Choosing the right fish oil supplement can be overwhelming with so many options available. With a variety of brands, formulations, and dosages, it’s crucial to pick one among the sea of options that fits your health goals and meets your nutritional needs. Fish oil supplements are renowned for their omega-3 fatty acids, which offer numerous benefits, from supporting heart health to enhancing brain function.
To simplify the process, we’ve teamed up with Registered Dietitian Megan Huff to guide you through the selection. In this expert-reviewed guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing a fish oil supplement. We’ll also highlight some of the top-rated fish oil products on the market, known for their purity, potency, and value. By the end of this article, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision and find the best fish oil supplement to support your overall health and wellness.
Quick List - Top Fish Oil Supplement
Sports Research
Fish Oil Sourced from Fresh and High-Quality Wild Alaskan Pollock
Megan is a registered dietitian and gluten-free food influencer (@sayimafoodie) and owns a virtual nutrition private practice–Nutrition by Megan. Currently, she works as a performance nutrition intern at the United States Naval Academy. She has been quoted for her nutrition expertise in numerous media outlets, including Health, Forbes, People, Clean Plates, EatingWell, and Eat This, Not That! Megan earned her undergraduate degree in nutritional sciences and toxicology-dietetics at the University of California, Berkeley.
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Table of Contents
Omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, found in fish oil, are essential for our health but cannot be produced by our bodies. Therefore, these essential fatty acids must be obtained from external sources, such as fatty fish or fish oil supplements.
While it’s always best to get nutrients through your diet, consuming fatty fish daily can be challenging. Fish oil supplements offer a convenient alternative, providing high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids without the need to eat large amounts of fish. Supplements also reduce the risk of ingesting toxins like mercury and make it easier to monitor your daily intake of fish oil.
Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, offer numerous health benefits, including supporting cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation, and promoting brain and eye health. These essential fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being.
Additionally, omega-3s may improve oxidative stress, potentially help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, and enhance skin health. Incorporating omega-3s into your diet through fish oil supplements can be an effective way to reap these benefits.
Since the FDA does not regulate supplements, third-party certifications are crucial for verifying safety and contents. Look for certifications from organizations like USP Verified, ConsumerLab, and NSF Certified. These labels ensure the ingredients, safety, and quality of the supplement have been verified.
Third-party certifications validate the accuracy of the supplement label, confirming that the ingredients listed match what is actually in the product. This helps ensure that the supplement is high-quality, reliable, free from contaminants, and accurately dosed.
Many fish oil supplements exceed the adequate intake levels set by the National Institute of Health(NIH). The recommended daily intake for adults is 1.6 grams for men and 1.1 grams for women. We will go over what to look for based on your needs.
EPA is well-known for its ability in helping to reduce inflammation and support heart health. It may also help decrease inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis and lower symptoms of depression. A balanced fish oil supplement containing both EPA and DHA can provide comprehensive benefits for overall health.
In addition to these benefits, DHA plays a crucial role in brain and eye health, making a balanced supplement ideal for those looking to support multiple aspects of their well-being. By choosing a fish oil supplement with a good balance of EPA and DHA, you can support your heart health, reduce inflammation, and support cognitive function.
DHA may have benefits for pregnant or nursing mothers, including a lower risk of premature birth, healthy fetus development, and improved neurodevelopmental outcomes in children.
DHA is crucial for the healthy development of a fetus and infant, and it has been associated with a lower rate of premature birth. Pregnant and nursing mothers may benefit greatly from DHA, ensuring their child’s proper growth and development.
When selecting fish oil supplements for children, it's important to choose milder concentrations that align with the adequate intake levels set by the NIH. These lower doses are more appropriate for children’s needs and helps to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Adequate Intakes for Children of Omega-s
Also, look for supplements with kid-friendly flavors to combat the fishy taste and make them more palatable for young ones. Liquid or gummy forms are often easier for children to take than capsules. Many brands offer pediatric versions of their supplements specifically designed for children.
Krill oil, cod liver oil, and fish oil each offer unique benefits and compositions. Krill oil contains EPA and DHA in a specific form that may enhance absorption. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Cod liver oil provides EPA and DHA–like fish oil–and also contains vitamins A and D. Vitamin A is crucial for vision, while vitamin D supports strong bones, immune health, heart health, and mental well-being.
All three types of oil support cardiovascular health due to their EPA and DHA content. Choosing between them depends on your specific health needs and preferences, as each type offers distinct advantages.
Many product certifications exist, including Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Friend of the Sea, which certify that the product is sustainably sourced.
When choosing a fish oil supplement, it’s important to look for certifications that align with your values. Many brands are certified sustainable, organic, and non-GMO, ensuring high-quality standards and environmental responsibility.
Certifications like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) and Friend of the Sea indicate that the product is sustainably sourced. Additionally, look for the RFM Certification for sustainably wild-caught Alaskan or other Pacific fish. These labels provide assurance of the product’s quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing practices, helping you make an informed choice.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Form | Calories | Servings per Container | Serving Size | EPA per Serving | DHA per Serving | |||||
1 | Sports Research Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil | ![]() | Fish Oil Sourced from Fresh and High-Quality Wild Alaskan Pollock | Gelcap | 15 cal | 180 Servings | 1 softgel | 690mg | 260mg | |
2 | Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega | ![]() | Triglyceride Formula for Best Absorption with Natural Lemon Taste | Soft Gel | 20 cal | 45 Servings | 2 Soft Gels | 650mg | 450mg | |
3 | Nature Made Nature Made|Fish Oil 1200 mg Softgels | ![]() | Hear Health Support Supplement; 50-Day Supply | Soft Gel | 35 cal | 50 Servings | 2 Softgels | unknown | unknown | |
4 | NOW Omega-3 Fish Oil, Molecularly Distilled Softgels | ![]() | Cardiovascular Support Through 1000mg Softgels | Soft Gel | 20 cal | 100 Servings | 2 Softgels | 360mg | 240mg | |
5 | Nature's Bounty Fish Oil | ![]() | Pure Omega-3s for Optimal Heart Health from a Trusted Brand | Soft Gel | 10 cal | 200 Servings | 1 Softgel | unknown | unknown | |
6 | Arazo Nutrition Wild Caught Omega 3 Fish Oil | ![]() | Extra Potent Omega-3s for Maximum Health Benefits | Soft Gel | 45 cal | 40 Servings | 3 Softgels | 1200mg | 900mg | |
7 | NatureWise Omega 3 Fish Oil Softgels | ![]() | Comprehensive Health Support with Omega-3 and Vitamin E | Soft Gel | 20 cal | 30 Servings | 2 Softgels | 600mg | 400mg | |
8 | Dr. Tobias Dr. Tobias|Triple Strength Omega 3 Fish Oil | ![]() | Ultra-Pure Fish Oil Refined with Molecular Distillation for Zero Contaminants | Soft Gel | 20cal | 90 Servings | 2 Softgels | 800mg | 600mg | |
9 | Viva Naturals Viva Naturals|Omega-3 Fish Oil | ![]() | Maximum Omega-3 Benefits for Heart, Brain, Skin, and Eye Health | Soft Gel | 25 cal | 90 Servings | 2 Softgels | 1500mg | 568mg | |
10 | MAV Nutrition Triple Strength Omega 3 Fish Oil | ![]() | High-Potency Omega-3 for Superior Health Benefits | Soft Gel | 30 cal | 40 Servings | 3 Softgels | 1300mg | 860mg |
Form | Gelcap |
---|---|
Calories | 15 cal |
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.
Form | Soft Gel |
---|---|
Calories | 20 cal |
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.
Form | Soft Gel |
---|---|
Calories | 35 cal |
Nature Made Fish Oil 1200 mg is a dietary supplement that provides 360 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids per softgel to help support a healthy heart. A serving of two softgels delivers 2400 mg of fish oil with 720 mg of Omega-3s (600 mg EPA and DHA).
Sourced from high-quality wild-caught ocean fish, these softgels are purified to remove mercury and other contaminants. They are gluten-free, dairy-free, and contain no added colors or artificial flavors. As the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Vitamin & Supplement Brand, Nature Made offers quality you can trust. Adults, take two softgels daily with water and a meal for optimal heart health support.
Form | Soft Gel |
---|---|
Calories | 20 cal |
NOW Omega-3 1000mg softgels are made from natural fish oil concentrate, providing 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA per softgel. Manufactured under strict quality control standards, these softgels are tested to be free of harmful contaminants like PCBs, dioxins, mercury, and other heavy metals.
Certified Non-GMO and Kosher, they are also GMP Quality Assured, ensuring stability, potency, and proper formulation. Packaged in the USA by a family-owned and operated company since 1968, NOW Omega-3 supplements are a reliable choice for supporting your cardiovascular health. Take 2 softgels twice daily with food.
Form | Soft Gel |
---|---|
Calories | 10 cal |
Nature’s Bounty 1200 mg Fish Oil Softgels provide essential support for heart, cellular, and metabolic health with 360 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids per serving, including EPA and DHA. These softgels help maintain cardiovascular health and triglyceride levels within a normal range.
Purified to eliminate mercury and free from shellfish, gluten, lactose, sugar, and artificial additives, they offer a convenient way to get your Omega-3s without a fishy aftertaste. Backed by 50 years of quality and scientific research, each pack contains 200 softgels from a trusted wellness brand.
Form | Soft Gel |
---|---|
Calories | 45 cal |
Arazo Nutrition Omega-3 Fish Oil delivers an impressive 4,080mg of Omega-3 fish oil per serving, with a high dose of 2,250mg Omega-3 fatty acids, including 900mg DHA and 1200mg EPA, in just three softgels. Made from 100% wild-caught fish sourced from the deep sea, this supplement is triple-certified by Marin Trust, Friend of the Sea, and Dolphin Safe for sustainability and traceability.
Purified using molecular distillation at low temperatures, it ensures ultra-purity without mercury and other contaminants. With a natural lemon flavor, these burpless softgels are easy to swallow and free from fishy aftertaste. Manufactured in a GMP-certified facility in the USA, Arazo Nutrition guarantees high quality and low oxidation levels, providing a reliable 40-day supply with 120 softgels.
Form | Soft Gel |
---|---|
Calories | 20 cal |
Say goodbye to stinky fish oil supplements with NatureWise's Omega-3 + Vitamin E softgels. Each serving provides 1060 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids, including 600 mg EPA and 400 mg DHA, along with 60 mg of other beneficial Omega-3s. Enriched with vitamin E, this formula supports heart, brain, joint, and eye health while protecting the Omega-3 fatty acids.
These gluten-free, non-GMO softgels are made with high-quality fish oils from anchovy, mackerel, and sardine, and are formulated with a lemon flavor to eliminate fishy burps and smells. Manufactured in a cGMP-certified facility in the USA, NatureWise ensures premium quality and safety with third-party quality control audits.
Form | Soft Gel |
---|---|
Calories | 20cal |
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.
Form | Soft Gel |
---|---|
Calories | 25 cal |
Viva Naturals' Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil delivers 3X the omega-3s compared to many other supplements, providing 2,500 mg of fish oil per serving, including 1,500 mg EPA, 568 mg DHA, and 50 mg DPA. These omega-3s support cardiovascular, brain, skin, and eye health as you age.
Made from a blend of sardines, anchovies, and mackerel, this fish oil is purified to reduce mercury, PCBs, dioxins, and furans, ensuring it meets IFOS standards. The omega-3s are in re-esterified triglyceride form for superior absorption. Sourced from wild-caught fish using sustainable practices, these softgels are IFOS and Labdoor Certified for quality, purity, and potency, and are gluten-free, non-GMO, and pescatarian-friendly.
Form | Soft Gel |
---|---|
Calories | 30 cal |
MAV Nutrition’s Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil provides 3600 mg of total fish oil per serving, supporting healthy joints, eyes, brain, immune system, and more. Each serving contains a potent 1300 mg EPA and 860 mg DHA, offering super-concentrated amounts of essential fatty acids.
Ultra-refined through molecular distillation, this fish oil is free from mercury, heavy metals, PCBs, and other toxins. Sourced from sustainable, wild-caught fish from Friend of the Sea certified fisheries, these non-GMO softgels are citrus-flavored and burpless, ensuring no fishy aftertaste. Each bottle contains a 40-day supply for ultimate health support.
When storing fish oil, make sure to seal the container properly and be aware of the expiration date.
Fish oil supplements should be stored in a cool, dark place, such as the refrigerator, to prevent oxidation and rancidity. This storage method helps maintain the quality and effectiveness of the supplement over time.
Additionally, ensure the container is sealed properly and check the expiration date regularly. Proper storage and mindful usage will help you get the most out of your fish oil supplements, ensuring they remain fresh and effective for as long as possible.
No. 1: Sports Research|Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil
No. 2: Nordic Naturals|Ultimate Omega
No. 3: Nature Made |Nature Made|Fish Oil 1200 mg Softgels
No. 4: NOW|Omega-3 Fish Oil, Molecularly Distilled Softgels
No. 5: Nature's Bounty |Fish Oil
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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