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The best fish oil supplements contain nutrients from fish, seafood, and phytoplankton. They can also include omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and vitamin D. The most common forms are softgels, capsules, gummies, and liquids.
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Fish oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have numerous benefits, including supporting healthy heart, brain, eye, and function.
omega-3 fatty acids
People who do not regularly consume a source of omega-3, such as oily fish, seafood, nuts, or seeds, may wish to consider a fish oil or omega-3 supplement.
Learn about sources of omega-3 here.
Learn about sources of omega-3 here.
In this article, we discuss what fish oil supplements are and explore evidence of their benefits. We also list 11 fish oil supplements across a range of categories that a person may wish to consider.
A quick look at the 11 best fish oil supplements
Best overall: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Soft Gels | Skip to review
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Soft Gels
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Best budget: Nature Made Fish Oil Plus Vitamin D 1,000 IU | Skip to review
Nature Made Fish Oil Plus Vitamin D 1,000 IU
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Best for skin health: HUM Nutrition OMG! Omega the Great | Skip to review
HUM Nutrition OMG! Omega the Great
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Best IFOS certified: Life Extension Super Omega-3 Softgels | Skip to review
Life Extension Super Omega-3 Softgels
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Best bulk buy: InnovixLabs Triple Strength Omega-3 Capsules | Skip to review
InnovixLabs Triple Strength Omega-3 Capsules
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Best flavors: Carlson Labs The Very Finest Fish Oil | Skip to review
Carlson Labs The Very Finest Fish Oil
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Best high strength: Viva Naturals Omega-3 Fish Oil Softgels | Skip to review
Viva Naturals Omega-3 Fish Oil Softgels
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Best gummies: Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies | Skip to review
Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies
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Best subscription: Persona Nutrition Omega 3 | Skip to review
Persona Nutrition Omega 3
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Best plant-based: Nordic Naturals Algae Omega | Skip to review
Nordic Naturals Algae Omega
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Best prenatal: Zahler Prenatal + 300 mg DHA Softgels | Skip to review
Zahler Prenatal + 300 mg DHA Softgels
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Best fish oil supplements
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Soft Gels
Form softgel
Number of servings 60 per container
Dose 2 softgels per day
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These fish oil supplements from Nordic Naturals have a high level of EPA, making them suitable for anyone looking for an extra-strength supplement.
Each serving contains 1,280 milligrams (mg) of omega-3s, consisting of 650 mg EPA and 450 mg DHA.
People can buy packs of 60, 90, or 120 softgels. Liquid and gummy versions are also available.
This supplement is Friend of the Sea Certified Sustainable and uses fish oil from sardines, mackerel, and herring.
sardines
lemon flavor and no fishy aftertaste
free from gluten, milk, dyes, and GMOs
Friend of the Sea Certified Sustainable
more affordable options available
gelatin capsules may be unsuitable for some
lemon flavor and no fishy aftertaste
free from gluten, milk, dyes, and GMOs
Friend of the Sea Certified Sustainable
more affordable options available
gelatin capsules may be unsuitable for some
Returns: not accepted
Shipping: calculated at checkout
Returns: not accepted
Shipping: calculated at checkout
Nature Made Fish Oil Plus Vitamin D 1,000 IU
Form softgel
Number of servings 50 per container
Dose 2 softgels per day
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
Nature Made fish oil supplement provides 720 mg omega-3 per 2-capsule serving, which includes 360 mg of EPA and 240 mg of DHA.
The oil comes from wild ocean fish, and the company claims it removes mercury through purification.
mercury
These supplements are free from artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, yeast, dairy, starch, and gluten.
lower cost than other options
free from artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, yeast, dairy, starch, and gluten
some customers criticize the aftertaste and smell
some customers state that the softgels are too large
lower cost than other options
free from artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, yeast, dairy, starch, and gluten
some customers criticize the aftertaste and smell
some customers state that the softgels are too large
Returns: free returns for Prime members
Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Returns: free returns for Prime members
Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
HUM Nutrition OMG! Omega the Great
Form softgel
Number of servings 30 per container
Dose 2 softgels per day
SHOP NOW AT HUM NUTRITION
Hum Nutrition offers an omega-3 supplement with vitamin E, which may benefit skin health.
vitamin E
Each bottle contains 60 softgels with 800 mg EPA, 400 mg DHA, and 200 mg of other omega-3s. It also contains 13.4 mg of vitamin E.
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.
subscriptions offer discounts
free of most major allergens
triple tested and third-party tested for purity
higher cost than other options
some customers criticize the large softgels
subscriptions offer discounts
free of most major allergens
triple tested and third-party tested for purity
higher cost than other options
some customers criticize the large softgels
Returns: free returns within 30 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $50
Returns: free returns within 30 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $50
Life Extension Super Omega-3 Softgels
Form softgel
Number of servings 60 per container
Dose 4 softgels per day
SHOP NOW AT LIFE EXTENSION
Life Extension’s fish oil softgels contain 2,000 mg of fish oil, which includes 700 mg EPA and 500 mg DHA per serving. People can take 2 softgels twice per day.
These supplements also contain 300 mg of polyphenol-oil olive extract and 10 mg of sesame seed lignan extract to support the benefits of the fish oil.
This product holds certification from International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS). This means that the company tests its fish oils for purity and quality and makes sure they are free of heavy metals and pollutants.
IFOS certified
lemon lavor
free from gluten and GMOs
dosage is 4 softgels per day, which is more than most other supplements
contains sesame, which is an allergen for some people
IFOS certified
lemon lavor
free from gluten and GMOs
dosage is 4 softgels per day, which is more than most other supplements
contains sesame, which is an allergen for some people
Returns: returns within 12 months
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
Returns: returns within 12 months
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
InnovixLabs Triple Strength Omega-3 Capsules
Form capsule
Number of servings 200 per container
Dose 1 to 2 capsules per day
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These capsules have a plant-based enteric coating, so they are odor-free and suitable for people avoiding gelatin. This can help reduce fishy burps.
Each serving of 1 capsule contains 900 mg of omega-3s, which includes 480 mg EPA, 360 mg DHA, and 24 mg DPA.
Additionally, this product is free from dairy, eggs, shellfish, nuts, gluten, soy, sugar, GMOs, artificial flavors and colors.
plant-based capsule may suit people avoiding gelatin
200 servings per product
third-party tested and has IFOS certification
some customers criticize the capsule sizes
higher cost per product than other options
plant-based capsule may suit people avoiding gelatin
200 servings per product
third-party tested and has IFOS certification
some customers criticize the capsule sizes
higher cost per product than other options
Returns:
Shipping:
Returns:
Shipping:
Carlson Labs The Very Finest Fish Oil
Form liquid
Number of servings 100 per container
Dose 1 tsp per day
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This liquid fish oil is available in two sizes and several flavors, including lemon, berry, and apple. The flavors may help reduce the risk of fish-flavored burps and make the supplement more palatable.
Each serving of 1 teaspoon (tsp) contains 1,600 mg of omega-3, including 800 mg EPA, 500 mg DHA, and 90 mg DPA. It also contains 6.7 mg of vitamin E.
range of flavor options
customers state it is easy to take and does not cause fishy burps
also contains vitamin E
requires refrigeration and use within 60 days
best to use within 60 days of opening
some customers dislike the smell
range of flavor options
customers state it is easy to take and does not cause fishy burps
also contains vitamin E
requires refrigeration and use within 60 days
best to use within 60 days of opening
some customers dislike the smell
Returns: free returns for Prime members
Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Returns: free returns for Prime members
Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Viva Naturals Omega-3 Fish Oil Softgels
Form softgel
Number of servings 90 per container
Dose 2 softgels per day
SHOP NOW AT IHERB
Viva Naturals fish oil softgels contains 2,500 mg of fish oil, which consists of 1,500 mg EPA, 568 mg DHA, and 50 mg DPA.
These supplements contain a higher dose than similar supplements. This may not be appropriate for everyone, and a person should consider speaking with a doctor or other healthcare professional before purchasing.
These softgels are free from dairy, gluten, and GMOs. The oil is from wild caught fish, including sardine, anchovy, mackerel, and tilapia.
Viva Naturals recommends taking 2 softgels daily with a meal.
high strength
IFOS and Labdoor certified for purity and potency
re-esterified triglyceride form may make these easier to digest
unflavored, which may not suit some
gelatin capsule may not suit some
some customers dislike the smell
high strength
IFOS and Labdoor certified for purity and potency
re-esterified triglyceride form may make these easier to digest
unflavored, which may not suit some
gelatin capsule may not suit some
some customers dislike the smell
Returns:
Shipping:
Returns:
Shipping:
Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies
Form gummy
Number of servings 75 per container
Dose 2 gummies per day
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
These fish oil gummies are chewable and have a fruit flavor. They may suit people who do not want to swallow softgels and would prefer to avoid the flavor of fish oils.
Each serving contains 57 mg of total omega-3s, consisting of 47.5 mg DHA and 9.5 mg EPA.
The fish oil in Nature Made’s omega-3 gummies comes from wild caught ocean fish.
These gummies are free from artificial flavors, synthetic dyes, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and gluten.
Nature Made recommends 2 gummies per day.
easy to chew and swallow
various fruit flavors available
free from high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and flavors, and gluten
lower strength than other supplements
contains sugar
contains gelatin, which may not suit some
easy to chew and swallow
various fruit flavors available
free from high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and flavors, and gluten
lower strength than other supplements
contains sugar
contains gelatin, which may not suit some
Returns: free returns for Prime members
Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Returns: free returns for Prime members
Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Persona Nutrition Omega 3
Form softgels
Number of servings varies
Dose 1 softgel per day
SHOP NOW AT PERSONA
Persona offers personalized vitamin and mineral subscriptions. This may suit people wanting a regular delivery of omega-3 supplements.
Persona omega-3 supplements cost $0.14 per daily serving. Customers can order combinations and sizes of supplements to suit their needs.
Each capsule contains 645 mg of fish oil and 450 mg of omega-3. Persona does not disclose the DHA or EPA content.
The softgels are mini sized, which may make them easier to swallow.
personalized subscription
mini sized
contains lemon oil to disguise fish flavor
DHA and EPA doses not given
requires subscription to view full pricing
contains gelatin, which may not suit some
personalized subscription
mini sized
contains lemon oil to disguise fish flavor
DHA and EPA doses not given
requires subscription to view full pricing
contains gelatin, which may not suit some
Returns: not accepted
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
Returns: not accepted
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
Nordic Naturals Algae Omega
Form softgels
Number of servings 30 per container
Dose 2 softgels per day
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
Nordic Naturals Algae Omega supplements are a vegetarian and vegan alternative to fish oils.
They contain a total of 715 mg omega-3 per 2 softgel serving, with 390 mg DHA and 195 mg EHA.
The company claims it sources its omega-3 sustainably from marine microalgae and uses water extraction techniques.
These supplements are free from fish, gelatin, GMOs, gluten, dairy, artificial colors, and preservatives.
suitable for people avoiding fish products
does not have a fishy aftertaste
customers state they are easy to swallow
lower dose of omega-3s than some other supplements
some customers dislike the taste
suitable for people avoiding fish products
does not have a fishy aftertaste
customers state they are easy to swallow
lower dose of omega-3s than some other supplements
some customers dislike the taste
Returns: eligible for refund or replacement if product arrives damaged
Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Returns: eligible for refund or replacement if product arrives damaged
Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Zahler Prenatal + 300 mg DHA Softgels
Form softgel
Number of servings 60
Dosage 2 softgels per day
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON
These prenatal supplements provide 300 mg of DHA per serving, alongside 25 vitamins to help support health during pregnancy,
These softgels have no flavor or odor, which may suit people experiencing nausea during pregnancy. The company states the softgel form is easy to swallow.
These supplements only contain DHA omegas.
no taste or texture, which may make them more palatable during pregnancy
free from GMO, gluten, dairy, artificial colors, and preservatives
does not contain EPA or other omegas
some customers dislike the smell
no taste or texture, which may make them more palatable during pregnancy
free from GMO, gluten, dairy, artificial colors, and preservatives
does not contain EPA or other omegas
some customers dislike the smell
Returns: free returns for Prime members
Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Returns: free returns for Prime members
Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Comparing the best fish oil supplements
The table below compares the products listed in this article.
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega
Nature Made Softgels
HUM Nutrition
Life Extension
InnovixLabs
Carlson Labs
Viva Naturals
Nature Made Gummies
Persona
Nordic Naturals Algae Omega
Zahler
How we chose
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe and high quality ingredients that are clearly labeled. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the supplement dosage.
Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a safe dosage.
Third-party testing: MNT chooses products that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
ISO 17025-compliant
Available certificate of analysis: MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) following receipt of its third-party lab results.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Learn more here
How to choose
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 the Better Business Bureau, 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. A person may want to consider their preference for softgels, liquids, capsules, or gummies to help them choose the right product.
What are the benefits of taking fish oil?
Some studies show that omega-3s have health benefits, such as:
omega-3s
Reducing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA): A 2020 study noted that omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce autoimmune inflammatory responses in RA.
2020 study
RA
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.
may prescribe
lower triglyceride levels
2018 review
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.
2018 review
postpartum depression
Lowering stroke risk: According to a 2016 review, 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.
2016 review
ischemic strokes
Fish oils may benefit people with certain conditions, including:
some eye diseases
eye diseases
RA
RA
stroke
stroke
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease
heart disease
heart disease
However, more conclusive evidence is needed to point to the significant benefits of fish oil for those living with these conditions.
How much fish oil to take
According to the National Institute of Health (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.
National Institute of Health (NIH)
The American Heart Association, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 offer their omega-3 recommendations in fish intake rather than grams of EPA and DHA.
American Heart Association
Food and Drug Administration (FDA
Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025
Doctors may recommend higher amounts — potentially 1,000 mg and above per day — to people with high triglycerides or a history of heart disease.
recommend
high triglycerides
People ages 14 years and over who are pregnant should aim for 1.4 g (grams) of omega-3s per day, and those who are breastfeeding should consume 1.3 g per day.
The NIH does not report an established upper intake level for omega-3s. At very high doses, DHA and EPA may affect immune function by suppressing inflammatory responses. They may also increase bleeding time. According to the FDA, it is safe to take supplements containing no more than 5 g per day of EPA and DHA.
NIH
safe to take
How is the oil sourced?
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.
Are there any risks or side effects?
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.
side effects
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).
interact
blood thinners
aspirin
rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
If an individual has any health concerns, they should talk with a doctor or healthcare professional.
Frequently asked questions about fish oil supplements
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.
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.
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.
immune system suppression
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.
immune system suppression
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Summary
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.
a healthy diet