13 Best Fish Oil Supplements

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In this article, we discuss what fish oil supplements are and explore evidence of their benefits. We also recommend 14 fish oil supplements across a range of categories.

• Best for extra support: Nordic Naturals ProOmega-D | Skip to review
• Best for vitamin D3: Nature Made Fish Oil with Vitamin D | Skip to review
• Best subscription omega-3: HUM Nutrition OMG! Omega The Great | Skip to review
• Best lemon flavor: Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Liquid | Skip to review
• Best vegan option: Care/of Veggie Omega | Skip to review
• Best for a budget: Kirkland Signature Natural Fish Oil Concentrate | Skip to review
• Best mini size: GNC Triple Strength Fish Oil Mini | Skip to review
• Best cod liver oil: Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil | Skip to review
• Best high concentration: Wiley’s Finest Peak Omega-3 Liquid | Skip to review
• Best for children: Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Gummies | Skip to review
• Best IFOS-certified: Life Extension Super Omega-3 | Skip to review
• Best for different flavors: Carlson Labs The Very Finest Fish Oil | Skip to review
• Best odorless capsules: Innovix Labs Triple Strength Omega-3 | Skip to review

Omega-3 is a type of fat present in food. It is also present in the human body — most commonly in the retina, brain, and sperm cells — as part of the membrane surrounding cells. Omega-3s have extensive roles in the body’s immune, endocrine, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems.

There are different types of omega-3s, including:

• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): Known as a long-chain omega-3, EPA comes from oily fish and seafood, including salmon, sardines, and mackerel.
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): Another long-chain omega-3, DHA also comes from oily fish and seafood.
• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): This is a different type of omega-3 in some plant oils, including soybean and flaxseed oils. It is also in black walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds.

The human body cannot make essential fatty acids. However, it can convert ALA to EPA and DHA in small amounts.

Some studies show omega-3s to have health benefits, such as:

• Reducing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis: A 2020 study noted that some research suggests omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce autoimmune inflammatory responses in rheumatoid arthritis.
• Reducing triglyceride levels: Triglycerides are a type of fat that circulates in the blood. The body makes triglycerides and gets them from food. Doctors may prescribe omega-3s to lower triglyceride levels, as high amounts in the blood may lead to heart disease. However, a 2018 review found no link between omega-3 supplements and heart disease.
• Reducing the risk of postpartum depression: A 2018 review found that taking EPA supplements during pregnancy and postpartum helped reduce some symptoms of postpartum depression. DHA supplements also reduced the risk of developing postpartum depression. However, more research is needed to support these claims.
• Lowering stroke risk: According to a 2016 report, omega-3s may reduce the risk of ischemic strokes. However, the researchers did not find evidence to suggest it reduces the risk of all stroke types.

Fish oils may benefit people with certain conditions, including:

• some eye diseases
• rheumatoid arthritis
• stroke
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Alzheimer’s disease
• heart disease

However, more conclusive evidence is needed to point to the significant benefits of fish oil for those living with these conditions.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Best for extra support: Nordic Naturals ProOmega-D

• Price: from around $24
• Type: softgel
• Total omega-3 per serving: 1,280 milligrams (mg) per 2 softgels

These fish oil supplements from Nordic Naturals have a high level of EPA, making them suitable for anyone looking for an extra-strength supplement.

They also have additional vitamin D3, which may help promote immunity and bone health.

People can buy packs of 60, 90, or 120 softgels.

Best for vitamin D3: Nature Made Fish Oil with Vitamin D

• Price: around $19.99
• Type: softgel
• Total omega-3 per serving: 720 mg per 2 softgels

Nature Made fish oil supplement provides 360 mg of omega-3 per softgel, or 720 per serving. One serving also contains 250% of a person’s recommended vitamin D3 intake.

The oil comes from wild ocean fish, and the company claims it removes mercury through purification.

While the company says this supplement provides 600 mg EPA and DHA per 2 softgels on the label, it does not specify the amounts of each.

Best subscription omega-3: HUM Nutrition OMG! Omega The Great

• Price: around $30
• Type: softgel
• Total omega-3 per serving: 1,400 mg per 2 softgels

For those who want a regular delivery of omega-3 supplements, Hum Nutrition may be a suitable option. This brand offers bottles of 60 softgels that offer 800 mg EPA, 400 mg DHA, and 200 mg of other omega-3s.

HUM writes that the softgels do not have a fishy aftertaste, and they are free from major allergens such as milk, eggs, and shellfish.

These supplements are triple-tested and third-party tested for purity and quality.

People do not need to sign up for a subscription, but discounts are available for those who do.

Best lemon flavor: Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Liquid

• Price: around $22
• Type: liquid
• Total omega-3 per serving: 1,560 mg per teaspoon (5 milliliters [mL])

This liquid supplement has a lemon flavor, which helps eliminate any potential fishy-flavored burps that some people report experiencing with omega-3 supplements. It also has a high concentration of omega-3s, with 745 mg EPA and 500 mg DHA per dose.

The company claims it sources the oil from deep-sea anchovies and sardines. It also claims to include ingredients free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Nordic Naturals says it aims to offer optimal absorption by providing the omega-3 in triglyceride molecular form, which is the form naturally present in fish.

Best vegan alternative: Care/of Veggie Omega

• Price: around $18
• Type: softgel
• Total omega-3 per serving: 600 mg per 2 softgels

Care/of Veggie Omega supplements are a vegetarian and vegan alternative to fish oils.

They contain a total of 600 mg omega-3, with 360 mg DHA and 180 mg EHA.

The company claims it sources its omega-3 sustainably from microalgae and uses water extraction techniques.

Best for a budget: Kirkland Signature Natural Fish Oil Concentrate

• Price: around $26
• Type: softgel
• Total omega-3 per serving: 300 mg per 1 softgel

Kirkland Signature is a low cost, unflavored fish oil supplement option. Offering 400 softgels per bottle, these fish oil supplements are a cost-effective option for those looking to supplement their diet on a budget.

The recommended dosage is 1 softgel per day, meaning this product provides over a year’s worth of supply.

One softgel contains 250 mg EPA and DHA, although the company does not specify the amount of each. It also has 50 grams (g) of other omega-3 fatty acids.

They are also lower in calories than other options at just 10 calories per serving.

Best mini size: GNC Triple Strength Fish Oil Mini

• Price: around $50
• Type: mini softgel
• Total omega-3 per serving: 1,065 mg per 2 mini softgels

For an easier-to-swallow fish supplement, GNC’s triple-strength option comes in a mini size. However, despite being small, they contain a high concentration of omega-3s.

In total, each dose contains 1,065 mg of omega-3s. Of this, 734 mg is EPA and 266 mg is DHA. The company lists 65 mg as “other omega-3 fatty acids.”

The company claims it sources its fish oil from deep-sea anchovies, cod, tuna, sardines, and salmon, which are then purified of toxins.

Best cod liver oil: Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil

• Price: around $65
• Type: liquid
• Total omega-3 per serving: 1,293 mg per teaspoon

Rosita’s unprocessed and raw cod liver oil contains 443 mg EPA and 605 mg DHA. It also contains naturally occurring vitamins A and D.

The company uses a cold-process extraction technique to create small batches of oil.

People who find softgels difficult to swallow may prefer to use oil instead.

Best high concentration: Wiley’s Finest Peak Omega-3 Liquid

• Price: around $53
• Type: liquid
• Total omega-3 per serving: 2,600 mg per teaspoon (5 mL)

Wiley’s Finest omega-3 liquid contains a very high concentration of omega-3s, with 1,400 mg EPA and 900 mg DHA per serving. This may not be appropriate for everyone, and a person should consider speaking with a doctor or other healthcare professional before purchasing.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) does not report an established upper intake level for omega-3s. At very high doses, DHA and EPA may hinder immune function by suppressing inflammatory responses. They may also increase bleeding time. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is safe to take supplements containing no more than 5 grams per day of EPA and DHA.

This product also comes in liquid form, making it suitable for anyone who has difficulty swallowing softgels or capsules.

This product is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council and Safe Quality Food Institute, and it contains no additives or preservatives.

Best for children: Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Gummies

• Price: around $40
• Type: gummies
• Total omega-3 per serving: 82 mg per 2 gummies

The fish oil in Nordic Naturals’ omega-3 gummies comes from anchovies and sardines.

These child-friendly gummies are chewable and have a tangerine flavor. They may be suitable for people who do not want to swallow softgels and would prefer to avoid the flavor of fish oils.

Each serving contains 82 mg of total omega-3s and a combined 68 mg DHA and EHA.

These gummies are suitable for children ages 2 years and over.

Best IFOS-certified: Life Extension Super Omega-3

• Price: around $33
• Type: softgels
• Total omega-3 per serving: 1,200 mg per 4 softgels

Life Extension’s fish oil softgels contain omega-3 from fish oil, including EPA and DHA.

The product contains 2,000 mg of fish oil, which includes 700 mg EPA and 500 mg DHA per serving. People can take two softgels twice per day.

This product holds certification from International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS). This means that the company tests its fish oils for purity and quality and ensures they are free of heavy metals and pollutants.

Best for different flavors: Carlson Labs The Very Finest Fish Oil

• Price: from $28
• Type: liquid
• Total omega-3 per serving: 1,600 mg per teaspoon (5 mL)

This liquid fish oil is available in two sizes and several flavors, including lemon and orange. The flavors may help reduce the risk of fish-flavored burps.

Each serving of 1 teaspoon contains 1,600 mg of omega-3, including 800 mg EPA, 500 mg DHA, and 90 mg DPA.

People must finish the bottle within 100 days of opening it.

Best odorless capsules: Innovix Labs Triple Strength Omega-3

• Price: around $28
• Type: capsules
• Total omega-3 per serving: 900 mg per capsule

These capsules are enteric-coated, so they are odor-free. This can help reduce fishy burps.

Additionally, this product is gluten and GMO-free, third-party tested, and has IFOS certification.

Each serving of 1 capsule contains 900 mg of omega-3s, which includes 480 mg EPA, 360 mg DHA, and 24 mg DPA.

The table below compares the products listed in this article.

When searching for a fish oil supplement, individuals may consider the following:

• Buying from a reputable company: A person can review a manufacturer’s reputation by checking its process transparency, reading independent customer reviews on websites such as Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and researching how it sources fish oil.
• Checking for certifications: Certifications offer verification of certain practices and ingredients. For fish oil, evidence of sustainable sourcing, impurity removal, and proof of quality may boost an individual’s confidence in a product.
• Picking the right form: Different people have different requirements regarding supplements. Considering their preference for softgels, liquids, capsules, or gummies may help a person choose.

According to the NIH, a person’s recommended daily intake of omega-3s will change depending on their age, sex, and whether they are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, there are no official recommendations for daily EPA and DHA amounts.

The American Heart Association, FDA, and Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 offer their omega-3 recommendations in fish intake rather than grams of EPA and DHA.

Doctors may recommend higher amounts — potentially 1,000 mg and above per day — to people with high triglycerides or a history of heart disease.

People ages 14 years and over who are pregnant should aim for 1.4 g of omega-3s per day, and those who are breastfeeding should consume 1.3 g per day.

Omega-3s occur naturally in some foods, and manufacturers often add them to fortified foods. When it comes to sourcing fish oil, the exact process differs from company to company. Typically, a manufacturer will process whole fish, trimmings, and other fish byproducts for their oil.

Fish oil supplements are typically safe for people to consume when used as recommended. However, although the supplements are mild, some people may experience side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. Additionally, people may also experience a fishy aftertaste.

People with an allergy to fish or shellfish should not take fish oil supplements.

Certain medications may interact with omega-3 supplements. These include blood thinners, such as aspirin and rivaroxaban (Xarelto).

If an individual has any health concerns, they should talk with a doctor or healthcare professional.

Below are answers to common questions about fish oil supplements.

Is it better to take fish oil or omega-3?

Omega-3 supplements are the same as fish oil unless companies derive the omega-3 from other sources, like marine algae.

People may wish to consider which form of fish oil supplement would suit them best, as they can come in a liquid or softgel. While the liquid is easier to swallow, it may have a more noticeable flavor. Softgels may be difficult to swallow for some people, and they can be fairly large.

Is it OK to take fish oil daily?

Yes. However, people should not take high doses of fish oil over an extended period. This may result in immune system suppression. This is due to the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3s. There are no official recommendations for daily EPA and DHA amounts.

Is EPA or DHA better?

Both EPA and DHA are important. Both are essential fatty acids that the human body needs. One is not better than the other.

Which is the best fish oil capsule company?

There is no one best fish oil capsule company. People should consider factors such as their budget, customer reviews, any third-party lab tests, and the dose of omega-3 in the products.

Which fish oil do cardiologists recommend?

People should always try to consume enough omega-3s from food sources such as oily fish, flax oil, and walnuts.

However, if a person does require omega-3 supplementation, they should choose one that offers enough omega-3s for their age and sex. People should work with a doctor to choose the best supplements for cardiac health.

Which fish oil is best?

People should purchase fish oil that meets their budget and offers enough omega-3s for their needs. Some people may prefer flavored oil, whereas others may prefer to consume fish oil in capsule form.

There are many fish oil supplements to choose from. Which one is best for an individual depends on their budget, concentration preference, and preferred supplement type.

Some supplements also contain additional vitamins and nutrients.

It is important to note that supplements should not replace food, and experts typically recommend them alongside a healthy diet. If a person is unsure whether to take fish oil or any other supplement, they should contact a doctor or another qualified healthcare professional.