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Best fish oil and omega-3 supplements of 2024
This content should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is not meant to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine or taking any new supplements.
Omega-3 fatty acids have garnered significant attention in recent times thanks to their numerous health benefits. However many people are not eating enough fatty fish to reap these omega-3 benefits. Consequently, fish oil supplements, being a rich source of these essential fatty acids, have seen a rise in popularity.
The market is flooded with a myriad of fish oil and omega-3 fatty acid supplements, but not all supplements are created equal. The quality, concentration and source of the omega-3s impact their effectiveness. We hope to help you in your quest to find the best omega-3 supplements on the market.
Fish oil and omega-3 overview
Omega-3 fats, primarily EPA and DHA, are linked to a plethora of health benefits. According to Lena Bakovic, MS, RDN, CNSC of Top Nutrition Coaching, "One of the most well-known benefits of fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids is their role in supporting heart health. The mechanism there is that fish oils may lower serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, potentially decrease blood pressure and work to prevent plaque on artery walls, which hardens the arteries. Fish oils also have anti-inflammatory properties, aiding conditions such as arthritis or other joint disorders."
Unfortunately, the human body can't create omega-3 fatty acids, so you must get them from your diet. The most potent source of omega-3 fats is fatty fish. But according to Kelli Davenport, MS, RDN of Top Nutrition Coaching, "Most Americans, in general, do not get enough fish in their diets. Supplements are a great way to get extracted and concentrated fish oil or omega-3 fatty acids."
How we chose the best supplements
We considered three key factors when choosing the best fish oil supplements.
- Purity: We prioritized supplements that have undergone third-party testing to ensure they are free of harmful contaminants and provide the promised levels of omega-3 fats.
- Potency: Another key consideration was the concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA.
- Price: We took into account the cost per milligram of omega-3 fats to ensure our recommendations offer good value for money.
Top fish oil and omega-3 supplements
- Best overall: NOW ultra omega-3 fish oil
- Best for sustainability: Garden of Life Dr. formulated advanced omega softgels
- Best flavor: Nordic Naturals ultimate omega softgels
- Best mini softgels: Nature Made omega-3 fish oil minis
- Best gummies: Nordic Naturals ultimate omega gummy chews
Best overall: NOW ultra omega-3 fish oil
- Fish gelatin softgels
- 750 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids per softgel
- 500 milligrams of EPA and 250 milligrams of DHA
About NOW ultra omega-3 fish oil
NOW ultra omega-3 fish oil softgels are potent and stand out for their excellent concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. Each softgel is packed with 750 milligrams of omega-3 fats, including a high concentration of EPA. The softgel form ensures easy digestion and rapid absorption.
This product is molecularly distilled and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it is free from harmful levels of contaminants such as PCBs, dioxins, mercury and other heavy metals. This makes them a safe choice for individuals concerned about the quality and purity of their supplements.
Why we like it
- High concentration of omega-3 fats, especially EPA
- Affordable
- Fish gelatin shell
What to consider
Large softgel size
Best for sustainability: Garden of Life Dr. formulated advanced omega softgels
- PlantGel gelatin softgels
- 645 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids per softgel
- 348 milligrams of EPA and 233 milligrams of DHA
About Garden of Life advanced omega softgels
Garden of Life Dr. formulated advanced omega softgels are distinct for their commitment to non-GMO ingredients. They contain mercury-free tuna oil and triglyceride-form omega-3 fatty acids. The tuna oil is sourced from fully traceable and sustainably sourced tuna.
Each softgel is encapsulated in a unique PlantGel shell that is both vegetarian and designed for easy digestion and absorption. Every Garden of Life batch undergoes rigorous third-party testing to confirm potency and purity, ensuring consumers receive a high-quality product.
Why we like it
- High concentration of omega-3 fats
- Sustainably sourced
- PlantGel shell
What to consider
Large softgel size
Best flavor: Nordic Naturals ultimate omega softgels
- Gelatin softgels
- 640 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids per softgel
- 325 milligrams of EPA and 225 milligrams of DHA
About Nordic Naturals ultimate omega softgels
Nordic Naturals ultimate omega softgels are renowned for their high quality and purity. They are sourced from wild-caught fish and provide triglyceride-form omega-3 fats for better absorption. The incorporation of lemon flavor within the softgel eliminates any fishy taste, which sets it apart from many other brands.
Third-party testing validates their purity and freshness. Nordic Naturals products are certified sustainable and Friend of the Sea certified. They are ideal for individuals looking for a trustworthy source of omega-3 fatty acids and health-conscious consumers who value sustainability and environmental responsibility in their product choices.
Why we like it
- High concentration of omega-3 fats
- Lemon flavor
- Sustainably sourced
What to consider
Large softgel size
Best mini softgels: Nature Made omega-3 fish oil minis
- Gelatin mini softgels
- 500 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids per mini softgel
- 340 milligrams of EPA and 125 milligrams of DHA
About Nature Made omega-3 fish oil minis
Nature Made omega-3 fish oil mini softgels are convenient and easy to use with their compact size. They are an optimal choice for those who have difficulty swallowing larger pills. These minis have a lemon scent, so they have a less fishy odor and aftertaste.
Nature Made products are purified to remove mercury and are derived from wild-caught ocean fish. They are also USP (United States Pharmacopeia) verified for potency, purity and quality. These omega-3 minis are an excellent choice if you seek a top-quality omega-3 supplement in a smaller, user-friendly form.
Why we like it
- High concentration in a small package
- Easy to swallow
- Lemon scent
What to consider
Pricey
Best gummies: Nordic Naturals ultimate omega gummy chews
- Gummy chews
- 600 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids per gummy
- 300 milligrams of EPA and 225 milligrams of DHA
About Nordic Naturals ultimate omega gummy chews
Nordic Naturals ultimate omega gummy chews offer a unique way to take your omega-3 supplements. Each gummy provides a substantial dose of EPA and DHA in a tropical fruit flavor with zero sugar. Each gummy is individually sealed for freshness and the ability to take your gummy on the go.
The triglyceride-form omega-3s in the gummies are from wild, sustainably sourced fish, and Nordic Naturals fish oils are Friend of the Sea certified. The gummies undergo strict third-party testing for purity and potency. These gummy chews are perfect for those who don’t like swallowing pills or for children who need a fun way to take their supplements.
Why we like it
- High concentration for a gummy
- Easy to take
- Individually sealed for convenience
What to consider
Pricey
How to choose a fish oil and omega-3 supplement
When choosing the right omega-3 fish oil supplement, you should consider several key factors, such as budget constraints, the form of the supplement and your specific needs or dietary preferences.
- Budget constraints: The cost of fish oil supplements can vary widely, and it’s important to find a product that fits within your budget. But make sure you're not compromising on the quality or concentration of the omega-3s offered.
- Form of the supplement: While large softgels are the most common, mini softgels might be better if the large softgels are too big for you. And gummies might be preferable for children or those who find all pills difficult to swallow.
- Specific needs or dietary preferences: If you follow a specific diet or have allergies (such as to fish or gelatin), it’s important to choose a supplement that meets these needs. Always check the label for information on allergens and the source of the omega-3s.
Methodology
To compile this list, our writers and editors reviewed top products on the market, compared specs and features and created a short list of the top supplements on the market. Then, we used product descriptions, reviews and user ratings to find the best fish oil and omega-3 supplements for each category. Note that we do not test every product but base our lists on our research, user reviews and expert opinions.
FAQ
Should you take fish oil and omega-3 together?
Fish oil is a primary source of omega-3 fatty acids, so when you take fish oil, you are taking omega-3. There are other sources of omega-3s, such as walnuts, flaxseed, chia seeds and canola oil, but most omega-3 supplements are made with fish oil. If you take a supplement with a different source of omega-3 fats, it is safe to also take a fish oil supplement.
What vitamins should not be taken with fish oil?
You can safely take fish oil with other vitamins because fish oil doesn’t generally interact negatively with other nutritional supplements. However, it's always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before combining fish oil with any other supplements or medications.
How long do you have to take omega-3 to see benefits?
The effects of omega-3 supplements can vary from person to person, depending on the individual's diet and overall health. Typically, it may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to notice significant benefits from consistent fish oil supplementation. And you may not always know how the supplement is benefiting you without medical testing.
References
- Chang JP, Tseng PT, Zeng BS, Chang CH, Su H, Chou PH, Su KP. Safety of Supplementation of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Adv Nutr. 2023 Nov;14(6):1326-1336. doi: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.08.003. Epub 2023 Aug 9. PMID: 37567449; PMCID: PMC10721469. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10721469/
- Djuricic I, Calder PC. Beneficial Outcomes of Omega-6 and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Human Health: An Update for 2021. Nutrients. 2021 Jul 15;13(7):2421. doi: 10.3390/nu13072421. PMID: 34371930; PMCID: PMC8308533. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8308533/
- Rodriguez D, Lavie CJ, Elagizi A, Milani RV. Update on Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Cardiovascular Health. Nutrients. 2022 Dec 3;14(23):5146. doi: 10.3390/nu14235146. PMID: 36501174; PMCID: PMC9739673. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9739673/
