Products and what to know

In this article, we discuss what fish oil supplements are and explore evidence of their benefits. Also, we recommend 12 fish oil supplements across a range of categories.

A quick look at the 12 best fish oil supplements in 2022

Omega-3 is a type of fat present in food. It is also found 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-3, 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, which is found in some plant oils, including soybean and flaxseed. 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.

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.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Best for extra support: Nordic Naturals ProOmega-D

This fish oil supplement from Nordic Naturals has a high level of EPA, making it suitable for anyone who is looking for an extra-strength supplement.

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

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

Nature Made’s fish oil supplement provides 360 mg of omega-3 per softgel. It 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 references EPA and DHA on the label, it does not specify the amounts.

Best flavor: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Liquid

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 1,460 mg of EPA and 1,010 mg of DHA per dosage.

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

Best for a budget: Kirkland Signature Natural Fish Oil Concentrate

Kirkland Signature is a budget-friendly fish oil supplement option.

This unflavored softgel contains 250 mg of 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.

Best mini size: GNC Triple Strength Fish Oil Mini

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 for burp reduction: Kaged Omega-3

Kaged’s omega-3 supplements use high quality fish oils in a fish gelatin capsule. The brand suggests that these supplements do not oxidize as quickly, which helps to prevent fishy burps.

Each serving contains a high amount of omega-3, featuring 110 mg of EPA and 900 mg of DHA.

The company claims to use a two-stage purification process for its sustainably caught fish.

Best krill oil: Elm and Rye Krill Oil

Elm and Rye’s krill oil is from Antarctic krill, which have high levels of DHA and EPA.

These capsules are 100% krill oil, which the company says contains astaxanthin — a natural compound that some research shows is a powerful antioxidant.

Krill oil can be an alternative for people who do not want to take fish oil.

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

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

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

Wiley’s Finest omega-3 liquid contains a very high concentration of omega-3, with 1400 mg of EPA and 900 mg of DHA per serving. This may not be appropriate for everyone, and a person should consider speaking with their doctor or a healthcare professional before purchasing.

The National Academy of Medicine has not established an 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 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 (MSC) and Safe Quality Food (SQF) Institute, and it contains no additives or preservatives.

Best flaxseed oil: Barlean’s Flax Oil

Barlean’s flax oil is a plant-based alternative to omega-3 oil. This 100% organic flaxseed oil is cold-pressed and contains 7,640 mg of ALA. This serving is much higher because only a small amount of ALA (less than 15%) is converted to EPA and DHA. It also contains omega-6 and omega-9.

This versatile oil contains no additives, is sugar-free, and is suitable to consume straight from the spoon or mixed with foods, such as salad dressings.

The oil is certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Best vegan option: Care/of Veggie Omega

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

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

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

Best for children: Nordic Naturals Omega-3 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.

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

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