ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Best Fish Oil & Omega-3 Supplements – and Which to Avoid

Omega-3 supplements can provide EPA and DHA from fish, krill, or algae, but recent ConsumerLab tests show products differ substantially in amounts of omega-3 they provide, as well as in price and, in some cases, freshness.

Key Findings:

• One product failed freshness testing: Most products met ConsumerLab’s quality standards, but one failed testing for freshness. Rancid fish oils can have an extremely unpleasant odor and taste, and oxidized fish oil may be less safe and effective. (Note: Freshness could not be measured in some products with ingredients, such as lemon oil, that interfere with the testing.)
• Significant differences in omega-3 concentration: The concentration of EPA and DHA in omega-3 oils ranged from about 33% to 85%, meaning that less oil (and fewer or smaller capsules) can be taken with some products to get the same amount of omega-3s than with other products.
• Large differences in cost: The cost to obtain 500 mg of EPA plus DHA ranged from 16 to 56 cents for fish oil, 48 to 61 cents for algal oil, and $1.38 to $2.60 for krill oil, with opportunities for savings by choosing the right product.

ConsumerLab's Top Picks

Among products that passed ConsumerLab’s quality testing and were Approved, ConsumerLab selected Top Picks for fish oil, krill oil, and algal oil, based on concentration of EPA + DHA, quality, freshness, and value.
 

Access the Full Report:

The Fish Oil, Krill Oil, and Algal Oil Omega-3 Supplements Review includes test results and comparisons for 10 omega-3 supplements selected for testing by ConsumerLab: Dr. Mercola Antarctic Krill Oil, Kirkland Signature [Costco] Wild Alaskan Fish Oil 1,400 mg, MegaRed Omega-3 Krill Oil, Metagenics OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA - Natural Lemon-Lime Flavor, Nature Made Fish Oil 1,200 mg, Nordic Naturals Algae Omega, Nordic Naturals Professional Line ProOmega 2000, Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega, Sports Research Alaskan Omega-3 Fish Oil - Triple Strength, and Thorne Super EPA Pro. Eight additional products passed the same testing and were Approved through CL's voluntary Quality Certification Program: Carlson Cod Liver Oil, Carlson Maximum Omega 2,000 mg Omega-3s, Carlson Professional Formula Elite EPA Gems 1,000 mg EPA, Carlson The Very Finest Fish Oil, Deva Vegan Omega-3 DHA-EPA, GNC Triple Strength Fish Oil, Life Extension Super Omega-3, and USANA Biomega.

ConsumerLab's full Fish Oil, Krill Oil, and Algal Oil Omega-3 Supplements Review can now be accessed online by ConsumerLab.com members – currently over 100,000 individual subscribers and thousands more with access through libraries, schools, and medical centers.

As discussed in the Review, taking a supplement with EPA and DHA from fish oil (or another marine source, such as krill oil or algae) may have benefits for mental health, treating inflammatory disease, and maintaining muscle. In people with high triglyceride levels, high-dose, high-concentration fish oil may lower triglycerides. However, eating fish at least twice each week may be more beneficial than taking a fish oil supplement for other types of cardiovascular benefit, for cognition and memory, and for reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Alzheimer's disease (see ConsumerLab's separate Review of Canned Tuna, Salmon, Sardines & Mackerel).

The review also discusses the pros and cons of different sources of EPA and DHA, how fish oil supplements compare to prescription omega-3 products, the best way to take and store omega-3 supplements, as well as potential side effects and drug interactions with omega-3 supplements.

A video explaining ConsumerLab’s findings and offering expert tips for selecting and using omega-3 supplements is available for free.

Founded in 1999, ConsumerLab.com is a leading provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. It has tested and reviewed over 7,000 products and has published Product Reviews covering nearly every popular category of dietary supplements and health foods.

Membership to ConsumerLab.com is available online and provides immediate access to continually updated reviews of nearly every popular type of dietary supplement and health food, answers to reader questions, and product recalls and warnings. ConsumerLab also provides independent product testing through its voluntary Quality Certification Program. The company is privately held and based in New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products.

7 Things to Know Before Buying Fish Oil or Omega-3 Supplements