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Nordic Naturals is our pick for the best overall fish oil supplement. Read on for the full list plus tips for choosing the best product for you.
- Best overall: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega | Skip to review
- Best for skin health: HUM Nutrition OMG! Omega the Great | Skip to review
- Best with CoQ10: Thorne Omega-3 with CoQ10 | Skip to review
- Best for pregnancy and breastfeeding: FullWell Fish Oil | Skip to review
- Best tasting: mindbodygreen omega-3 potency+ | Skip to review
- Best liquid: Carlson Labs The Very Finest Fish Oil | Skip to review
- Best affordable: InnovixLabs Triple Strength Omega-3 | Skip to review
- Best high dose: Viva Naturals Omega-3 Fish Oil | Skip to review
- Best gummy: Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies | Skip to review
- Best cod liver oil: Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil | Skip to review
- Best for kids: Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA | Skip to review
If you do not regularly consume fish, consuming fish oil in supplement form can be a quick and convenient way to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
These fatty acids play an important role in supporting heart, eye, and brain health, and for lowering inflammation and cholesterol, among other benefits.
They are abundant in cold water fish and seafood and in lesser amounts in plant-based foods, such as nuts and seeds, and plant oils.
Omega-3 supplementation is an easy and helpful process to increase your intake of this essential nutrient if you do not get enough from whole food sources. If you consume animal products, you can take fish oil in softgel, liquid, and gummy forms. They’re available in a range of price points and dosages.
Keep reading to see our picks of the 11 best fish oil supplements on the market.
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher price range.
Generally, prices range from $0.20–$1.10 per serving, or $16–$55 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $0.25 per serving
- $$ = $0.25–$0.50 per serving
- $$$ = over $0.50 per serving
Note that the serving sizes vary. Some supplements require two softgels or gummies per serving, while the serving size for others may be one capsule or 1 teaspoon (tsp), or 5 milliliters (mL).
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Disclaimer: Some of the products below were provided to Healthline testers for free. Our opinions and reviews are ours alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the brands.
When rounding up the best fish oil supplements, we considered the following factors:
- Vetting: All the products included were vetted to ensure they meet Healthline’s medical and business standards, including but not limited to:
- adhering to allowable health claims and labeling requirements, per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations
- manufactured in facilities that adhere to current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs) established by the FDA
- produced by medically credible companies that follow ethical, legal, and industry best standards
- Quality: In addition to the quality of ingredients, we looked at the company’s testing and manufacturing processes. The products selected are made by companies that provide objective measures of trust, such as having their supplements validated by third-party labs.
- Fish oil source: We prioritized supplements with oil from smaller fish because they’re
typically lower in mercury than larger fish. - Certifications: We prioritized products with additional certifications from independent organizations to help ensure quality, transparency, and safety beyond third-party testing. However, we also included many products that use other methods to verify quality.
- Price: We included products to suit a variety of budgets.
| Product | Price | DHA per serving | EPA per serving | Third-party tested* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega | $$$ | 450 mg | 650 mg | yes |
| HUM Nutrition OMG! Omega the Great | $$$ | 400 mg | 800 mg | yes |
| Thorne Omega-3 with CoQ10 | $$$ | 180 mg | 450 mg | yes |
| FullWell Fish Oil | $$$ | 400 mg | 200 mg | yes |
| mindbodygreen omega potency+ | $$ | 643 mg | 857 mg | yes |
| Carlson Labs The Very Finest Fish Oil | $$$ | 500 mg | 800 mg | yes |
| InnovixLabs Triple Strength Omega-3 | $ | 360 mg | 480 mg | yes |
| Viva Naturals Omega-3 Fish Oil | $$$ | 480 mg | 1,400 mg | yes |
| Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies | $$ | 47.5 mg | 9.5 mg | yes |
| Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil | $$$ | 510 mg | 340 mg | yes |
| Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA | $$ | 255 mg | 170 mg | yes |
*Third-party testing refers to whether the purity and potency of a product has been confirmed by a third-party lab.
- Supplement quality: It’s important to check the ingredient list carefully and steer clear of supplements containing fillers or artificial ingredients. Ideally, you can look for products that have undergone third-party testing and are certified by an independent organization such as IFOS, USP, NSF International, or the TGA.
- Omega-3 content: Look for supplements that contain around
250 mg to 500 mg of combined EPA and DHA per serving. Some products may also contain ALA, a form of omega-3 fatty acid found in plants that’s converted to EPA and DHA insmall amounts . - Serving size: Some supplements may require you to take multiple capsules or gummies each day while others provide the entire dose in a single shot. If this is important to you, be sure to check the recommended serving size prior to purchasing.
- Fish oil source: You may want to consider the source of the fish oil as well. Ideally, opt for smaller, sustainably caught fish, like sardines and anchovies, which
tend to contain lower levels of mercury. - Supplement type: There are also several forms of fish oil supplements, including softgels, liquids, or gummies. Which one works best for you will largely be a matter of preference.
- Freshness: Purchasing from a reputable brand can help ensure that you’re getting fish oil at its peak freshness. In fact, some supplements may undergo third-party testing to check for oxidation, which can be a sign of rancidity. You should also check the expiration date carefully and avoid buying in large batches to maintain freshness.
Certifications 101
Many of the products on our list are certified by third-party organizations. Here are a few of the most common to keep an eye out for, along with what each certification means:
- TGA: This is the regulatory agency of the Australian government, which is responsible for regulating the safety and quality of supplements and medications. Products that are approved by TGA have been audited and verified to meet their safety standards.
- Friend of the Sea: This organization certifies that fish oil supplements are sourced from sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
- NSF International: This third-party organization analyzes products to verify quality. They also ensure that manufacturing facilities adhere to strict safety standards.
- IFOS: This certification provides testing results for fish oil supplements and certifies that they meet standards for quality, safety, and purity. Specifically, they analyze the active ingredient content, levels of harmful contaminants, and stability of products.
- European Pharmacopoeia: This organization certifies that products are compliant with current regulatory requirements and meet criteria for quality.
- Marine Stewardship Council: This independent organization assesses fisheries to ensure that they are adhering to sustainable fishing practices. Fish oil supplements with this certification have been sourced from these sustainable fisheries.
- ORIVO: This Norwegian-operated company confirms the species and origin of fish oil used in omega-3 supplements.
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Useful supplement shopping guides
- How to choose high quality vitamins and supplements
- How to read supplement labels like a pro
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Fish oil is a top source of omega-3 fatty acids, called polyunsaturated fats, which play important roles in many processes in your body,
There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids:
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are primarily found in fish and are biologically active forms of omega-3. This means that they are in a form that the body can use.
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is found in plant foods, and your body
must convert it to EPA and DHA in order to use it.
All omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and may have a positive effect on many conditions thought to be related to chronic inflammation — particularly heart disease. EPA and DHA may also
Additionally, omega-3s play a key role in vision and eye health, as they’re necessary for eye development. However, while some studies suggest that they
Omega-3s are also important for brain health. During infancy and childhood, they’re
In older adults, omega-3 supplementation may play a role in
The most common side effect of fish oil supplements is fishy burps, but there are now several “burpless” fish oil products on the market that claim to cut down on this unpleasant but harmless side effect.
Some people might also experience digestive issues after taking fish oil, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
If you experience nausea or vomiting after taking fish oil, you can check the expiration date. The oil may deteriorate and become rancid. Consider lowering your dosage or taking the supplement with a meal to decrease any uncomfortable side effects.
You should also check with a doctor before taking fish oil if you’re taking other medications or have any underlying health conditions, as high doses could
The simple answer is that there is no simple answer. Research on the potential effects of fish oil on cholesterol levels has been conflicting. According to a 2021 study, higher blood levels of DHA could be linked to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
On the other hand, one review concluded that fish oil supplements could actually increase LDL cholesterol, while other research suggests that eating fresh fish might be a better option for improving cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Therefore, it’s best to consult a doctor before taking fish oil if you have high cholesterol levels.
You can take fish oil every day, at whatever time works for you. Because fish oil does not offer immediate benefits, what’s most important is that you take it consistently, ideally alongside a fat-containing meal to boost absorption.
If you experience side effects from fish oil supplements, such as nausea or acid reflux, you may find the supplement easier to tolerate by splitting it into two smaller doses throughout the day.
Keep in mind that omega-3 products and fish oil supplements can have blood-thinning effects in high doses. Fish oil might also cause other side effects, including diarrhea, insomnia, and high blood sugar levels.
A doctor can provide guidance on how much you should take. It’s also important to check with a healthcare professional before taking fish oil if you’re also taking a blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin or another anticoagulant.
You can take fish oil every day. However, taking high doses of fish oil (at least 900 mg of EPA plus 600 mg DHA) over time may promote immune system suppression because of the powerful anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fats.
It’s important to check the dosages of EPA and DHA in your fish oil before you purchase so that you don’t buy one that could lead to this effect.
Ideally, you should look for fish oil derived from wild-caught, sustainably sourced varieties of fish that are lower in mercury, such as mackerel, anchovies, or sardines.
Some people might also prefer opting for cod liver oil instead, as it provides other important nutrients in addition to omega-3s, including vitamins A and D.
If reducing inflammation is your goal, look for a fish oil supplement that contains a good amount of DHA in each serving.
According to one 2021 study, while both DHA and EPA can help decrease markers of inflammation, DHA may have a broader effect.
Nordic Naturals Cod Liver Oil has the highest amount of DHA per serving on our list.
Fish oil supplements that combine omega-3 fatty acids with other ingredients, like CoQ10 or vitamin D, can be a great choice to help support brain function.
Nordic Naturals Cod Liver Oil contains vitamin D while Thorne’s Omega-3 contains CoQ10.
A 2023 study found that higher blood levels of CoQ10 could be linked to improved cognitive function.
Meanwhile, a 12-month study from 2020 involving older adults showed that vitamin D supplementation could enhance brain function by reducing oxidative stress.
Fish oil is one source of omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA. However, omega-3 fatty acids are also found in food sources, along with other supplements derived from sources like flaxseed oil or algae.
Most health organizations recommend consuming 250 mg to 500 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day, with slight variations depending on your age and health status.
For ALA, the daily recommended intake is 1.1 g per day for women and 1.6 g per day for men.
There are many types of fish oil supplements, each from a different source and with varying amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.
When shopping for a fish oil supplement, it’s best to choose a product that’s been third-party tested to make sure the contents match the label.
You’ll also want to consider which form of supplement you prefer, such as liquid, capsule, or gummy, and your preferred dose. However, keep in mind that more is not always better. In fact, excessive intake may do more harm than good.
Finally, try taking the supplement alongside a balanced diet to maximize its benefits.
