At a glance / Benefits / Our picks / Comparison table / How to choose / Dose / Side effects / Takeaway
Looking for the best fish oil supplements? Our team of registered dietitians considered quality, sourcing, taste and cost to compile this comprehensive list. Our best overall pick is Nordic Naturals.
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that play an important role in many processes in your body, including those related to inflammation, immunity, heart health, and brain function (1).
There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids:
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
- Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA)
EPA and DHA, found primarily in fish, are the biologically active forms of omega-3 fatty acids. ALA is found in plant foods and your body needs to convert it to EPA and DHA in order to use it (2).
If you don’t eat fish regularly, taking a fish oil supplement can be a quick and easy way to increase your omega-3 fatty acid intake.
Read on to see our picks for the 15 best fish oil supplements.
What are the benefits of fish oil?
Fish oil is a source of omega-3 fats that provide several health benefits.
mega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory, so they can have a positive effect on many diseases that are thought to be related to chronic inflammation, especially heart disease. EPA and DHA may also help reduce high triglyceride levels, a risk factor for heart disease (1, 3).
Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids play a key role in vision and eye health, as they are necessary for eye development and may help treat dry eye (4).
Omega-3 fatty acids are also important for brain health. They are necessary for normal nervous system development during infancy and childhood (1, 5).
In adults, omega-3 supplements may play a role in preventing stroke and mental decline (6).
How we chose
We considered the following factors when compiling the best fish oil supplements:
- Verified: All included products have been verified to ensure they meet Healthline’s medical and commercial standards, including but not limited to:
- Complies with permitted health claims and labeling requirements under US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.
- Manufactured in a facility that complies with Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) as established by the FDA
- Manufactured by a medically reputable company that adheres to ethical, legal, and industry best standards
- Quality: In addition to the quality of the ingredients, we also looked at the companies’ testing and manufacturing processes. Selected products are manufactured by companies that provide objective standards of confidence, such as: B. Third-party laboratory verification of their dietary supplements.
- Fish oil sources: We prioritize small fish oil supplements because they typically contain less mercury than larger fish (7).
Healthline’s picks for the best fish oil supplements
Best overall fish oil supplement
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega
Best for: Most healthy adults looking for a quality fish oil supplement
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega is our pick for the best overall product because it’s a premium nutritional supplement with 1,100 mg of EPA and DHA from wild sardines and anchovies.
The softgels have a lemon flavor, which helps eliminate the fishy smell often found in other fish oil supplements.
All Nordic Naturals products are certified by Friend of the Sea, the organization that ensures seafood comes from sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
All Nordic Naturals products are also supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (COA). This document provides detailed information on the purity, strength and quality of dietary supplements.
Best fish oil subscriptions
Care/of Fish Oil Wild at Heart
Best for: People who enjoy the convenience of a subscription service and want a low-dose fish oil supplement
If you would like fish oil supplements automatically mailed to you each month, check out Care/of Fish Oil Wild at Heart.
This fish oil supplement contains salmon oil sustainably sourced from wild Alaskan salmon and processed through cold-press extraction.
In addition to fish oil, softgels contain bovine gelatin, glycerin, mixed tocopherols, and water.
According to the company website, Care/of products are third-party tested to ensure purity and potency.
HUM Nutrition OMG! OMEGA the Great
Best for: Individuals who enjoy the convenience of a subscription service and require higher doses of omega-3s than Care/of products
HUM Nutrition is another subscription vitamin service that offers excellent fish oil supplements.
God! Omega the Great is a fish oil softgel that provides 1,400 mg of total omega-3 fatty acids per serving and is derived from wild anchovies.
All HUM Nutrition products are third-party tested, non-GMO, gluten-free and free of artificial sweeteners and colors.
You can buy it without a subscription, but it’s much cheaper to sign up for a 3-month subscription.
Best fish oil supplements for heart health
Life Extension Super Omega-3
Best for: People looking for a cheaper alternative to Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega
With 1,200 mg of EPA and DHA per serving, Life Extension Super Omega-3 is an excellent choice for adding more heart-healthy omega-3s to your diet.
It also contains olive extract, which is rich in antioxidants and has some cardioprotective properties. Additionally, sesame lignans are included for their antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which help protect fish oil from spoilage (8).
Derived primarily from anchovies sustainably caught off the coast of Chile, this dietary supplement is certified by the International Fish Oil Standard (IFOS), a scheme for evaluating the quality and effectiveness of fish oil products.
It comes in a variety of forms, including enteric-coated and easy-to-swallow softgels.
Thorne Omega-3 with CoQ10
Best for: People who are also interested in taking a CoQ10 supplement
This premium fish oil supplement combines omega-3 fatty acids with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a heart-healthy antioxidant that protects against oxidative damage and helps cells produce energy (9).
Each softgel contains 630 mg of EPA and DHA (sustainably sourced from cold-water fish), and 30 mg of CoQ10.
It is manufactured by Thorne Research, which is accredited by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the Australian government agency that regulates medicines and dietary supplements.
All Thorne Research products go through four rounds of extensive testing to ensure you are getting the highest quality product. Thorne’s manufacturing facility is third party certified by NFS International.
Best affordable fish oil supplements
Amazon Elements Super Omega-3 with Lemon Flavor
Best for: Those on a tight budget
Amazon Elements Super Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplement contains omega-3 fatty acids from wild fish, including anchovies, sardines and mackerel.
The other ingredients are gelatin, glycerin and purified water. No artificial colours, flavors or chemical preservatives, they are gluten and non-GMO.
The fish oil in Super Omega-3 comes from Norway and the product is blended and packaged in the USA. Amazon said the levels of contaminants such as lead, mercury, cadmium or arsenic did not exceed generally accepted safety standards.
This is the purchasing model for all Amazon Elements nutritional supplements. Ingredients are sourced from around the world, but blending and manufacturing is done in the USA by Arizona Nutritional Supplements (ANS).
ANS complies with CGMP, which means that the company’s operating procedures meet the quality control and testing standards set by the FDA.
Amazon guarantees that all Amazon Elements supplements are tested for potency, purity and integrity. It provides a COA for each product detailing the test results.
Nature Made Fish Oil Plus Vitamin D 1,000 IU
Best for: People who also need a vitamin D supplement
Manufactured by Nature Made, this dietary supplement is a high-quality, affordable option for those looking to boost their intake of both omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.
It contains 2,000 IU of vitamin D, an important vitamin found naturally in very few food sources (10).
These supplements are derived from wild-caught fish and purified to remove mercury and other harmful compounds such as dioxins, furans, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
Nature Made supplements are verified by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), a nonprofit organization that sets strict standards for strength, quality, packaging, and purity of dietary supplements.
Best tasting fish oil supplement
Barlean’s Ideal Omega3 Softgels
Best for: People who can’t stand the taste of most fish oil supplements
Barlean’s Ideal Omega3 Softgels are orange flavored to mask the unpleasant taste and odor of fish oil.
Just 1 Ideal Omega3 softgel provides 1,000 mg of Pollock’s EPA and DHA combination, allowing you to quickly and easily achieve your daily dose.
Not only has this pharmaceutical grade food supplement been rated 5 stars by IFOS, it is also certified by the Marine Stewardship Council for sustainable fishing practices.
Best liquid fish oil supplement
Carlson Labs The Very Finest Fish Oil
Best for: People who like liquid supplements
This supplement is a good choice for those who prefer to use liquid fish oil rather than softgels or capsules.
Each teaspoon (5 ml) contains 1,600 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, including 1,300 mg of EPA and DHA from wild anchovies, sardines and mackerel.
Not only is it IFOS certified, but it has also been verified as GMO-free, which means it contains no GMOs.
It’s also rich in vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin that doubles as an antioxidant ( 11Trusted Source ).
Plus, it comes in lemon and orange flavors, perfect for blending into smoothies or juices.
Best softgel fish oil supplements
Innovix Labs Triple Strength Omega-3
Best for: Individuals who prefer a once-a-day formula
Packed with 900 mg of omega-3 fatty acids in a single softgel, this triple strength omega-3 supplement is a great choice for those looking to simplify their daily routine.
In addition to its IFOS 5-star rating, all Innovix Labs pills are made from sustainably sourced fish such as anchovies, sardines and mackerel, and purified to remove harmful compounds such as mercury.
The capsules have an enteric coating to prevent them from breaking and dissolving in the stomach. This is to help reduce side effects such as fishy and aftertaste.
Viva Naturals Omega-3 Fish Oil
Best for: People looking for a high-dose omega-3 supplement
This simple fish oil formula contains 2,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids and 1,880 mg of EPA and DHA per serving.
As well as being IFOS certified, it is also made from small wild fish such as mackerel, anchovies and sardines caught using sustainable fishing methods.
The oil also goes through a purification process that helps eliminate any fishy or aftertaste.
Best gummy
Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies
Best for: People who already consume sources of DHA and EPA and are looking for a low-dose supplement
If the thought of swallowing softgels is too much for you, these gummy bears are a great way to boost your omega-3 intake.
They contain 57 mg of EPA and DHA per serving and come from wild caught marine fish.
They are also USP Verified free of synthetic colors 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 gummy bears also contain 3 grams of added sugar per serving.
Rather than relying on these gummy bears to fully meet your omega-3 needs, it’s best to include them as part of a balanced diet of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Best cod liver oil
Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil
Best for: People interested in fish oil supplements that also provide fat-soluble vitamins
Cod Liver Oil is a unique fish oil pressed from the liver of cod, a fish rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids (12).
This dietary supplement is obtained entirely from wild arctic cod from the North Sea and is available in liquid and softgel forms. It provides 600-850 mg of a combination of EPA and DHA, depending on the product you choose.
Nordic Naturals dietary 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 Original, Orange, Strawberry and Lemon.
Best fish oil supplement for kids
Barlean’s Omega Pals Chirpin’ Slurpin’ Lemonade Fish Oil
Best for: Children age 1 and up
Are you looking for fish oil that is safe for your kids to take? This Barlean’s Omega Pals Fish Oil comes in several kid-recommended flavors such as Lemonade, Tangerine, Tangerine, and Strawberry Banana.
It also provides 540 mg of DHA and EPA.
This product is suitable for children over 1 year old.
It is important that children get enough omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, as it is essential for brain development and eye health (5).
However, there are currently no specific guidelines for taking DHA. Instead, there are guidelines for total omega-3 intake, as follows (1).
Best for pregnancy and breastfeeding
Fullwell Fish Oil
Best for: Pregnancy and postpartum
A daily fish oil supplement is a beneficial addition to your daily prenatal vitamin during pregnancy. Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA are necessary for brain development, and a 2021 study found that children born to women who took omega-3 supplements during pregnancy had improved early language development and fewer behavioral problems (13) .
Additionally, omega-3 supplementation during breastfeeding ensures that infants receive adequate DHA and EPA through breast milk (14).
This FullWell omega-3 supplement provides EPA and DHA from small marine fish that have lower levels of mercury than other fish. High levels of mercury can lead to developmental problems, so it is important for pregnant women to be aware of sources of mercury in their diet (15).
The softgels are also very small and easy to swallow, and the supplement has been third-party tested for the presence of heavy metals like mercury and other potentially harmful substances.
How to choose a fish oil supplement
There are several factors to consider when choosing a fish oil supplement:
- Quality of Supplements: It is important to look carefully at ingredient lists and avoid supplements or artificial ingredients. Ideally, look for products that have been third-party tested and certified by an independent organization 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 can be converted to EPA and DHA in small amounts (2).
- 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 (7).
- Supplement Type: Fish oil supplements are also available in different 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.
How much fish oil should you take?
Most health organizations recommend 250–500 mg of EPA and DHA per day, with slight variations based on age and health status (16, 17).
For ALA, the recommended daily allowance is 1.1 grams per day for women and 1.6 grams per day for men (2).
Potential side effects of fish oil
The most common side effect of fish oil supplements is burping, but there are several “no-burp” fish oil products on the market today that claim to reduce this uncomfortable but harmless side effect.
If you experience nausea or vomiting after taking fish oil, check the expiration date. Oil will go bad and go bad. Consider taking the supplement with a meal to reduce unpleasant side effects.
The bottom line
There are many types of omega-3 supplements, each from different sources and with different combinations of ingredients.
They also come in a variety of forms, including capsules, liquids, and gummies.
For best results, find fish oil supplements that are right for you and take them with a balanced diet to maximize their benefits.
After all, more isn’t always better when it comes to fish oil. In fact, excessive intake can do more harm than good.