Omega-3 supplements can complement your daily diet by providing a lot of essential fatty acids to your body. However, you may be overwhelmed with the number of omega-3 supplement products like fish oils available online.
Just by typing "omega-3" in search bar of Amazon, you will get over 20,000 results! Due to high demands from consumers, many brands and new products have emerged, making it rather difficult to know which product can provide the best benefit to your body.
Therefore, to help you find a suitable product, we looked through various reviews on Amazon and compiled top 10 best omega-3 supplements (including vegan options), as well as a buying guide at the end.
Quick List - Top Omega-3 Supplements
Sports Research
Fish Oil Sourced from Fresh and High-Quality Wild Alaskan Pollock
Dr. Tobias
Ultra-Pure Fish Oil Refined with Molecular Distillation for Zero Contaminants
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You have probably heard multiple times that omega-3 is important for your body, but do you know what exactly omega-3 is, along with its health benefits?
Omega-3 are essential fatty acids that provide us with many health benefits. There are three common omega-3: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic (DHA), and alpha lipoic acid (ALA).
Since our bodies cannot naturally generate omega-3, the only means to supply this nutrient is through eating foods containing a lot of omega-3 such as fatty fish, seafood, and fish oils (for DHA and EPA) or high-fat plant foods (for ALA). If you do not consume those foods frequently, using omega-3 supplements is another option.
Omega-3 has multiple health benefits ranging from treating rheumatoid arthritis or neurological disorders to improving your skin condition.
Consuming omega-3 further helps enhance the health of your heart and brain as well as improve your overall health. We compiled 4 main benefits of omega-3 that shows how important it is to our bodies.
Heart attack and stroke are two of the main causes of death globally. However, for ages, researchers have observed that people who consume fish tend to have fewer heart attacks and strokes than those who don't, and the reason is attributed to the omega-3 that fish contains.
In fact, omega-3 can keep platelets from clumping together and prevents blood clotting, which is particularly harmful for your heart. Omega-3 also ensures the arterial function by preventing plaque development.
It also lowers the levels of inflammation, decreases triglycerides in our bodies, as well as assures the balance of our heart rhythm. For those with high blood pressure, consuming omega-3 can help lower their blood pressure as well.
Fatty liver disease is a common problem that can increase the risk of obesity and is the main cause of chronic liver disease.
However, if you supply your body with enough omega-3, you can reduce the amount of fat in your liver, as well as lower the risk of inflammation. This will help your liver and your whole body stay healthy.
A deep sleep is one of the most important prerequisites for a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Many studies have shown that insomnia can lead to other health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and depression.
Besides, lack of DHA can reduce melatonin, an essential hormone to help you sleep better. Therefore, consuming omega-3 is important to prolong sleep and increase the quality of sleep in both adults and children.
The brain is the fattiest organ in the body with approximately 60% fat. Of that fat content, DHA accounts for 25%. That makes getting your Omega-3 seem pretty important, huh?
DHA is an important nutrient for supporting eyesight and brain development in both children and adults. Without enough DHA, you may encounter some eye-related problems such as macular degeneration.
Choosing an omega-3 supplement that is suitable for your body is not easy, since there are multiple products with similar contents currently sold on the market. After looking through various reviews on e-commerce websites, we compiled this buying guide with tips to help you figure out which product can supply you with the necessary nutrients.
Out of all omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA are the two most important components. However, many products only list out the general amount of omega-3s instead of the detailed amount of DHA and EPA.
Many products are said to contain 1000 mg omega-3 fatty acids, but only 500 mg of them might come from DHA and EPA. The rest can be omega-6, plant-based oil, or some other fatty acids. A supplement that has a low level of DHA and EPA will not be able to meet your daily omega-3 need.
According to the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids, our bodies need at least 500 mg of DHA and EPA everyday. For people with heart-related diseases, the American Heart Association suggests a daily dose of at least 1000 mg DHA and EPA.
So before purchasing a product, you should find out how much omega-6 you need to consume per day and check each product's amount of DHA and EPA carefully.
Omega-3 fatty acids can be produced from sources such as natural plants or fishes. When choosing a product, you should pay attention to how much EPA and DHA the omega-3 source can provide, and whether it can be affected by contaminants or toxins.
Fish such as salmon, sardine, and herring are a rich source of EPA and DHA. The amount may vary, but usually hovers from 18 to 31%. Many products use natural fish oil in the form of triglycerides so that the nutrients can be better absorbed in our bodies.
Natural fish oil is loaded with vitamin A and D as well. Besides natural fish oil, many products on the market use processed fish oil in order to get rid of any toxics and contaminants from mercury or PCBs. Processed oil contains a high amount of EPA and DHA as well, with some having around 50 to 90%.
However, no matter what types of fish oil you choose, you should opt for those in the form of triglycerides instead of ethyl ester, since ethyl estor form tends to become oxidized and rancid faster than triglycerides.
Also, some fish oil products may have an unpleasant smell and can give you a fishy after-taste. For some, fish oil may cause upset stomach or diarrhea, so you should be aware!
Krill oil is an extract commonly from Antarctic krill that contains similar fatty acids as fish oil. Most of its nutrients are in the form of phospholipid that can be absorbed easily in our bodies.
Furthermore, krill oil consists of astaxanthin, an antioxidant that prevents the oil from being oxidized. Another plus point is that krill oil does not contain a lot of contaminants.
However, similar to fish oil, krill oil can cause some side effects include bad breath, upset stomach, headache, diarrhea, or heartburn. If you take blood thinners, you should consult with your doctor before purchasing since krill oil may lead to blood-thinning effect.
Compared to fish oil and krill oil, green-lipped mussel oil contains many more rare omega-3 fatty acids besides EPA and DHA. Some of them include eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA) and octadecatetranoic acid (OTA), which can reduce inflammation even better than other types of omega-3s.
However, this oil is not suitable for those who are allergic to shell fish, and it tends to be much more expensive than other omega-3 supplements.
Plants can also provide omega-3 to our bodies. But instead of EPA and DHA, they supply alpha-linoleic acid (ALA). Typically, our bodies will have to convert ALA to EPA and DHA, and the process is rather slow. ALA is also not as effective in cell growth as EPA or DHA.
However, plants are safer than fish source because they are not affected by contaminants such as heavy metals or mercury.
Furthermore, if you can't really tolerate the fishy smell or after-taste, then opting for plant-based omega-3 supplement maybe a good choice. Usually, plant-based supplements are made of flax, chia, or hemp seeds.
Marine algae is a sustainable source that can supply our body with EPA and DHA in triglyceride form. Some studies even show that marine algae contains more DHA than fish oil, as well as minerals like iodine.
It is free of contaminants including heavy metals, and is a great choice for vegans. However, the smell of algae may pose a challenge for some people.
If you are vegan, you should pay attention to whether or not the product contains gelatin. Some brands still use coating made from animals for the softgels, making their product not 100% vegan.
There are many different forms of omega-3 supplements on the market. The most common ones are capsules or softgels. But to satisfy a wide demand, many brands start to develop powdered omega-3 supplements, and even smoothie-like types.
Usually, omega-3 supplements come in different sizes of capsules or softgels. If the product only requires you to take one capsule per day, then the size may be a bit bigger than those requiring two capsules per day.
Capsules and softgels are generally flavorless, making them easy to swallow. The cover of the softgel can be made from either gelatin or enteric coating which allows for easy absorption, prevents fish burps and the fishy smell of fish oil.
Nevertheless, because of the coating, it may be hard to know if the fish oil has gone bad. Therefore, you should frequently check the color and smell, and pay attention to the expiration date.
If you want some options that are easy to ingest, then you may want to consider drinkable omega-3 or gummies. They can be used for kids as well and are particularly ideal for those who do not like to swallow big softgels.
Typically, drinkable omega-3 and gummies are flavored with fruits and are high in sugar. Some even contain additives and preservatives that are harmful to human bodies. Instead, you should try to choose products that are naturally flavored and contain no artificial or chemicals.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sports Research Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil | ![]() | Fish Oil Sourced from Fresh and High-Quality Wild Alaskan Pollock | |
2 | Dr. Tobias Dr. Tobias|Triple Strength Omega 3 Fish Oil | ![]() | Ultra-Pure Fish Oil Refined with Molecular Distillation for Zero Contaminants | |
3 | Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega | ![]() | Triglyceride Formula for Best Absorption with Natural Lemon Taste | |
4 | Vitafusion Omega-3 Gummy Vitamins | ![]() | Yummy Gummies Packed with Essential Nutrients | |
5 | Nested Naturals Vegan Omega-3 | ![]() | Essential Omega-3 Support Minus the Fishy Drawbacks | |
6 | Sports Research Antarctic Krill Oil | ![]() | Pure Krill Oil with Added Antioxidant Astaxanthin for Extra Benefits | |
7 | NatureWise Organic Flaxseed Oil | ![]() | Cold-Pressed Organic Flaxseed Oil with 720 mg ALA | |
8 | Barlean's Seriously Delicious Omega-3 Fish Oil|16 oz., Mango Peach Smoothie | ![]() | Mango Peach Smoothie Enriched with Omega-3 for Kids and Adults | |
9 | HAKA Life Nutrition Green Lipped Mussel New Zealand | ![]() | Green Lipped Mussel Oil with 30 Free Fatty Acids | |
10 | Coromega High Concentrate Omega-3 Fish Oil | ![]() | On-the-Go Omega-3 Supplement that Meets FDA Recommendations for Athletes |
Sports Research's omega-3 supplement is sourced from only wild Alaska pollock with a high amount of omega 3 (up to 1099 mg!) per softgel. Each capsule provides 1,040mg of Omega-3 fatty acids, including 690mg of EPA and 260mg of DHA, offering three times the potency compared to leading brands.
Their 10-step refinement process removes fishy odors and impurities, ensuring a pleasant experience. The maximum total oxidation value (Totox) of 5 indicates that the fish oil is fresh and of high-quality. Certified sustainable and traceable by the Marine Stewardship Council, these pescatarian-friendly, non-GMO softgels are manufactured in the USA in a cGMP-compliant facility and are hexane and gluten-free.
Dr. Tobias' omega-3 supplement is produced from 100% fresh, non-GMO, wild-caught fish in an FDA registered and inspected GMP-certified facility. The fish oil is also purified with molecular distillation to remove contaminants, dioxins, and heavy metals to ensure the best quality. Each serving contains 800 mg EPA and 600 mg DHA to help improve the health of your heart, bones, brain, and skin.
You'll be able to absorb this nutrient effectively thanks to the enteric coating that protects the softgel from being dissolved too early by your stomach acid. The coating also helps eliminate the fishy after-taste, giving you a much easier time.
Unlike many other brands that utilize synthetic fat or ethyl ester, Nordic Naturals' omega-3 supplement comes in triglyceride molecular form that ensures optimal absorption. Produced using wild caught and sustainably sourced fish, the product does not contain any GMO ingredients or preservatives. Each serving contains 1280 mg of omega-3s, more than the daily recommended dose recommended by the American Heart Associations.
And if you are afraid of the fishy aftertaste, don't worry! This product has a natural lemon flavor that will remove all the fish odor. Nordic Naturals is also known for its ethical and sustainable business practices, meaning you can rest assured that your product meets your values.
A winner of the Chef's Best Excellence Award, Vitafusion's gummies have been approved by professional chefs to deliver a natural and delicious taste.
The product contains no artificial flavors, sweeteners, gluten, as well as synthetic dyes, so you know that your body is being cared about! Besides providing your body with 50 mg combined of Omega-3 EPA and DHA, this supplement also supplies vitamins A, C, D and E to help you fight against free radicals.
However, some reviewers said that the gummies could get sticky if not stored probably. Some also did not like the granulated sugar on the gummies.
If you are looking for a vegan omega-3 supplement option, why don't you give Nested Naturals's omega-3 product a try? The product is made from marine algae, a plant-based source that can supply your body with 308 mg of EPA and DHA straight away unlike other sources that only contain ALA.
As the marine algae used in the product is grown in a controlled, toxin-free environment, you don't have to worry about impurities, PCBs, or contaminants.
Many reviewers love the products for its clean aftertaste and its benefits on supporting their joints and bones as well as reducing inflammation. Some people do not like the algae smell of the product, however.
Sports Research's krill oil is made using new advance formula that was approved clinically to increase omega-3 fatty acid levels in the body. The product is also sustainably sourced and was certified by the Marine Stewardship Council.
The krill oil is also formulated in a phospholipid form which is similar to your body's cell membranes, allowing for easy absorption. The addition of the antioxidant astaxanthin is another plus point.
Some reviewers found that the product was able to help them control their cholesterol level, as well as improve their joints and immune system. However, some people found that the softgel was a bit big to swallow, and the smell was a bit uncomfortable.
NatureWise's product contains approximately 600 mg of ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid that can be converted into other essential omega-3s such as EPA and DHA. Produced from organic sources using cold-pressed method, the omega-3 supplement still retains all of its omega-3 nutrients.
Many reviewers were happy with the product since it reduced the dryness in their eyes and improved their brain and heart function. However, this product is not 100% vegetarian as the capsule has gelatin.
If your family is afraid of the fishy smell and taste of regular fish oil capsules, Barlean's omega-3 supplement may be a good option! The fish oil is infused in a mango peach flavored smoothie that can make everyone, even kids, crave for more.
Compared to the softgel form, the smoothie texture allows for your body to absorb the fish oil three times better. Besides, the smoothie is sweetened with xylitol without any added preservatives, chemicals or other artificial sweeteners.
The fish oil source is also ultra-purified, so you don't have to worry about your omega-3 supplement being contaminated with mercury or other heavy metals.
Each serving contains about 1080 mg of EPA/ DHA as well as 600 IU of Vitamin D, providing you with recommended intake of omega-3. However, some reviewers said that high temperatures could spoil the product.
Compared to other standard fish oil products that only contain 2 to 3 types of omega-3, this oil has 30 free fatty acids in total, including all known omega-3s such as EPA, OTA, DHA, and ETA.
Sourced from sustainably farmed green-lipped mussels in the Pristine Waters of New Zealand, the product is free from mercury and chemicals. The product contains olive oil and vitamin E, two effective antioxidant agents to rejuvenate your skin and fight against psoriasis or inflammatory skin conditions.
Many reviewers with joint stiffness or arthritis pain found the product to be effective. However, some thought that the price was expensive. Also, the product is not suitable for those with shell fish allergies.
Coromega MAX squeeze packet can be taken on-the-go and does not need to be diluted in water! With citrus flavor, this omega-3 supplement does not have a fishy taste and can be mixed with yogurt, ice cream, or smoothie.
It's particularly suitable for athletes, since the DHA and EPA loaded in each packet can provide your muscles with the fatty acids they need. The unique emulsified formula allows the nutrients to be absorbed three times better than regular pills, so you can reap the full benefits of the product much faster.
Some reviewers who don't like or are unable to take pills found the product a great alternative. The addition of vitamin D in the product also helped many reviewers rejuvenate their skin. However, there are some reviewers who did not like the taste and texture of the product, so exercise caution when buying.
If you are looking for other products that can enhance your health, look no further! Check out our suggestions for some healthy options for your body:
No. 1: Sports Research|Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil
No. 2: Dr. Tobias|Dr. Tobias|Triple Strength Omega 3 Fish Oil
No. 3: Nordic Naturals|Ultimate Omega
No. 4: Vitafusion|Omega-3 Gummy Vitamins
No. 5: Nested Naturals |Vegan Omega-3
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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