How to choose the best fish oil supplement?

When choosing the best fish oil supplement, consider the following factors:

• Comply with health claims and labeling requirements permitted by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations
• Manufactured in a facility that complies with Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) established by the FDA
• Produced by medically trusted companies that adhere to ethical, legal and industry best standards
• Quality: In addition to the quality of the ingredients, the company’s testing and manufacturing processes. Products selected are made by companies that provide objective measures of trust, such as having their supplements verified by third-party labs.
• Fish oil sources: Prioritize supplementation with oils from small fish, as they generally have lower mercury levels than larger fish.
• Certifications: Prioritize products with additional certifications from independent organizations to help ensure quality, transparency and safety beyond third-party testing. Many products that use other methods to verify quality are included.
• Price: There are products to suit every budget.

Best Overall Fish Oil Supplement

Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Soft Gels

Servings: 45 servings per container Dosage: 2 softgels daily Active Ingredient (Dosage): omega-3 (1,280 mg)
EPA: 650 mg per serving
DHA: 450 mg Price per serving: $$$

Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Softgels are a high-quality supplement that provides 1,100 mg of a combination of EPA and DHA sourced from wild-caught sardines and anchovies.

The softgels are lemon-flavored, which helps eliminate the fishy smell common in other fish oil supplements.

All Nordic Naturals products are certified by Friends of the Sea, an organization that ensures seafood comes from sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

All Nordic Naturals products also come with a Certificate of Analysis (COA).

advantage

• lemon flavor
• minimal ingredients
• third-party certification
• Non-genetically modified verification
• certified sustainable

shortcoming

• expensive

Product Details

Form: Softgel Available Flavor: Lemon

Best Fish Oil Subscription

Care/of Omega-3 Fish Oil

Servings: 30 servings per container Dosage: 1 softgel daily Active Ingredient (Serving Size): omega-3 fatty acids (800 mg)
EPA: 500 mg per serving
DHA: 250 mg Price per serving: $$$

This fish oil supplement contains salmon oil, sustainably sourced from wild Alaskan salmon and processed through cold-pressed extraction.

In addition to fish oil, the softgels contain bovine gelatin, glycerin, mixed tocopherols, and water.

Care/of products are third-party tested to ensure purity and potency, according to the company's website.

advantage

• Sourced from wild Alaskan salmon
• gluten free
• non-genetically modified
• third party testing

shortcoming

• expensive
• Not suitable for pescatarians or those avoiding beef by-products

Product Details

Form: Soft capsule

Best High-Dose Fish Oil Subscription

HUM Nutrition OMG! Omega the Great

Servings: 30 servings per container Dosage: 2 softgels daily Active Ingredient (Dosage): omega-3 fatty acids (1,400 mg)
EPA: 800 mg per serving
DHA: 400 mg Price per serving: $$$

This fish oil softgel contains 1,400 mg of total omega-3s per serving and is sourced from wild anchovies.

All HUM Nutrition products are third-party tested, non-GMO, and free of gluten, artificial sweeteners, and colors.

advantage

• third party testing
• gluten free

shortcoming

• expensive
• Large capsule size
• fishy smell

Product Details

Form: Soft capsule

Best Fish Oil Supplements with CoQ10

Thorne Omega-3 with CoQ10 Capsules

Servings: 90 servings per container Dosage: 1 capsule daily Active Ingredients (Serving Size): Fish Oil, Coenzyme Q10 (30 mg)
EPA: 450 mg per serving
DHA: 180 mg Price per serving: $$$

This high-quality fish oil supplement pairs omega-3 fatty acids with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a heart-healthy antioxidant that prevents oxidative damage and helps cells produce energy.

Each softgel contains 630 milligrams (mg) of a combination of EPA and DHA sustainably sourced from cold-water fish, and 30 mg of CoQ10.

It's worth noting that while CoQ10 supplements have benefits for heart health, athletic performance, and more, most studies recommend taking a daily dose of at least 100 milligrams. Since this supplement only provides 30 mg, people interested in the benefits of CoQ10 may want to take additional supplements.

Thorne's fish oil supplements are certified by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the Australian government agency responsible for regulating medicines and supplements.

All Thorne Research products undergo four rounds of extensive testing to ensure you are getting the best quality. Thorne's manufacturing facilities receive third-party certification from NSF International.

advantage

• Includes Coenzyme Q10
• third-party certification
• gluten free

shortcoming

• expensive

Product Details

Dosage form: capsule

The Most Affordable Fish Oil Supplements

Amazon Elements Super Omega-3 Softgels

Servings: 60 servings per container Dosage: 2 capsules daily Active Ingredient (Dosage): omega-3 (1,280 mg)
EPA: 650 mg per serving
DHA: 450 mg Price per serving: $$

Amazon Elements Ultra Omega-3 Softgels contain omega-3s from wild-caught fish, including anchovies, sardines, and king mackerel.

Other ingredients include gelatin, glycerin and purified water. Contains no artificial colors, flavors or chemical preservatives and is gluten and GMO free.

The fish oil in Super Omega-3 comes from Norway, and the product is blended and packaged in the United States. Amazon says levels of contaminants such as lead, mercury, cadmium or arsenic do not exceed accepted safety standards.

This is the purchasing model for all Amazon Elements supplements. Ingredients are sourced from around the world, but blending and manufacturing are done by Arizona Nutritional Supplements (ANS).

ANS adheres to Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP), which means the company's operating procedures comply with quality control and testing standards set by the FDA.

Amazon guarantees that all supplements in the Amazon Elements line are tested for potency, purity, and integrity. It provides a COA for each product detailing test results.

advantage

• cheap
• gluten free
• non-genetically modified
• wild caught fish
• Mass testing for purity or potency

shortcoming

• Not tested by third parties

Product Details

Form: Softgel Available Flavor: Lemon

The Most Affordable Fish Oil Supplement with Vitamin D

Nature Made Fish Oil Plus Vitamin D 1,000 IU

Servings: 45 servings per container Dosage: 2 softgels daily Active Ingredients (Serving Strength): Fish Oil (2,400 mg)
EPA and DHA: 600 mg total per serving Price: $$

This Nature Made supplement is a high-quality, affordable option for people looking to increase their intake of both omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.

It contains 1,000 IU of vitamin D, an important vitamin that occurs naturally in very few food sources.

These supplements are sourced from wild-caught fish and purified to remove mercury and other harmful compounds such as dioxin, furans and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Nature Made supplements are verified by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), a non-profit organization that sets strict standards for supplement strength, quality, packaging and purity.

advantage

• third party testing
• cheap
• Contains added vitamin D
• gluten free
• Small fish from wild catch

shortcoming

• The specific contents of EPA and DHA are not disclosed

Product Details

Form: Soft capsule

The Best Tasting Fish Oil Supplements

Barlean's Ideal Omega-3 Softgels

Servings: 60 servings per container Dosage: 1 softgel daily Active Ingredients (Benefits): omega-3
EPA: 750 mg per serving
DHA: 250 mg Price per serving: $$$

Barlean's Ideal Omega-3 Softgels come in an orange flavor and help mask the unpleasant taste and odor of fish oil.

Just 1 Ideal Omega-3 softgel contains 1,000 mg of a cod-sourced combination of EPA and DHA, making it quick and easy to get your daily dose.

In addition to receiving a 5-star rating from IFOS, this pharmaceutical-grade supplement is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council for its sustainable fishing practices.

advantage

• third-party certification
• orange flavor
• Sustainable fishing methods
• One daily dose formula

shortcoming

• expensive

Product Details

Form: Soft capsule

Best Liquid Fish Oil Supplements

Carlson Labs The Very Finest Fish Oil

Servings: 100 servings per container Dosage: 1 teaspoon daily Active Ingredient (Serving Size): Fish Oil (4.6 g)
EPA: 800 mg per serving
DHA: 500 mg Price per serving: $$$

This supplement is a good choice for people who prefer to use liquid fish oil instead of softgels or capsules.

Contains 1,600 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per teaspoon (5 ml), including 1,300 mg of EPA and DHA from wild-caught anchovies, sardines and king mackerel.

Not only is it IFOS certified, it is also Verified Non-GMO, meaning it does not contain any GMOs.

It's also rich in vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin that doubles as an antioxidant.

Plus, it comes in lemon and orange flavors, making it perfect for blending into smoothies or juices.

advantage

• lemon and orange flavors
• minimal ingredients
• third-party certification
• Non-genetically modified verification
• Small fish from wild catch
• Liquid formula may be easier for some people

shortcoming

• Some reviews state that the lid may leak

Product Details

Form: Liquid Available Flavors: Lemon, Orange, Mixed Berry, Just Peachie

The Best Softgel Fish Oil Supplements

InnovixLabs Triple Strength Omega-3 Capsules

Servings: 200 servings per container Dosage: 1 capsule daily Active Ingredients (Serving Strength): Fish Oil Concentrate (1,200 mg)
EPA: 480 mg per serving
DHA: 360 mg Price per serving: $

This Triple Omega-3 supplement contains 900 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids in a single softgel, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to simplify their daily life.

As well as receiving a 5-star rating from IFOS, all Innovix Labs pills are produced from sustainably sourced fish such as anchovies, sardines and mackerel, and are purified to remove harmful compounds such as mercury.

These capsules are enteric-coated to prevent them from breaking down and dissolving in the stomach. This is thought to help minimize side effects such as fishy burping and aftertaste.

advantage

• third-party certification
• Enteric coating reduces side effects
• One daily dose formula
• Small fish from wild catch

shortcoming

• Large capsule size

Product Details

Dosage form: capsule

Best High-Dose Fish Oil Supplements

Viva Naturals Omega-3 Fish Oil Softgels

Servings: 90 servings per container Dosage: 2 softgels daily Active Ingredients (Serving Strength): Fish Oil (2,200 mg), Omega 3 (2,000 mg)
EPA: 1,400 mg per serving
DHA: 480 mg Price per serving: $$$

This simple fish oil formula provides 2,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per serving, along with 1,880 mg of a combination of EPA and DHA.

As well as being IFOS certified, it is produced from sustainably caught wild small fish such as mackerel, anchovies and sardines.

The oil also goes through a purification process to help eliminate any fishy smell or aftertaste.

advantage

• third-party certification
• High dose omega-3
• Small fish from wild catch

shortcoming

• Has a fishy smell, according to reviewers

Product Details

Form: Soft capsule

best fudge

Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies

Servings: 75 servings per container Dosage: 2 gummies daily Active Ingredient (Serving Size): Fish Oil (227 mg)
EPA: 9.5 mg per serving
DHA: 47.5 mg Price per serving: $$

If the thought of swallowing softgels is unbearable, these gummies are a great alternative to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

Contains 57 mg of EPA and DHA per serving, sourced from wild-caught ocean fish.

They are also USP verified and do not contain any synthetic dyes and fragrances.

However, keep in mind that these gummies provide a much lower dose of omega-3 fatty acids than most other fish oil supplements. These gummies also contain 3 grams of added sugar per serving.

Don't rely solely on these gummies to meet your omega-3 needs, it's best to use them as part of a balanced diet that includes plenty of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

advantage

• third party testing
• Easy-to-take gummy form

shortcoming

• Relatively small amounts of DHA and EPA
• Contains added sugar

Product Details

Form: Gummy available flavors: strawberry, lemon, orange

best cod liver oil

Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil

Servings: 48 servings per container Dosage: 1 teaspoon daily Active Ingredient (Dosage): omega-3 (1,060 mg)
EPA: 340 mg per serving
DHA: 510 mg Price per serving: $$$

Cod liver oil is a unique fish oil extracted from the liver of cod, a fish rich in fat-soluble vitamins A and D and omega-3.

Sourced exclusively from wild Arctic cod in the Norwegian Sea, this supplement is available in liquid and softgel formats. It provides 600 mg to 850 mg of a combination of EPA and DHA, depending on the product you choose.

Nordic Naturals supplements are sustainably produced, non-GMO, and certified by third-party organizations such as Friends of the Sea and European Pharmacopoeia.

The product is available in a variety of flavors including unflavored, orange, strawberry and lemon.

advantage

• third party testing
• Available in a variety of flavors
• Available in liquid or capsule form
• Non-genetically modified verification
• From wild-caught Arctic cod

shortcoming

• expensive

Product Details Form: Liquid Available Flavors: Lemon, Orange, Strawberry, Unflavored

The Best Fish Oil Supplements for Kids

Barlean's Omega Pals Fish Oil

Servings: 29 per container Dosage: 1.5 teaspoons daily Active Ingredients (Benefits): omega-3
EPA: 330 mg per serving
DHA: 210 mg Price per serving: $$$

Looking for fish oil that your child can take without complaint? Barlean's Omega Pals fish oil comes in kid-friendly flavors like lemonade, orange, tangerine and strawberry banana.

It provides a total of 540 mg of DHA and EPA.

This product is designed for children 1 year and older.

It is important for children to get enough omega-3s, especially DHA, as it is essential for brain development and eye health.

However, there are currently no specific guidelines regarding DHA intake. Instead, there are guidelines for total omega-3 intake, as follows:

1 to 3 years: 700 mg
4 to 8 years: 900 mg
Ages 9 to 13: Girls 1,000 mg; Boys 1,200 mg

advantage

• Specifically formulated for children 1 year and older
• Suitable for children
• non-genetically modified
• gluten free
• sugar free
• No artificial flavors or colors

shortcoming

• expensive
• Not tested by third parties

Product Details

Form: Liquid Available Flavors: Chirpin' Slurpin' Lemonade, Hooty Fruity Tangerine, Lipsmackin' Citrus, Sensational Straw-nana

Best for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

FullWell Fish Oil

Number of Servings: 30 servings per bottle Dosage: 2 softgels daily Active Ingredients (Serving Strength): omega-3 (600 mg), fish oil (1000 mg)
EPA: 200 mg
DHA: 400 mg Price: $$$

Daily fish oil supplementation is a useful supplement to daily prenatal vitamins during pregnancy.

Omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA are necessary for brain development, and a 2021 study found that women who supplemented with Omega-3 during pregnancy gave birth to children with improved early language development and fewer behavioral problems.

In addition, supplementing omega-3 while breastfeeding can ensure that the baby gets enough DHA and EPA through breast milk.

This omega-3 supplement from FullWell provides EPA and DHA from small ocean fish, which contain lower levels of mercury than other fish. High levels of mercury can cause developmental problems, so it's important for pregnant women to be aware of the sources of mercury in their diet.

The softgels are also small and easy to swallow, and the supplement is third-party tested for the presence of heavy metals like mercury and other potentially harmful substances.

advantage

• Contains DHA and EPA, unlike some prenatals that only contain DHA
• Obtained Friend of the Sea certification
• third party testing
• small and easy to swallow

shortcoming

• expensive
• May cause fishy burping

Product Details

Form: Soft capsule

Comparison of the Best Fish Oil Supplements

Products and prices	DHA per serving	EPA per serving	third party testing
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Soft Gels, $$$	450 mg	650 mg	yes
Care/of Fish Oil Softgels, $$$	220 mg	180 mg	yes
HUM Nutrition OMG! Omega the Great Fish Oil Softgels, $$$	400 mg	800 mg	yes
Thorne Omega-3 with CoQ10 Capsules, $$$	180 mg	450 mg	yes
Amazon Elements Super Omega-3 Softgels, $$	450 mg	650 mg	no
Nature Made Fish Oil Plus Vitamin D 1,000 IU, $$	600 mg combined DHA and EPA	600 mg combined DHA and EPA	yes
Barlean's Ideal Omega-3 Softgels, $$$	250 mg	750 mg	yes
Carlson Labs The Very Finest Fish Oil, $$$	500 mg	800 mg	yes
Innovix Labs Triple Strength Omega-3 Capsules, $	360 mg	480 mg	yes
Viva Naturals Omega-3 Fish Oil Softgels, $$$	480 mg	1,400 mg	yes
Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies, $$	47.5 mg	9.5 mg	yes
Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil, $$$	510 mg	340 mg	yes
Barlean's Omega Pals Fish Oil, $$$	210 mg	330 mg	no
Fullwell Fish Oil, $$$	430 mg	120 mg	yes

How to Choose Fish Oil Supplements

There are several factors to consider when choosing a fish oil supplement:

• Supplement quality: It’s important to check the ingredients list carefully and avoid supplements that contain fillers or artificial ingredients. Ideally, you'll look for products that have been third-party tested and certified by independent organizations such as IFOS, USP, NSF International, or TGA.
• Dosage: Pay close attention to dosage, including the amount of EPA and DHA. Some products may also contain ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in plants that is converted into small amounts of EPA and DHA.
• Fish oil sources: You may also want to consider the source of your fish oil. Ideally, choose smaller, sustainably caught fish, such as sardines and anchovies, which tend to be lower in mercury.
• Types of supplements: Fish oil supplements also come in a variety of forms, including softgels, liquids, or gummies. While some people prefer the convenience and ease of use of capsules, liquids and gummies may work better for others.