Best Fish Oil Supplements Review – How to Compare Products

Fish oil supplements offer a source of omega-3 fatty acids and are commonly taken to support heart health, brain function, mood balance, healthy aging and more.

These polyunsaturated fatty acids, which include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are required for brain function and healthy growth and development, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. [1]

Since the body is unable to make omega-3 fatty acids, these must be obtained from the diet in addition to food sources, such as salmon and other fish, walnuts, flaxseed and krill. Those who do not get enough from foods can increase their intake with supplements.

Fish oil supplements have other uses as well, such as promoting healthy cholesterol levels, improving athletic performance, reducing joint pain and reducing inflammation.

There can be significant variation in quality between different brands of fish oil supplements. Those who plan on taking fish oil should look for quality supplements from a reputable manufacturer. Some well-known brands that make fish oil products include Nature Made, Nature’s Bounty, Nordic Naturals and Carlson Labs.

Fish Oil

Omega 3 Fatty Acid

Heart Health

Brain Health

Inflamm- ation

How It Works:

• Reduces signs of aging & inflammation
• Supports cognition, memory & brain health
• Promotes fat burning & heart health

Dosage:

Between 250 - 2,000 mg per day

Safety:

Generally well tolerated

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Types of Fish Oil Supplements

Fish oil supplements are available in several forms for oral use, including capsules, time release capsules, enteric-coated pills, tablets, softgels and liquid formulations.

Most products provide between 1000 – 3000 mg of fish oil per serving, yielding between 300 – 1000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per serving.

There are also fish oil gummies that are becoming a popular option for children and adults. However, these products tend to contain added sugar and typically have a low dose of omega-3’s per serving. One product provided 57 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per serving.

In addition to dosage, consumers should also consider the amounts of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). While these products usually have both EPA and DHA, they differ in terms of the ratios of these fatty acids.

Consumers should check the labels for different products to determine how much of these fatty acids are included. There is not enough research to determine the optimal ratio of EPA to DHA for general wellbeing, but for certain uses it may be better to have more or less EPA or DHA than otherwise.

Lovaza is an FDA-approved prescription fish oil product sold in the United States as a lipid-regulating agent. This product contains 465mg EPA to 375mg DHA per capsule.

Fish oil supplements are sold in different dosages, but there are no standard dosage guidelines available from the FDA. Several sources recommend consuming one gram per day of fish oil to meet basic needs.

However, specific health goals may require a different dosage amount. Consumers should ask their doctor about safe dosages of fish oil to take based on their age, health and other factors.

How to Choose the Best Fish Oil Supplements

Consumers who are looking for the top-rated fish oil supplements should pay close attention to the fish sources from which these products are derived. Some fish sources have high levels of mercury and should be avoided in favor of fish sources that are known for having low levels of mercury.

Fish with low mercury levels include salmon, shrimp and trout, according to a 2010 report published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin. The bulletin also states that fish with high mercury levels include shark, tuna, halibut, sea bass and swordfish. [2]

Fish that are higher on the food chain typically have higher mercury levels. Consumers who want to keep mercury levels as low as possible, such as women who are pregnant, should consider taking krill oil. T

This type of oil provides omega-3 fatty acids while also having low mercury levels. It is considered possibly safe for oral use, although pregnant women and lactating women should avoid using it, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [3]

It also has a longer shelf-life, which is another consideration for those who want to purchase fish oil supplements. Some products have a shorter shelf-life, which means that they do not last as long as other products and may become rancid over time.

Which are the best fish oil supplements to take? There are many different brands of fish oil products for consumers to choose from.

The best fish oil supplement brand will vary for different individuals based on why they are taking these products and how sensitive they are to potential side effects, such as burping.

Many consumers who use fish oil have reported that they are effective at improving cognition, lowering triglyceride levels, boosting overall wellness and relieving joint pain.

Some consumers did note that these products do cause burping and an unpleasant fish-like aftertaste. Some consumers reported that fish oil supplements did not produce any noticeable results and caused gas and bloating.

Side Effects of Fish Oil Supplements

Consumers who plan to take fish oil supplements should note that they can cause mild side effects in some individuals. These typically affect the gastrointestinal system and include burping, bloating, diarrhea and gas.

Consumers with sensitive gastrointestinal systems or digestive issues can look for “burpless” fish oil products. These products are enteric-coated fish oil pills that do not break down in the intestines, which lowers the risk of burping.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, consumers might also be able to lower the risk of side effects by freezing fish oil products or taking them with food. [1]

Consumers should limit the amount of fish oil they take per day and avoid taking more than 3 grams daily. Larger amounts of fish oil might increase the risk of bleeding and lead to lowered immunity.

Those who have type 2 diabetes should ask their doctor about taking fish oil supplements. These products have the potential to increase blood glucose levels, which can make it harder to manage diabetes.

Consumers who have a bleeding disorder or those who take anticoagulants should consult a doctor before using fish oil products. Omega-3 fatty acids have the potential to interact with anticoagulants and raise bleeding risks.

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, fish oil is likely safe for pregnant women and women who are nursing. [4]

Women who are nursing or pregnant should talk to their doctor before taking these products and only use the best fish oil supplements made from sources that have low mercury levels.

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