(Last Updated on November 9, 2022)
Fish oil has been making its way into conventional medicine.
As a matter of fact, various studies support that it is essential in boosting the immune system and lowering the risk of death.
Moreover, the heart foundation advises that adults should consume at least 250mg -500mg of omega-3 fatty acids daily.
This can only be achieved by consuming fish oil supplements and more servings of oily fish.
But, what’s the secret behind fish oil?
Fish oil contains omega -3 fatty acids which comprise of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
These fatty acids are important nutrients in managing brain and cardiovascular function.
A study by Harvard University analyzed the causes of preventable deaths by examining 12 dietary, lifestyle and metabolic factors.
Researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids deficiency was the sixth leading cause of death among Americans, causing 96000 deaths annually.
Therefore, it is important to consume fish oil to boost daily health.
Adding fish in your diet may be the best shot in consuming omega-3s, but all the same, if you do not like fish, especially the taste, fish oil supplements are available.
Many companies are producing fish oil supplements every other time.
You may be wondering which ones are the best or worth a try.
Well, this in-depth review will reveal the benefits of fish oil supplements, who should use fish oil supplements and the top 3 best fish oil supplements.
Check out below!
Top-Rated Fish Oil Pills
Choosing a fish oil supplement can be tricky.
Some supplements have impure ingredients while others do not contain what they say.
This can be ineffective and harsh to the body.
So, who can you trust with your health?
We carried out an in-depth analysis of the 3 best fish oil supplements in 2023 that you can trust.
1. Dr Tobias Omega 3 Fish Oil Triple Strength
Dr Tobias Omega 3 Fish Oil is a recognized and the number one top-selling fish oil supplement on Amazon, offering 2000mg of fish oil, which consists of 1400mg of Omega-3’s; 600mg DHA and 800mg EPA in a single serving (2 capsules).
It is formulated to enhance the potency of Omega-3 fatty acids in the body; a best seller in the market, offering the highest amount of long chain fatty acids.
Additionally, Dr. Tobias Omega 3 Fish oil employs molecular distillation to heighten purity levels.
This is certified by NSF International (public health and safety organization) and Labdoor.
It is manufactured by Dr.Tobias, who has also designed other health supplements.
Key features
- 2000mg of fish oil with 1400mg Omega-3 Fatty Acids (800mg EPA and 600mg DHA) per serving-2 capsules.
- Supports heart, brain, joint, skin, and hair health as well as enhance mood.
- Certified and tested purity levels through molecular distillation.
- Contain an enteric coating that enhances absorption of the fatty acids and prevents the fishy aftertaste.
- Tested ingredients safety and nutritional value.
- Contains fish: herring, anchovy, sardine, salmon, mackerel and soy.
- PCB tested.
How does it work?
Dr.Tobias Omega 3 Fish Oil provides the body with optimal amounts of EPA and DHA.
These fatty acids enhance heart, brain and skin health and boost the body’s overall performance.
Pros & cons
Pros
- No fishy aftertaste.
- The purest form of fish oil.
- Free from toxins.
- High doses of DHA and EPA.
- Burpless.
- Non-GMO verified.
Cons
- Contains soy.
- Reported allergic reactions.
2. Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega, a top seller on Amazon, contains 1280mg Omega-3s, with 650mg EPA and 450mg DHA per serving, which has been clinically proven to support heart health.
It ranks high among the best fish oil supplements here due to its high amount of Omega-3s but more so due to its easily accessible Certificate of Analysis.
It provides Certificate of Analysis to verify purity, sustainability, potency, non-GMO, no radionuclide activity, and freshness.
The manufacturer provides a lot number on the bottle, next to the expiration date, below the ingredients list.
To access the Certificate of Analysis, you are required to enter the lot number on the official website.
Each serving contains the triglyceride molecular form, which is found naturally in fish and is easily absorbed by the body.
It is manufactured by Nordic Naturals.
Key features
- Contains 1280mg Omega-3s (450mg DHA and 650mg EPA) in one serving (2 capsules).
- Oxygen-free manufacturing.
- Molecular distillation- removes toxins, impurities.
- Provides Certificate of Analysis.
- Clinically proven to support heart health.
- Ingredients include purified deep sea fish oil (sardines and anchovies), natural lemon flavor, rosemary extract (natural preservative),d-alpha tocopherol, soft gel capsule (gelatin, water, glycerin, natural lemon flavor).
How does it work?
Nordic Natural Ultimate Omega provides a high quality fresh, pure, concentrated fish oil that delivers a high amount of Omega 3 fatty acids in the body.
It promotes optimal wellness, heart health, and brain health.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Made from 100% wild caught anchovies and sardines.
- The high amount of EPA and DHA.
- Has a lemon taste.
- Purity and freshness guaranteed.
- Provides a Certificate of Analysis.
- Non-GMO verified.
- Gluten and dairy products free.
Cons
- Reported side effects.
- Some users claimed it causes burps.
3. Nature Made Burp-Less Fish Oil
Nature Made Burpless Oil contains 600mg of Omega 3 fatty acids (500mg of EPA/DHA) per serving that aims to support heart health.
It is the number one recommended pharmacist brand of Omega 3 (based on a survey of pharmacists who recommend branded supplements and vitamins).
It is manufactured by NatureMade, who say that this dietary supplement supports the recommended 250-500mg of DHA/EPA daily by health experts
It is uniquely coated to prevent fishy aftertaste.
Key features
- Number 1 pharmacist recommended omega 3 brand.
- Made from wild-caught ocean fish.
- Contains 1000mg fish oil, with 500mg DHA/EPA per serving (2 soft gels).
- Gluten and preservatives free.
- Purified to remove mercury.
How does it work?
Natural Made Burpless fish oil provides the body with Omega 3 fatty acids to support healthy cardiovascular function.
Moreover, omega 3s improve the overall wellness in the body and improve mood.
During manufacturing, it goes through purifying processes to remove toxins such as PCBs, furans, mercury, and dioxins.
Therefore, it works safely when consumed.
Pros & cons
Pros
- A pharmacist recommended a brand.
- Contains no preservatives or artificial colors.
- No fishy aftertaste.
- High levels of purity.
- Gluten, starch, and yeast free.
Cons
- Low levels of DHA/EPA.
- Do not show a difference between EPA and DHA levels.
- No IFOS rating.
Benefits of Fish Oil Supplements
Fish oil supplements are a super way to consume the required omega-3 fatty acids needed by the body to maintain positive health.
We have gathered some benefits of omega-3 fatty acids backed up by science.
Enhances brain health in early life, right from pregnancy
Omega 3 fatty acids are essential in improving cognitive function, especially the development of the brain in infants.
40% of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the brain are DHA.
Thus, taking fish oil during pregnancy will help infants have a well-developed brain.
Here are some expected benefits:
- Lowers risk of developmental risk.
- Reduces risk of autism, cerebral palsy and ADHD.
- Improves social and communication skills.
- Results in higher intelligence.
Reduces risk factors for heart disease
Various studies have shown that consuming fish oil may reduce the risk of heart diseases.
Fish oil supplements do so through:
- Lessening triglycerides.
- Reducing blood pressure.
- Increasing levels of good HDL cholesterol.
- Preventing blood clots.
- Lowering the risk of abnormal heart rhythm.
Lowers certain mental disorders
60% of the brain is fat and 40% is Omega 3 fatty acids, thus omega 3 is important in enhancing normal cognitive function.
Research shows that fish oil supplements can improve some mental disorders as well as prevent their onset, including depression, bipolar and anxiety.
People with depression have been seen to have lower levels of omega-3 in their blood.
Additionally, Omega 3 has been seen to reduce age-related mental decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
Improves eye health
Research shows that lack of enough omega-3s results in poor eye health.
Fish oil supplements provide omega-3 that prevents eye diseases, improves vision and prevents age-related macular degeneration.
Prevents inflammation
Chronic inflammation can be deteriorating to one’s health leading to diseases such as cancer or heart conditions.
Research shows that fish oil supplements help reduce substances that lead to inflammation such as cytokines and eicosanoids through providing optimal amounts of omega 3 fatty acids.
Other benefits
- Lower the risk of death.
- Fights autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes.
- Decreases liver fat and inflammation.
- Enhances sleep.
- Improves skin’s health.
Who Should Use Fish Oil Supplements?
Fish oil supplements should be taken by everyone who is not meeting the required daily fish oil intake in their diet.
Both Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition and NHS recommend a weekly intake of 3150mg of Omega-3.
Unfortunately, most people fail to meet this range in their diet thus, they all need to supplement.
The FDA advises that individuals who do not eat seafood or fish or hate the taste of fish should take 2 to 3 servings of fish oil supplements.
Additionally, pregnant and breastfeeding women may also supplement fish oil if they are not taking enough fish in their diet.