Fish Oil Supplement of 2020 and 2021

  • Type: Softgel
  • Ingredients: Pure+™ wild fish oil and Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) oil concentrate (DHA, EHA, phospholipids), sesame seed lignan extract, Polyphen-Oil™ olive extract, natural astaxanthin, gelatin, highly refined fish oil concentrate (anchovy), glycerin, beeswax, silica, purified water, natural flavor, caramel color, extra virgin olive oil, mixed tocopherols, rosemary extract, maltodextrin
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping on AutoShip orders
  • Return policy: A 12-month returns bracket
  • Discounts (or any other buying perks): Save 26% on AutoShip orders
From $33.75 for 120 softgels
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Taking into consideration the quality and thoughtful combination of Super Omega-3’s Plus ingredients, it’s no surprise this fantastic supplement tops our best quality fish oil supplements list.

This product combines pure concentrated fish oil, krill oil, and Polyphen-Oil™ olive extract rich in heart-healthy polyphenols. Furthermore, it’s augmented with astaxanthin, a super-antioxidant that supports a healthy inflammatory response and enhances ocular, mitochondrial, and heart health.

The combination of the ingredients inspired by the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet helps the body quickly absorb omega-3s and reap all benefits. Omega-3s from fish and krill oil help improve blood vessel function, promote healthy blood flow, and boost overall cardiovascular health.

Omega-3 fatty acids also inhibit inflammation, maintain good cholesterol levels, and boost cognitive health. Moreover, research shows that krill oil is also particularly effective in supporting joint health. What’s more, the inclusion of sesame lignans in this good fish oil formula enhances the cholesterol- and triglyceride-leveling effects of omega-3 fatty acids.

Finally, Life Extension® is a brand driven by the desire to produce healthier, science-backed products of the highest standard. Therefore their fish oil supplements go through a thorough purification process to eliminate all environmental contaminants in such a way that it exceeds international purity standards.


Pros

  • + Additional omega-3s from Antarctic krill
  • + Excellent for reducing joint pain
  • + No fishy aftertaste
  • + Contains super-antioxidant astaxanthin

Cons

  • − Some users complained about receiving broken and leaky softgels
  • − Contains shellfish

Nature Made® Fish Oil, 1,000 mg Review

Nature Made® Fish Oil, 1,000 mg Review Nature Made® Fish Oil, 1,000 mg
star 9.8

The Most Affordable Fish Oil Supplements

  • Type: Softgel
  • Ingredients: Total omega-3s (DHA, EPA, etc.), gelatin, water, glycerin, tocopherols
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping with Amazon Prime
  • Return policy: 100% money-back guarantee, no questions asked
  • Discounts (or any other buying perks): Subscribe and save by up to 15% on Amazon. Save an extra 40% with an Amazon coupon
From $11.99 for 250 softgels
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Nature Made® Fish Oil is an excellent tool for combating omega-3 deficiency without breaking the bank, making it one of the most affordable high-quality fish oil brands.

A single dose of this omega-3 supplement contains an impressive 2,000 mg of fish oil. There are also 600 mg of omega-3s, 500 mg of which come in the form of heart-healthy EPA and DHA. Since it also contains tocopherols, this product is an excellent choice for those who want to increase their omega-3s and vitamin E intake simultaneously.

This top-rated fish oil provides an impressive four-month supply in a single bottle containing 125 servings of omega-3 softgels. This makes it the brand with the highest serving count on our list. And it comes at a bargain price of only $20.49. Hence, if you’re looking to cut down on cost without compromising quality, this formula is your best bet.

Finally, this quality fish oil contains zero contaminants, as it’s been carefully purified to eliminate mercury, dioxins, furans, PCBs, and other harmful substances. Additionally, it’s manufactured adhering to GMP practice standards and contains no added colors, artificial flavors, or gluten.


Pros

  • + No. 1 pharmacist recommended brand
  • + Purified to eliminate mercury
  • + Supports healthy heart function
  • + USP-verified

Cons

  • − Softgels may be too large for some consumers
  • − It may cause fish burps

Nordic Natural® Omega-3 Review

Nordic Natural® Omega-3 Review Nordic Natural® Omega-3
star 9.6

The Best Fish Oil for ADHD

  • Type: Softgel
  • Ingredients: Total omega-3s (DHA, EPA, etc.), purified deep sea fish oil (from sardines and anchovies), natural lemon flavor, softgel capsule (glycerin, gelatin, water, natural lemon flavor), D-alpha tocopherol, rosemary extract
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping within the US
  • Return policy: A 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Discounts (or any other buying perks): Save 10% on subscription orders
From $17.95 for 60 softgels
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Research shows that children with ADHD often have low omega-3 levels. For this reason, high-quality fish oil formulas high in omega-3s, such as Nordic Natural® Omega-3, found increased use in helping alleviate ADHD symptoms.

Omega-3 fatty acids allow neurons to communicate better, thereby improving attention, focus, motivation, and working memory. As a result, ADHD patients become less inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive. Additionally, omega-3s support heart health and overall wellbeing.

This top fish oil provides 690 mg of omega-3s per serving—just enough to satisfy children’s daily requirements and to avoid the risk of overdose.

ADHD is more prevalent in children than in adults (8.4% vs. 2.5%), so it’s always helpful for supplements to have features that would make them more appealing to this age group. This is another reason why Nordic Natural® Omega-3 stood out as the best fish oil brand for ADHD for children.

Its mild lemon flavor successfully masks omega-3 supplements’ characteristic fishy smell, making supplementation less unpleasant for picky children. What’s more, they’re easy to swallow, despite their size.


Pros

  • + Highly absorbable triglycerides
  • + Made with 100% wild-caught fish
  • + Award-winning product
  • + Refreshing lemon taste

Cons

  • − Relatively large softgels
  • − Some users observed leaky softgels upon delivery

Thorne® Omega Plus™ Review

Thorne® Omega Plus™ Review Thorne Omega Plus
star 9.5

The Best Fish Oil for Kids

  • Type: Gelcap
  • Ingredients: DHA, EPA, GLA (from borage oil), bovine gelatin, mixed tocopherols, and glycerin (vegetable source), purified water
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping within the contiguous US
  • Return policy: A 60-day money-back guarantee
  • Discounts (or any other buying perks): Subscribe and save 10% on refill orders
From $39.00 for 90 gelcaps
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Research shows that DHA is an essential factor in proper growth and brain development in infants and that the lack of it may lead to developing learning deficits and various disorders such as ADHD, unipolar depression, cystic fibrosis, etc.

More recently, a meta-analysis confirmed that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (EPA, DHA, and GLA), some of which are found in fish oil supplements, help improve inattention symptoms in children with ADHD and further emphasized the adequate intake of these substances in children.

Thorne® Omega Plus™ stood out as one of the top fish oil supplements for children for several reasons. First, it provides 200 mg of DHA, 300 mg of EPA, and 400 mg of GLA in just one serving—enough to satisfy children’s daily needs.

Second, besides cognitive function support, this product provides other fantastic health benefits such as improved cardiovascular and respiratory health, bone health, and maintaining cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Finally, this quality fish oil sourced from cold-water fish is free of allergens like gluten, soy, dairy, shellfish, and yeast. It also contains no magnesium, calcium, or vegetable stearates.


Pros

  • + Contains GLA from borage oil
  • + Excellent for skin and bone health
  • + Molecularly distilled

Cons

  • − Causes fishy burps
  • − Gelcaps may stick together

Carlson The Very Finest Fish Oil Review

Carlson The Very Finest Fish Oil Review Carlson The Very Finest Fish Oil
star 9.3

The Best Liquid Fish Oil With High Omega-3 Content

  • Type: Liquid
  • Ingredients: Omega-3 fatty acids from Norwegian fish oil (DHA, EPA, DPA), natural flavors, fish (sardine, anchovy, mackerel), antioxidant blend (rosemary extract, natural mixed tocopherols)
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping on orders of a minimum of $200 within the contiguous US
  • Return policy: A 100-day money-back guarantee (orders returned after 100 days attract a 20% restocking fee)
  • Discounts (or any other buying perks): Save $2.00 with coupons
From $26.50 for 6.7 fl oz
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The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends consuming 7 oz of fatty fish a week to keep cardiovascular complications like heart disease and stroke at bay. However, not everyone has the luxury of unlimited access to omega-3 rich food.

That’s where fish oil supplements come into play. Fish oils, especially those with exceptionally high omega-3 content effectively combat and prevent cardiovascular disorders.

Just a teaspoon of Carlson Norwegian Finest fish oil offers an impressive 1,600 mg of omega-3s, with a whopping 1,300 mg of EPA and DHA alone. This is way above the minimum recommended daily dose for adults (200–500 mg a day). Moreover, this quality fish oil is fortified with vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin with powerful antioxidant properties.

The list of this product’s benefits doesn’t stop there. According to fish oil supplements reviews from real-life Amazon users, this product quickly reduces joint pain and successfully maintains general joint health.

Finally, this supplement is enriched with lemon and orange flavors to improve the taste, making it ideal for combining with smoothies or juices.


Pros

  • + 1,600 mg of omega-3s per serving
  • + Boosts cognitive and joint function
  • + Made with wild-caught fish
  • + IGEN and IFOS non-GMO certified

Cons

  • − Some consumers reported stomach upset upon consumption
  • − Flavorant is hardly noticeable

Viva Naturals Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil Review

Viva Naturals Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil Review Viva Naturals Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil
star 9.2

The Best Fish Oil to Lower Triglycerides

  • Type: Softgel
  • Ingredients: Fish oil (sardine, anchovy, mackerel), mixed tocopherols, softgel capsule (glycerin, bovine gelatin (halal), purified water), fish (sardine, anchovy, mackerel)
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping on orders of a minimum of $59 within the US and Canada
  • Return Policy: A 90-day money-back guarantee
  • Discounts (or any other buying perks): Save up to 10% on subscription orders
From $37.99 for 180 softgels
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Triglycerides are a type of fats (lipids) found in the blood that form every time you eat more calories than you need. They’re stored in the fat cells and later get released to create energy between meals. However, constantly having a high level of triglycerides in the blood (hypertriglyceridemia) can increase the risk of heart disease.

Thankfully, the intake of high doses of DHA and EPA (up to 4 g per day) can significantly reduce triglycerides (by up to 30%). Viva Naturals created an ideal high-quality fish oil for triglyceride reduction, featuring a whopping 2,200 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per serving (triple the amount than other brands). There are 1,880 mg of EPA and DHA alone, making it ideal for those with hypertriglyceridemia.

Consumers’ testimonials corroborate this supplement’s effectiveness by claiming it can lead to a significant reduction of triglycerides in no time—more than 50% reduction after only two months of daily intake. Furthermore, this top-rated fish oil supplement puts minimal stress on your digestive system, as it contains a more absorbable form of omega-3s.

Furthermore,  numerous fish oil supplement reviews claim that this fish oil supplement is an excellent ally in supporting brain, eye, joint, and heart health alongside age-related memory function.

Finally, this oil undergoes a purification process, which helps eliminate various contaminants such as PCBs, heavy metals, and other toxins.


Pros

  • + 2,000 mg of omega-3s per serving
  • + Superior triglyceride form
  • + Boosts eye and skin health
  • + No gluten or dairy

Cons

  • − It might cause heartburn
  • − Some users noted leaky soft gels upon delivery

Live Conscious™ OmegaWell™ Review

Live Conscious™ OmegaWell™ Review Live Conscious OmegaWell
star 9.0

The Most Effective Fish Oil with Enteric Coating

  • Type: Softgel
  • Ingredients: Fish oil, DHA, EPA, vitamin E, glycerin, gelatin, enteric coating powder, and purified water
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping with the code 'SHIPLC' (limited time offer); free shipping on all subscription orders
  • Return policy: A 365-day 100% money-back guarantee
  • Discounts (or any other buying perks): Enjoy up to a 16% discount on one-time purchases and up to a 32% discount on subscription purchases
From $24.99 for one bottle of 60 softgels
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Offering an impressive 800 mg of EPA and 600 mg DHA per serving, this high-quality fish oil by Live Conscious™ is formulated to optimally support the heart, brain, and joint health. Its antioxidant properties assist in limiting oxidative stress and balancing the inflammatory response.

The enteric coating allows for the efficient delivery of omega-3s into the bloodstream and vital organs. This is why it’s among the most effective fish oils on the market.

Overall, if you seek a good fish oil formula devoid of mercury, metal, and toxins with no fishy aftertaste, this product is the one to consider. What’s more, it’s manufactured in the US under cGMP regulations with sustainably sourced ingredients. It’s also third-party tested to ensure the safety, potency, and accuracy of the information presented on the label.


Pros

  • + Enteric-coated soft gels
  • + Sustainably sourced
  • + Manufactured in the US
  • + No fishy aftertaste

Cons

  • − Softgels might be too big for some consumers

Nuzena® Optima Omega-3 + Review

Nuzena® Optima Omega-3 + Review Nuzena Optima Omega-3 +
star 8.9

The Best Fish Oil for Bodybuilding

  • Type: Capsule
  • Ingredients: Omega-3s, DHA, EPA, fish oil, gelatin, water, glycerol, natural lemon flavor
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping on orders over $50
  • Return policy: A 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Discounts (or any other buying perks): Save $30 by ordering two bottles, $60 by ordering three bottles, or $90 by ordering four bottles
From $30.00 for 60 veggie capsules
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DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) is a common phenomenon among bodybuilders caused by muscle cell inflammation. Unfortunately, DOMS often affects workout performance.

Luckily, research shows that supplementing with EPA and DHA from top fish oil brands may reduce DOMS and improve workout performance. This is because omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil supplements possess anti-inflammatory properties.

Nuzena® Optima Omega-3 + is a natural supplement formula designed by health professionals to provide optimal omega-3 support for physical wellbeing. With the high EPA and DHA content, this fish oil supplement helps promote joint health and reduce inflammation.

Additionally, this product positively impacts mental wellbeing by improving the sleep cycle and promoting relaxation, essential for bodybuilders. This makes it the best fish oil for men and women engaged in intense workout routines. Finally, this gluten-free formula is produced in a GMP-certified FDA-registered facility in the US.


Pros

  • + Promotes mental and skin health
  • + 100% natural ingredients
  • + Boosts bone collagen synthesis
  • + GMP-certified
  • + Made in the US

Cons

  • − Fishy taste

Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil Review

Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil Review Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil
star 8.7

The Best-Rated Fish Oil With Natural Vitamins

  • Type: Liquid
  • Ingredients: Total omega-3s (EPA, DHA) from wild-caught cod liver, vitamin A, vitamin D, antioxidants (traces of non-GMO natural mixed tocopherols and rosemary extract)
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping on orders of a minimum of $75 within the US
  • Returns policy: Rosita doesn't accept returns due to its product's delicate and highly perishable nature
  • Discounts (or any other buying perks): Save 5% on subscription orders
From $49.00 for 5 fl oz
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Most commercial fish oil supplements undergo heat processing to help the extraction, increase the shelf life, etc. These processes usually strip the oil from naturally occurring vitamins (A and D) and omega-3s, creating the need for synthetic vitamins.

However, this is not the case with Rosita fish oils. Its fish oil formula boasts an abundance of all-natural vitamins, as it employs a rare, gentle, chemical- and heat-free method to extract and purify cod liver oil, earning it a spot on the best fish oil brands list.

Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil is made using only fresh, raw cod liver obtained from wild-caught cod from pristine Norwegian seas. This supplement is packed with a full spectrum of omega-3s alongside natural vitamins A, D, and E, providing all the essential fish oil benefits.

Besides a hefty amount of heart-healthy omega-3s, this product features a whopping 3,900 IU (130% DV) of vitamin A and 395 IU (66% DV) of vitamin D in just one teaspoon. While the former offers excellent vision-promoting properties, the latter is beneficial for healthy bones.

Additionally, rosemary extract and vitamin E from sunflower seeds, natural antioxidants were added to keep this sustainably sourced fish oil fresh and less prone to oxidation.


Pros

  • + Excellent for reducing inflammation
  • + Made with raw, unprocessed oil
  • + 130% DV of vitamin A per serving
  • + Natural antioxidants

Cons

  • − Strong taste

Vitamin Shoppe Omega-3 Fish Oil Review

Vitamin Shoppe Omega-3 Fish Oil Review Vitamin Shoppe Omega-3 Fish Oil
star 8.6

The Best Fish Oil Brand With High Vitamin E Content

  • Type: Softgel
  • Ingredients: Fish oil concentrate (DHA and EPA), vitamin E, gelatin, water, glycerin
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping on orders of a minimum of $25
  • Return policy: A 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Discounts (or any other buying perks): Save 10% on all Auto Delivery orders
From $19.99 for 60 softgels
Visit Site Back To List

This top fish oil formula stands out from the crowd as it offers, besides a hefty amount of omega 3-s, an impressive amount of vitamin E—19 IU (86% DV). Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that limits oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

An abundance of vitamin E combined with the anti-inflammatory properties of 840 mg of DHA and EPA provides exceptional protection for the heart, brain, eye, and skin. Furthermore, it prevents vitamin E depletion, which commonly occurs after a prolonged fish oil intake.

This top-rated fish oil packed with 1,200 mg of molecularly distilled fish oil concentrate oil supplement can also boost your reproductive and immune system and regulate blood pressure and triglyceride levels.

What’s more, just one softgel a day may get you closer to optimal health at a more than reasonable price. Finally, this formula is free from allergens and contains no preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors.


Pros

  • + 86% DV of vitamin E per serving
  • + No fishy aftertaste
  • + Molecularly distilled for purity
  • + Free of gluten, dairy, and soy

Cons

  • − May cause burps

How to Choose the Best Fish Oil Supplement: Buyer’s Guide

There are countless fish oil products on the market of varying quality, potency, and efficacy, many being advertised as the best of the best. For this reason, navigating the market in search of the best brand of fish oil may seem like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Hopefully, this detailed guide will help bring confusion to an end. We tried to create a comprehensive but straightforward list of factors to consider when looking for the best type of fish oil for your needs.

What’s Fish Oil?

Fish oil is a heart-healthy oil extracted from a myriad of fish varieties (mackerel, salmon, anchovies, etc.). It’s a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that provides a wide range of benefits (lowering blood pressure, reducing triglycerides, etc.).

The highest quality fish oil products are also natural anticoagulants that have shown positive results in preventing blood clotting.

Fish oil is either extracted from the flesh of oily fish (mackerel, anchovies, herring, tuna) or cod liver, the latter containing more substantial amounts of vitamin A.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An Overview

Omega-3s are a type of essential fats that the body can’t produce. They’re sourced chiefly from food (seafood, nuts and seeds, plant oils, and fortified foods) or top fish oils supplement products and support brain, joint, and heart health.

Omega-3 Forms

The three most important types of omega-3 are:

  • ALA (alpha-linolenic acid)
  • DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
  • EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
ALA

This is the most prevalent omega-3 fatty acid in food found primarily in plants like chia seeds, flaxseeds, soybeans, hemp seeds, flaxseed oil, and canola oil. It’s rarely found in fish oil supplements.

Although the body primarily uses ALA as an energy source, this omega-3 form can also be converted into the more bio-active omega-3 forms—EPA and DHA. However, this conversion process is usually inefficient, with only a tiny fraction of the ALA undergoing successful conversion in the end.

EPA & DHA

EPA and DHA are found mainly in seafood, fatty fish, and most top fish oil brands. However, fish don’t synthesize omega-3s on their own. They accumulate it from their food—phytoplanktons that feed on EPA- and DHA-rich microalgae.

DHA can also be found in eggs, meat, and dairy from grass-fed animals. This omega-3 is a critical structural component of the retina, brain, and many other organs.

Reading Bottle Labels

Scrutinizing bottle labels is an excellent way of finding out more about a product. The label information can reveal the information about:

Purity

An excellent way to determine fish oil supplements‘ purity is to check for third-party certifications from programs like GOED (Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s), IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards), and IKOS (International Krill Oil Standards).

Omega-3s Content

Some supplements contain a low amount of EPA and DHA despite having a large fish oil quantity per serving. For example, a product containing 1,000 mg of fish oil per serving might offer only 300 mg of EPA and DHA combined.

In general, keep an eye out for the amount of EPA and DHA per serving besides the total amount of fish oil per serving.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Form

Fish oil supplements may contain different forms of omega-3s—ethyl esters (EE), triglycerides (TG), reformed triglycerides (TG), free fatty acids (FFA), and phospholipids (PL). 

The most effective fish oil formulas generally contain omega-3s in triglyceride or phospholipid forms since they’re more bioavailable than the other forms.

Ingredients

Upon analyzing ingredient labels, it becomes immediately apparent that, besides omega-3s, the best fish oil may also contain vitamins, such as vitamins A and E. 

Their role is to prolong the fish oil’s shelf life by keeping it safe from oxidation and becoming rancid, as well as to increase the product’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

While some fish oil may naturally contain these vitamins (e.g., cod liver oil), others get them added during processing.

Omega-3s Sources and Manufacturing Process

The highest quality fish oil should be sourced from wild-caught sea fishes living in abundant healthy waters.

The extracted oil should be processed with low-heat techniques that ensure the non-removal of natural vitamins and quality preservation.

Some manufacturers might add flavors to improve the fishy taste. However, formulas containing natural flavors and no artificial additives are advisable to look into.

Allergens

Fish oil products contain allergens such as gelatin, fish, and shellfish (krill). Therefore, they’re unsuitable for people sensitive to those substances. The best omega-3 supplement for you shouldn’t contain any allergen to which you negatively react.

Freshness

Freshness is a crucial factor in fish oil. Since these products contain omega 3-fatty acids, they’re highly prone to oxidation and rancidity. Oxidized (rancid) oil develops a characteristic old fish or turpentine smell, bad taste, and isn’t safe for consumption.

Look for products by good fish oil brands that undergo necessary oxidation-preventing processes, such as nitrogen-flushing (where bottles are treated with nitrogen to eliminate oxygen).

You could also look for the product’s TOTOX (total oxidation) values provided by third-party organizations. The maximum allowed value is 26 meq/kg (the lower the number—the fresher the product).

How Much Omega-3s Should You Take?

About two servings (7 oz) of oily fish per week are enough to provide optimal omega-3 levels. Moreover, experts recommend a minimum daily dose of 250–500 mg of combined EPA and DHA, which is the dose the majority of the best fish oil brands offer.

The following table presents the reference daily intake (RDI) of combined EPA and DHA:

Population RDI of combined EPA and DHA
Coronary heart disease patients 1,000 mg
Hypertriglyceridemia patients 2,000–4,000 mg
Infants and children 50–100 mg
Pregnancy and lactation 250–500 mg plus additional 200 mg of DHA
Anxiety and depression patients 200–2,200 mg
Mental disorder and mood disorder patients 2,200+ mg

The following table represents the recommended daily values for the total omega-3s/ALA intake:

Population Adequate Intake (AI)
Male Female
0–6 months 0.5 mg (total omega-3s) 0.5 mg (total omega-3s)
7–12 months 0.5 mg (total omega-3s) 0.5 mg (total omega-3s)
1–3 years 0.7 mg (ALA) 0.7 mg (ALA)
4–8 years 0.9 mg (ALA) 0.9 mg (ALA)
9–13 years 1.2 mg (ALA) 1.0 mg (ALA)
14–18 years 1.6 mg (ALA) 1.1 mg (ALA)
19–50 years 1.6 mg (ALA) 1.1 mg (ALA)
51+ years 1.6 mg (ALA) 1.1 mg (ALA)
Pregnancy (14–50 years) / 1.4 mg (ALA)
Lactation (14–50 years) / 1.3 mg (ALA)

Can Fish Oil Supplements Be an Alternative to Prescription Drugs? 

Fish oil isn’t a prescription drug substitute. It’s a complementary treatment that may help alleviate symptoms but not necessarily cure the underlying medical issue.

What’s the Best Time to Take Fish Oil?

There’s no standard recommended timing for taking fish oil. Therefore, you can take fish oil whenever it works best for you.

However, adjusting your fish oil intake schedule could boost the effectiveness and prevent particular side effects. For example, dividing your fish oil dose into two (taking one in the morning and one at night) could prevent indigestion and acid reflux.

Additionally, taking fish oil with a meal can enhance the bioavailability and effectiveness of omega-3s since food contains other fats that enable omega-3s to absorb more quickly and easily.

Conclusion

The best omega-3 fish oil formulas are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids that can balance the inflammatory response, promote a healthy brain, eye, and joint function, prevent heart disease and brain function decline, etc.

Although you can acquire omega-3 fatty acids from dietary sources such as seafood, oily fish, and algae, fish oil is the most convenient, cost-effective, and reliable way to increase your omega-3 (especially EPA and DHA) levels.

FAQ

Which brand of fish oil is best?

Life Extension® Super Omega-3 Plus is ranked as the best fish oil brand on our list. This supplement combines pure concentrated fish oil, krill oil, and Polyphen-Oil™ olive extract rich in heart-friendly polyphenols to promote heart health.

Besides heart health, this supplement supports joint and eye health and reduces inflammation thanks to the addition of astaxanthin, a highly potent antioxidant. What’s more, according to customer fish oil reviews, it does so with no to minimal side effects.

How do I choose a good fish oil supplement?

There are several factors to consider in the selection process:

  • Purity
  • The omega-3 fatty acid content
  • Omega-3 fatty acids’ form
  • Ingredients
  • Omega-3 sources and manufacturing processes
  • Allergens
  • Freshness

Which is better: fish oil or krill oil?

Research indicates that EPA and DHA from krill oil are more readily absorbed than those from fish oil.

This is because EPA and DHA come in different forms with different chemical binding in fish oil (triglycerides) and krill oil (phospholipids, the more bioavailable form).

What is fish oil good for?

Fish oil offers numerous health benefits, some of which are:

  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Reducing triglyceride levels
  • Slowing the development of arterial plaque
  • Reducing the chance of abnormal heart rhythm
  • Reducing the likelihood of heart attack and stroke
  • Reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death in people with heart disease
  • Treating certain mental disorders
  • Eye health support
  • Inflammation reduction
  • Healthy skin support
  • Pregnancy and early life support
  • Liver fat reduction
  • ADHD symptoms improvement

How can you tell if fish oil is high quality?

Carefully studying the label is an excellent way of determining fish oil quality. The top fish oil brands‘ products are usually made with sustainably sourced, high-quality raw materials.

They also undergo low-heat processing that eliminates contaminants and toxins from the oil without changing its natural properties. Additionally, you could look for specific third-party seals on the label, as best fish oil usually undergo third-party testing by reliable programs.

Some of the reliable third-party-testing authorities include GOED (Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s), IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards), and IKOS (International Krill Oil Standards).

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Don-Pedro Ume, PharmD

Don-Pedro is a pharmacist and professional content writer. He primarily enjoys writing on anything health-related, and sometimes delves into niches such as technology and education. Being a health practitioner, he’s bent on breaking down the most recondite health topics into easy-to-understand write-ups. On days when he’s not writing, he’s probably updating his music playlist or binge-watching some series!

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