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10 Best Omega 3 Supplements Tested & Fully Reviewed
From non-GMO to pure Alaskan Salmon, we have created a list of the best Omega 3 supplements on the market today. We looked for the purest and healthiest choices, and although some do have other ingredients, we have narrowed them down to ones that are health aiding versus chemicals and fillers. It all depends on what you and/or your doctor feels your body needs. So, take a scroll and check out the FAQS that we have listed to help in your search.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Potency
Potency is incredibly important because you need to make sure you are getting the right dosage for your body and your needs. Here we took a look at how much one dose of the product delivers--and you will find that this varies throughout. Some deliver much more potent doses than others, so you only have to take one a day to get 1000mg--but there are others that will require you take 2-3 capsules to get the same does. Other products will require 2-3 capsules to get half the does and some are not high in DHA or EPA. If you are serious about your supplements make sure to read the ingredients and see how potent in Omega-3's they really are. A lot of people make the mistake of looking at the serving size and how many milligrams it delivers.
Safety Hazards
Since these supplements are often from fish oil, it’s important to make sure they do not contain heavy metals like mercury and PCBs to ensure safety for consumption. There are also options that contain no artificial colors or is gluten-free for those with allergies. Make sure to check if they are FDA certified and whether or not they manufactures have their products tested for heavy metals. It is important to take note of how often they have their facilities checked as well--if it isn't regularly than I wouldn't trust that all of their products are definitely free of these unsafe ingredients.
Another thing a lot of users look for is preservatives. While preservatives will make sure the product doesn't go bad, there are some companies that sell preservative-free products. Make sure to take note of their shelf life and use them up on time. If you happen to receive a rancid batch make sure you contact the manufacturer--this is rare, but it does happen (especially if you order them online).
Effectiveness
How well the body absorbs the omega-3s is crucial to see benefits. Omega-3 supplements come in two forms: triglyceride (TG) or ethyl ester (EE) form. The form also may play in role in how the omega-3s are absorbed into the body.
Absorption is important because you want to make sure you get the most out of your supplement. If you have issues with certain capsules or if religious or personal beliefs means you have to limit what kind of capsules you use, make sure to refer to the ingredients to make sure they are compatible with your needs.
When it comes to effectiveness it is important to remember that what works for you may not work for you and vice versa. If there was a universal product for everyone then we wouldn't have so many options to choose from. So, make sure to pick the right product for you!
Value
Where is the fish oil sourced from? Is it coming from farm-raised or wild fish? Is the product made in the U.S? Does it have any certifications to back up its safety and quality?
These are all questions you should be looking at when considering the overall value of the product. Here we don't just look at the cost of the product (although that is important) but instead, we take all of the factors we mentioned and compare them to the cost. Our list contains all kinds of products and their value to you may be different than our specific rank. If you want an organic and sustainably sourced supplement then you will be spending more money, but if this is not important to you than you will probably prefer to buy something that is more cost-effective. In the end, value refers to how compatible the product is for you and what benefits it brings to you, so make sure to take your own needs into considerations before starting your decision-making process.
10 Best Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements
1. Wiley’s Finest Wild Alaskan
If you want a product that is completely safe to consume, eco-friendly, and organic then Wiley's Finest Wild Alaskan fish supplements are a great option to consider. It is made of the highest quality ingredients and are sustainably sourced and caught by fishermen in the USA.
Read morePotency
One bottle will last you two months, and each serving contains 750mg of EPA and 250mg of DHA. The capsules themselves are made of Tilapia gelatin, which provides you with 4 times more Omega-3s than other generic brands.
Safety Hazards
This omega 3 fish oil supplement is free of GMOs, gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free. It also does not utilize any preservatives or artificial flavors or ingredients. This product is also GMP and FDA certified as well as tested for Mercury, PCBs, Cadmium, Lead, and Arsenic.
Effectiveness
The capsule is made of Tilapia gelatin, which makes it easy for the body to absorb them effectively and efficiently. They also employ the use of a patented molecular distillation process which leaves these capsules with a mild taste. They also leave you with far less "fish burps" than other brands.
Value
These supplements come from the Alaska Polluck fishery--they are actually known for being the best-managed fishery, for its sizes. Their fish are caught by fishermen from the U.S. and they are wild-caught and sourced sustainably. They are all natural and one of the eco-friendliest brands out there. If you want something that is safe and consistently tested for unsafe ingredients, then this is the way to go.
2. Antarctic Krill Oil
This double strength option contains 230 mg of Omega-3s from a sustainable sourced krill oil. Although this might sound low to some, krill oil Omega-3s are better recognized by the body, plus it features a formula to raise Omega-3 levels.
Read morePotency
This option is packed with 1000 mg of krill oil, with 230 mg of Omega-3s consisting of 128 mg of EPA and 60 mg of DHA. It also has 400 mg of phospholipids, and 1 mg of the antioxidant astaxanthin.
Safety Hazards
Featuring krill oil and not fish oil, this non-GMO and gluten-free option also contains kosher gelatin, kosher vegetable glycerin and purified water. Sustainably sourced, it is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and IKOS 5 star certified.
Effectiveness
Because of its specific formula, the capsules have less of a krill smell and is claimed to have no aftertaste. The Omega-3 fatty acids get bound to phospholipid, which helps to make it easier to digest than fish oil. Better digestion means less fish burps.
Value
This supplement is made with a formula called Superba2 that was found to increase Omega-3 levels in a clinical study. As mentioned above, the fatty acids attach to phospholipids that help assimilate them better into the cell membranes.
3. Viva Naturals
This ultra strength supplement is packed with omega-3s, with a total of 2000 mg of the fatty acids in this easy to swallow pill. It is designed to be absorbed better for increased effectiveness and uses CO2 extraction instead of heat or chemicals. It is also IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards Program) 5-star certified.
Read morePotency
Each serving of two soft gels gives the consumer 2,000 mg of total Omega-3s that includes 1400mg of EPA and 480 mg of DHA. It also features another 120 mg of other Omega-3’s.
Safety Hazards
This brand uses a unique method called supercritical extraction, which increases the concentration of Omega-3s and differs from being molecularly distilled. Instead, this is a heat-free and chemical-free carbon dioxide extraction that both refines the oil and gets rid of any contaminants.
Effectiveness
Viva Naturals’ omega 3 fish oil supplements are in triglyceride form, which helps to absorb the Omega-3s faster. This supplement also contains other natural fish fats and oils that boost the absorption of the Omega-3s in the body.
Value
The method used to produce these supplements ensure that the fish oil is highly concentrated, triple that of many brands. The fish oil is from sustainably harvested fish from Peru.
4. Solgar
Solgar is a brand that has been on the market since 1947. This brand with a long tradition offers really worth checking Omega-3 supplement
Read morePotency
This one delivers 2800mg of cold-water fish oil concentrate. Daily dose provides about 1900. There are also 1008 mg of EPA and 756 DHA.
Safety Hazards
These supplements contain no artificial flavors, sweeteners, soy, or gluten. The shell of the capsule is made from a vegetable glycerine.
Effectiveness
The omega- 3s are absorbed very quickly, you can easily see the difference after only a few times of using. This is great if you are looking for fast results!
Value
Solgar comes in at the lower price range but is still a solid product. There were some complaints about the size of the pills but other than that, customers were very happy with these omega-3 supplements.
5. Sports Research
These high-quality supplements use only wild Alaska Pollock caught in the Bering Sea and are encapsulated in fish gelatin that is Pescatarian Friendly. It uses AlaskOmega omega-3 fish oil, a market leader in freshness and oxidation.
Read morePotency
You can count on a healthy dose of 1099mg of Omega-3 in each softgel to ensure that you are getting the most out of your supplements.
Safety Hazards
These supplements were the first AlaskOmega omega-3 concentrates that the Marine Stewardship Council certified as traceable and sustainable.
Effectiveness
To ensure that you are getting the best, Sports Research had a 3rd party (IFOS) test for quality and purity and received a five-star rating. It also provides users with total oxidation of 5, the maximum amount.
Value
Although these are not the most expensive item on the list, they still cost more than most. However, the quality is superior and backed by a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.
6. New Chapter Fish Oil
New Chapter Fish Oil Supplements are a non-GMO, sustainable supplement that is packed with fast absorbing Wild Salmon derived Fish oils. Loaded with 17 omegas including omega-3s and a mix of other high-quality ingredients, New Chapter guarantees a fully packed sustainable supplement that aids in heart health among other immune building benefits.
Read morePotency
New Chapter’s Wholemega trademark is made from 100% wild-caught and sustainable Alaskan Salmon. The extra-virgin style extraction process prevents the oil from being over-distilled, which is known for reducing beneficial compounds. Each Bovine based, BSE free capsule is filled with 17 omegas to include important omega 3’s EPA and DHA.
Safety Hazards
New Chapter Fish oil supplements are derived from non-GMO wild-caught sources. With a no-waste catch, no fish farming guarantee, you can feel secure in knowing the supplement you are using is coming from responsible certified Alaskan Fisheries.
Effectiveness
Each Wholemega capsule is combined with Astaxanthin, Rosemary, and Oregano oils, which work together with the Salmon oil to boost immunity while adding antioxidizing plant nutrients to promote healthy aging. Sticking with the sustainability that New Chapter provides, they have used organic sunflower oil as a preservative.
Value
New Chapter uses an extraction process equal to how extra virgin olive oil is made. This small detail lowers the heating process, giving a higher yield of unprocessed natural Omegas, which are also proven to absorb faster than more distilled fish oils.
7. Dr. Tobias
This option features 1,400 mg of Omega 3s, while also meeting the daily recommendation of DHA with just one serving (two capsules). The pills have a special coating to absorb better, which also helps to prevent a fishy aftertaste. Non-GMO, tested by NSF and one bottle is a 90-day supply.
Read morePotency
The triple strength formula includes 2,00 mg of fish oil with 1,400 mg of Omega-3s that is broken down to be 600 mg DHA and 800 mg EPA per serving of two capsules.
Safety Hazards
The fish oil from wild and not farm-raised fish is refined and purified with molecular distillation at minimal temperature to be free of all heavy metals and toxins. It is then tested by a third party (NSF certified) to ensure safety and efficacy.
Effectiveness
The enteric coating of these capsules helps to make sure there is no fishy taste present. The specially designed coating helps to prevent the stomach acids from destroying the capsule and some of the fatty acids before it is absorbed in the colon.
Value
This comes in at the lower price end is not as pure as some of the other entries on the list. Ingredients include gelatin, vegetable glycerin, purified water, Vitamin E and enteric coating. It contains herring, anchovy, sardine, salmon, and mackerel as well as soy.
8. BioScience Nutrition
Triple strength and high purity with higher EPA and DHA percentiles than other brands, this supplement is made in the USA, is FDA-approved and is GMP certified. The omega-3s are from wild caught ocean fish, and is refined to contain no heavy metals or other toxins.
Read morePotency
With over 4,000 mg of fish oil, this option has both high EPA and DHA levels. The supplement has a total of 2,250 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids for a serving of three soft gels, which includes 1,200 mg of EPA, 900 of DHA and 150 mg of other Omega-3s.
Safety Hazards
This Omega-3 supplement comes from the fish oil of ocean water catch, which is then purified using molecular distillation at low temperatures to make it safe for consumption. This supplement does contain soy but features GMO-free ingredients.
Effectiveness
This supplement has a burpless formula and features a lemon flavor that gives it a mild citrus aftertaste. Other ingredients include gelatin, glycerine, purified water, and lemon essential oil. It has 30 calories per serving size and 3 g of fat.
Value
This supplement is in ethyl ester (EE) form, which is the popular form of many heart healthy clinical trials but could mean slightly slower absorption rate.
9. Nutrigold
Sourced, processed and manufactured in the U.S., the fish oil comes from cold water fish from Alaska that is FDA inspected, plus is IFOS 5-star certified, and has ConsumerLab and Labrador certification. It is non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher and soy free, with 1,060 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids per capsule.
Read morePotency
For a serving size of two soft gel capsules, this supplement has 2,600 mg of fish oil, with 2,100 mg of total omega-3 fatty acids, which includes 1,450 mg of EPA, 550 mg of DHA and 100 mg of other omega-3s.
Safety Hazards
This fish oil is molecularly distilled so that there is no mercury, dioxins, PCBs and other contaminants. It is also a sustainably friendly option, sourced from certified a Marine Stewardship Council fishery that is based off the coast of Alaska.
Effectiveness
The capsule is made from bovine gelatin, vegetable glycerin, and purified water. Even though this is a triple strength option, many reports there are no fish burps side effects.
Value
The form of the Omega-3 fatty acids are ethyl ester, but the company points out that there is no strong scientific evidence that suggests that this structure is less effective that triglyceride form. Keep in mind that some research indicates that EE fish oils aren’t easily absorbed.
10. Nordic Naturals
Nordic Naturals prides itself on using environmentally conscious practices through education, science, and innovation, to produce omega-3 supplements that provide you with a healthy balance of EPA and DHA.
Read morePotency
To ensure that you get the most out of these omega-3 supplements, you receive more than 500 mg of omega-3’s DHA and EPA in each serving. This is more than the international expert recommendation.
Safety Hazards
This is a non-concentrated formula designed to give your body a natural balance and support cognition, immune system function, brain, and heart health.
Effectiveness
These supplements use a formula that is created in true triglyceride form to provide maximum absorption and results.
Value
These come in the mid-price range but are not as potent as many of the other products on the list. If you are looking for something that is natural and easy to absorb, this is a good pick.
Sources
- , Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Health Website
- , Triglyceride vs. Ethyl Ester Forms of Fish Oil Omega-3s, Supplement Website
- , How Much Omega-3 per Day?, Informational Health Website
- , The Facts on Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Informational Health Website