Omega-3 Supplement Guide: What to Buy and Why

Fish oil comes in both natural and processed forms.

The processing can affect the form of the fatty acids. This is important, because some forms are absorbed better than others.

• Fish. In whole fish, omega-3 fatty acids are present as free fatty acids, phospholipids, and triglycerides.
• Fish oil. In conventional fish oils, omega-3 fatty acids are mostly present as triglycerides.
• Processed fish oil. When fish oils are refined, food chemists often convert the triglycerides into ethyl esters, allowing them to adjust the concentration of DHA and EPA in the oil.
• Reformed triglycerides. The ethyl esters in processed fish oils can be converted back into triglycerides, which are then termed “reformed” triglycerides.

All of these forms have health benefits, but studies indicate that the absorption of omega-3 from ethyl esters is not as good as from the other forms — although some studies suggest they are equally well absorbed (1, 2).

Summary

Omega-3s come in several forms, most commonly as triglycerides. Some fish oils that are more processed may contain omega-3 ethyl esters, which don’t seem to be absorbed as well.

This is the oil that comes from the tissue of oily fish, mostly in the form of triglycerides. It’s the closest thing you can get to real fish.

Natural fish oil contains several important nutrients.

The amount of omega-3s in fish oil — including both EPA and DHA — ranges from 18–31%, but the amount varies between fish species (3, 4, 5).

Additionally, natural fish oil boasts vitamins A and D.

Salmon, sardines, herring, menhaden and cod liver are among the most common sources of natural fish oil. These oils are available in capsules or liquid form (6).

Summary

Natural fish oil contains the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. It also provides vitamins A and D.

Processed fish oil is purified and/or concentrated. It consists of ethyl esters or triglycerides.

Purification rids the oil of contaminants, such as mercury and PCBs. Concentrating the oil can also increase EPA and DHA levels. In fact, some oils may contain up to 50–90% pure EPA and/or DHA.

Processed fish oils make up the vast majority of the fish oil market, as they’re cheap and usually come in capsules, which are popular with consumers.

Your body doesn’t absorb processed fish oil as well as natural fish oil when it’s in the ethyl ester form. Ethyl esters also seem to be more prone to oxidation and rancidity than triglycerides (7).

However, some manufacturers process the oil even further to convert it back into a synthetic triglyceride form, which is well absorbed (1, 8).

These oils are referred to as reformed (or re-esterified) triglycerides. They’re the most expensive fish oil supplements and only make up a small percentage of the market.

Summary

Processed fish oils are purified and/or concentrated. They’re more vulnerable to oxidation and less easily absorbed by your body unless they’re converted back into triglycerides via a synthetic process.

Krill oil is extracted from Antarctic krill, a small shrimp-like animal. Krill oil contains omega-3s in both triglyceride and phospholipid form (9, 10).

Numerous studies have shown that omega-3 is absorbed just as well from the phospholipids in krill oil as from the triglycerides in fish oil — sometimes even better (11, 12, 13, 14).

Krill oil is highly resistant to oxidation, as it naturally contains a potent antioxidant called astaxanthin (15).

Additionally, krill are very small and have a short lifespan, so they don’t accumulate many contaminants during their lifetime. Therefore, their oil doesn’t need to be purified and is rarely found in the ethyl ester form.

Summary

Krill oil is naturally low in contaminants and contains a potent antioxidant. It provides omega-3s in both triglyceride and phospholipid form, which are well absorbed.

The green-lipped mussel is native to New Zealand, and its oil is usually in the form of triglycerides and free fatty acids.

Other than EPA and DHA, it also contains trace amounts of eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA). This rare omega-3 fatty acid may be even more effective at lowering inflammation than other omega-3s (16, 17).

Consuming green-lipped mussel oil, rather than fish oil, is considered to be environmentally friendly.

Summary

Green-lipped mussel oil is another source of omega-3 fatty acids. This shellfish contains several forms of omega-3s and is considered to be an environmentally friendly choice.

Mammalian omega-3 oil is made from seal blubber and is in the form of natural triglycerides.

In addition to EPA and DHA, it also contains relatively high amounts of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), an omega-3 fatty acid with several potential health benefits. Mammalian omega-3 oil is also exceptionally low in omega-6 (18).

Summary

Mammalian oil is also a good source of DPA, in addition to EPA and DHA in triglyceride form.

ALA is short for alpha-linolenic acid. It’s the plant form of omega-3s.

It’s found in particularly high amounts in flax seeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds.

Your body can convert it into EPA or DHA, but this conversion process is inefficient. Most plant oils are also higher in omega-6s than they are in omega-3s (19, 20, 21).

Summary

ALA oils are made from plant sources and contain both omega-3s and omega-6s. They don’t contain any EPA or DHA, the types of omega-3s that are active in your body.

Marine algae, particularly microalgae, are another triglyceride source of EPA and DHA.

Actually, the EPA and DHA in fish originate in algae. It’s eaten by smaller fish and moves up the food chain from there.

Studies show that algal oil is even more concentrated in omega-3s, particularly DHA, than fish oil. It’s a particularly good source for vegetarians and vegans (22, 23).

It may also contain important minerals like iodine.

Furthermore, algal oil is considered to be environmentally friendly. It doesn’t contain any contaminants, such as heavy metals, which makes it a sustainable, healthy option.

Summary

Microalgae are a plant source of EPA and DHA in triglyceride form. This oil is environmentally friendly and considered an excellent omega-3 source for vegetarians and vegans.

Omega-3 oils are commonly found in capsules or soft gels.

These are popular with consumers since they don’t have a taste and are easy to swallow.

The capsules are usually made from a soft layer of gelatin, and many manufacturers also use enteric coating.

Enteric coating helps keep the capsule from dissolving until it reaches your small intestine. This is common in fish oil capsules, as it prevents fish burps.

However, it can also mask the foul smell of rancid fish oil.

If you take omega-3 capsules, it may be a good idea to open one from time to time and smell it in order to make sure it hasn’t gone rancid.

Summary

Capsules are a popular way to take omega-3. However, capsules can mask the smell of rancid oil, so it’s best to open one up occasionally.

When shopping for an omega-3 supplement, always read the label carefully.

Also check the following:

• Type of omega-3. Many omega-3 supplements often contain little, if any, EPA and DHA — the most important types of omega-3s. Make sure your supplement contains these.
• Amount of omega-3. A supplement may say on the front that it contains 1,000 mg of fish oil per capsule. However, on the back you’ll read that EPA and DHA are only 320 mg.
• Form of omega-3. For better absorption, look for FFA (free fatty acids), TG, rTG (triglycerides and reformed triglycerides), and PLs (phospholipids), rather than EE (ethyl esters).
• Purity and authenticity. Try to buy products that have either the GOED standard for purity or a third-party seal. These labels show that they’re safe and contain what they say they do.
• Freshness. Omega-3s are prone to going rancid. Once they go bad, they’ll have a foul smell and become less potent or even harmful. Always check the date, smell the product, and see if it contains an antioxidant like vitamin E.
• Sustainability. Try to buy fish oil that the MSC, the Environmental Defense Fund, or a similar organization has certified. Small fish with short lifespans tend to be more sustainable.

Summary

Check your product for type and amount of omega-3s. It should contain EPA and DHA in satisfactory amounts — and preferably an antioxidant to combat rancidity.

A regular fish oil supplement is probably the best choice for most people looking to improve their well-being.

However, just remember that natural fish oil usually consists of no more than 30% EPA and DHA, which means 70% is other fats.

You can also buy supplements that contain a higher concentration of omega-3s. EPA and DHA can be as high as 90%. For best results, look for brands that contains omega-3s as free fatty acids. Triglycerides or phospholipids are good as well.

A few reputable omega-3 supplement brands include Nordic Naturals, Green Pasture, Bio-Marine Plus, Omegavia, and Ovega-3.

Summary

A regular fish oil supplement is probably enough for most people looking to optimize their health. If you need large doses, take a supplement with concentrated omega-3s.

For most people, a regular fish oil supplement is probably sufficient.

However, make sure the supplement contains what it says it does, and pay special attention to the EPA and DHA content.

EPA and DHA are most often found in animal-based omega-3 products. Vegetarian options are available, but they usually only contain ALA. One exception is algal oil, which is an excellent source of quality omega-3s and suitable for everyone, including vegans.

It’s best to take these supplements with a meal that contains fat, as fat increases your absorption of omega-3s (24).

Finally, keep in mind that omega-3s are perishable, just like fish, so buying in bulk is a bad idea.

At the end of the day, omega-3s may be one of the most beneficial supplements you can take. Just make sure to choose wisely.