The supplement aisles at grocery stores and health food stores are overflowing with more omega-3 fish oil supplements than ever, and it can be overwhelming to sift through them all. The key to choosing the right fish oil supplement is evaluating the total amount of EPA and DHA in each serving. These healthy fats are essential for heart health, brain function and vision; they are also being investigated in a growing number of other conditions, including depression, rheumatoid arthritis and childhood allergies.
We only highlight a few products that meet the criteria for our top picks, which all include marine-sourced omega-3 fats in triglyceride form and contain high amounts of the beneficial fatty acids per serving (around 1,000 milligrams). These potencies are in line with the recommended intake of the American Heart Association and collective research suggests that whole-body benefits accrue at these levels. Additionally, the supplements we feature are third-party tested to be free of contaminants and heavy metals. We also seek out options that are sustainable and transparent, ensuring the sourcing and harvesting of their fish or algae-based omega-3s are ethical and safe.
This option from Pure Encapsulations includes a hefty dose of EPA and DHA in each two-softgel serving, plus a healthy boost of antioxidants from a blend of natural tocopherols that includes rosemary extract, sunflower seed oil and ascorbyl palmitate. It’s a good choice for people who don’t have any major dietary restrictions and prefer a concentrated fish oil formula, as it is free from any artificial additives or fillers, and has a mild lemon flavor that masks any unpleasant fishy taste.
These softgels are made from a combination of wild-caught anchovy, sardine and mackerel fish oils to provide a highly concentrated EPA and DHA formulation. They are sourced using sustainable fishing practices and third-party tested for purity and environmental sustainability, with a list of “other ingredients” that is short and simple—fish gelatin, glycerin, purified water and natural lemon flavor.
Nordic Naturals is a big name in the fish oil supplement industry, and this kids-specific version of its Ultimate Omega-3 is an excellent option for parents who want to ensure their children are getting enough EPA and DHA each day. It uses predominantly triglyceride-form omega-3s and a mix of anchovy, sardine, mackerel, cod and herring oil to deliver a good amount of the heart-healthy fats, with a slew of other vitamins and minerals in each softgel. The formulation is also dairy-free, sugar-free and non-GMO.