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Fish Oil /Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements

Fish Oil and Other Marine Oil Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Find the best fish oil, krill oil, and algal oil supplements for adults, children, dogs and cats based on independent tests and reviews by ConsumerLab.com. Includes tests of EPA and DHA levels, freshness, purity, and contamination, and comparisons of forms (triglyceride vs ethyl ester, enteric-coated or not) and price. Plus, get information about clinical evidence for fish oil, safety, side effects, drug interactions, comparisons to prescription fish oils and more.

Fish Oil /Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review

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CL Answer

What are omega-7 fatty acids? Do I need to take these if I already take fish oil?

Learn what omega-7 fatty acids are and if you need to also take them while taking fish oil. See the varying amounts of omega-7 fatty acids in fish and krill oil supplements.

Fish Oil

CL Answer

What is the difference between fish oil and krill oil? Is one better than the other?

Learn which is better for you and compare krill oil vs. fish oil, including evidence from clinical studies, EPA and DHA content, price, and side effects.

Product Review

Tuna, Salmon, Sardines & Herring Review (Canned and Packaged)

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Clinical Update

12/16/2020

Omega-7s to Lower Cholesterol?

Can taking sea buckthorn, a source of omega-7 fatty acids, lower cholesterol in people with high cholesterol levels? Find out what a recent study found in the Omega-7 Fatty Acids section of our Fish Oil Review. Also, see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.

CL Answer

Is quercetin helpful for a specific condition? I see it as an ingredient in several different types of supplements.

Learn more about quercetin, including the benefits of quercetin and other evidence from clinical studies on prostatitis and memory.

CL Answer

Should you take olive oil as a supplement?

Although extra virgin olive oil has many possible health benefits, such as reduced risk of heart disease and improved blood sugar control, these and other benefits have been demonstrated when olive oil replaces for saturated fats in the diet, not when taken as a supplement, as we explain.

Olive oil being poured into a spoon being held over a bowl

CL Answer

Do sea moss and carrageenan have health benefits? Are there risks?

Sea moss is promoted for thyroid health, boosting immunity, improving gut health, and other uses. Find out if it works and learn about possible side effects of sea moss and its constituent, carrageenan.

Sea moss in a clear bowl next to a wooden spoon on the countertop

CL Answer

Can zuPOO and its primary ingredient, cascara sagrada, cleanse the gut, improve digestion and help with weight management?

zuPOO is marketed for gut support and as a colon cleanser for weight management. Find out if research supports these claims and if ingredients in zuPOO are safe.

zuPOO supplement bottle with white background

CL Answer

What is Omega XL and does it work?

What is Omega XL (distributed by Great Health Works) and does it work? Described as a "highly concentrated Omega-3 'Super Oil' supplement".

Omega XL - Great Health Works

CL Answer

What supplements should I stop taking before surgery?

Info on which supplements to avoid before surgery due to increased risk of bleeding or interference with anesthesia.

Supplements to stop before surgery - operating room

CL Answer

Coromega Max claims it is uniquely emulsified to provide 300% better absorption than standard fish oil softgels. Is this true? It's more expensive than many fish oils.

Find out if Coromega is better absorbed than other fish oil supplements. ConsumerLab.com's answer discusses omega-3 absorption and a study comparing Coromega and regular fish oil.

CL Answer

I'm interested in using Himalayan salt. What are the health benefits with it and other specialty salts? Are there contaminants in these salts?

Himalayan salt health benefits, along with other gourmet salts like Hawaiian and Mediterranean. Info including what's in them and their safety.

Himalayan Salt -- spoonful of pink Himalayan salt

CL Answer

I'm a vegan but my doctor wants me to take fish oil with EPA and DHA. Is there something I can take that would be as good as fish oil capsules but would satisfy the needs of a vegan?

Find out which vegan-friendly fatty acid supplements contain EPA and DHA and how they compare to fish oil.

Vegan Friendly EPA and DHA Supplements -- Fish Oil Pills

CL Answer

Is DPA an important omega-3 fatty acid? It's been promoted as more "powerful" than EPA and DHA.

Find out more about DPA (docosapentaenoic acid), the third most prevalent omega-3 fatty acid in fish oil. Learn how much DPA is in supplements and fish, plus the clinical evidence for DPA, whether it can improve heart health, lower triglycerides and more. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Is DPA an important omega-3 fatty acid? -- Fish Oil Supplements

CL Answer

I drink organic milk with added DHA Omega-3, but it is expensive. Is it worth paying extra for the added DHA?

Find out if drinking organic milk with added DHA omega-3, such as Horizon Organic Milk, is worth paying more.

Organic Milk Cartons

CL Answer

Is it better to eat farmed salmon or wild salmon? Which one has more omega-3s and less contamination with PCBs, mercury, etc.?

Learn more about wild caught vs. farm raised salmon, including omega-3 content and contamination with PCBs, mercury, and other toxins.

Wild Caught vs. Farm Raised Salmon -- salmon on a dinner plate with fork and knife

News Release

October 24, 2023

Best Fish Oil and Omega-3 Supplements? ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Some Are Rancid

White Plains, New York, October 24, 2023 —  Recent ConsumerLab tests of popular fish, krill, and algal oil supplements revealed several products to be rancid. Fish and marine oils that are rancid, or “oxidized,” can have an extremely unpleasant odor and taste, and may be less safe and effective.

Clinical Update

8/21/2021

Omega-7s for Muscle Pain?

Can supplementation with omega-7 fatty acids (from fish oil) reduce muscle pain or inflammation in the body? See what a new study found, and learn if omega-7s have other benefits in the omega-7 section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see how much omega-7 we found in popular fish oil products.

Clinical Update

2/06/2024

Omega-7s for Wrinkles?

Did taking an omega-7 supplement decrease wrinkles around the eyes (“crow’s feet”) in a recent study? Find out in our Fish, Krill, and Algal Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick for getting omega-7s.

Also see: Do any supplements increase skin elasticity or tighten the skin?

News Release

July 10, 2020

Best and Worst Tuna, Salmon and Sardines? ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Amounts of Omega-3s and Toxic Heavy Metals in Canned and Packaged Fish

White Plains, New York, July 10, 2020 — Canned and packaged tuna, salmon and sardines can be an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, but some may also be contaminated with toxic heavy metals such as mercury and arsenic.

Clinical Update

9/12/2023

Sea Moss

Sea moss, sometimes called Irish moss, is promoted for improving thyroid health, boosting immunity, and improving gut health, but are these uses supported by clinical evidence? Find out in our article about sea moss and its constituent carrageenan.

Clinical Update

6/07/2014

Help for Acne from Omega-3 & -6 Oils

A small clinical study found daily supplementation with either omega-3 fatty acids or an omega-6 fatty acid from borage oil significantly reduced the number and severity of acne outbreaks. Get the details, including dosage, and our tests of supplements containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >> and the Flaxseed Oil, Evening Primrose, Borage and Seed Oil Supplements Review >> 

News Release

November 19, 2018

Tests Reveal Best Fish Oil Supplements and How They Compare to Prescription Fish Oil

White Plains, New York, November 19, 2018 — Fish and marine oil supplements containing the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA offer a range of potential benefits for improving mental health, reducing inflammation, and even cancer prevention.

News Release

September 12, 2018

Little Omega-3 and High Mercury Found In Some Canned Tuna -- Better Choices Selected for Tuna and Salmon

White Plains, New York, September 12, 2018 — Some popular canned tuna contain much lower amounts of omega-3 fatty acids than recommended for cardiovascular benefits while being high in mercury and/or arsenic, according to tests by ConsumerLab.com.

Clinical Update

7/10/2014

Don't Be Fooled by "Good Source of Omega-3s" Claim

Over the years, ConsumerLab.com has pointed out that products sometimes claim to provide a percentage of the Daily Value (DV) of omega-3 or -6 fatty acids, even though no such Daily Value has been established. Now, the FDA has prohibited certain related statements on omega-3 supplement and food labels that could mislead consumers into thinking a product provides some percentage of this imaginary amount. Get the details, including what to watch out for on labels, plus our tests of fish oil and other omega-3 fatty acid supplements, in the updated Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >> 

Clinical Update

5/13/2015

Treating ADHD with Omega-3s?

A new study giving boys omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) showed modest improvement in an important aspect of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. For details about this and other studies with omega-3 fatty acid supplements, as well as our tests of products, see the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>

Clinical Update

9/20/2016

Omega-3 and -6 Improves Reading Skills in Children

A combination of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA plus an omega-6 fatty acid improved reading skills and comprehension in school-age children. For details, including dose, see the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil and Omega-3 and -7 Supplements Review >>

Clinical Update

1/19/2019

Is Omega-6 a Problem?

Do omega-6 fatty acids like LA and GLA, found in many seed oils, promote inflammation in the body? No, and yes, according to the latest findings. Get the details in the Is Omega-6 a Problem? section of our Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acid Supplements Review.

Clinical Update

7/06/2022

Walnuts for Omega-3s?

Walnuts are often touted as a good source of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA, but can eating walnuts regularly increase blood levels of DHA and EPA (the omega-3s in fish oil)? Find out in the What It Is section of our Black Currant Oil, Borage Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Flaxseed Oil, and Hemp Oil Supplements Review.

Clinical Update

7/15/2022

Add Omega-3s to Statins?

Does adding omega-3 fatty acids to statin therapy reduce the risk of heart attack or death in people with high triglycerides? Find out what a recent study showed in the Use With Statins section of our Omega-3 Supplements Review.

Clinical Update

7/27/2021

What Is Omega-10?

What is an "omega-10" supplement and are these products better than omega-3 fatty acid supplements such as fish oil? Find out in our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Clinical Update

2/11/2022

Omega-3s for Fall Prevention?

Can omega-3 supplementation help reduce falls in older men and women? See what a study found in the Muscle, Strength and Falls section of our Fish Oil/Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.

Clinical Update

8/21/2019

Omega-3s for Lowering Triglycerides

Elevated triglycerides ("hypertriglyceridemia") is increasingly common in the US. High-dose omega-3s from fish oil can help, and the American Heart Association recently updated its advice about this. For details, and to learn how prescription omega-3 compares to supplements, see the Dosage section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oils, including highly concentrated fish oils.

Clinical Update

8/23/2016

Omega-3s and Diabetic Eye Disease

Getting the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA from eating fish is associated with a much lower risk of developing sight-threatening retinopathy in diabetics, according to a recently published study. The same benefit has been shown in non-diabetics. But do omega-3 supplements help? Find out in the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>

Clinical Update

10/14/2012

What's the Best Omega-3 for Depression?

Recent studies suggest the relative amounts of EPA and DHA in a supplement help determine whether or not it will improve symptoms of depression. Get the details, as well as our tests of 63 omega-3 supplements, in the updated Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, and Calamari Oil)More >>

Clinical Update

5/05/2013

Omega-6 for Eczema?

Supplements with the omega-6 fatty acid GLA from evening primrose oil or borage oil have long been promoted to treat eczema. However, a recent review of data from 27 studies casts doubt on this use. Get more information about this, and about omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, in the updated Black Currant, Borage, Evening Primrose, and Flaxeed Oil Supplements Review >>

Clinical Update

4/07/2013

Omega-3s Linked to Less Heart Disease and Longer Life

A study among older individuals who did not use fish oil supplements showed that those with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood were far less likely to have a heart attack or arrhythmia and were 27% less likely to die during the 14-year study. The reserchers calculated how much EPA and DHA a person should consume to reach this higher blood level and noted that further increases yeild little additional benefit. Get the details, as well as how to get omega-3s from foods, in the updated Fish Oil Supplements Review »

Clinical Update

8/04/2013

Supplement Helps Dry Eye

A supplement containing omega-6 (from black currant seed oil) and omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil) was recently shown to improve symptoms of dry eye. Get the details about this formula (plus our test results of other omega-3 and -6 fatty acids supplements) in the updated Black Currant, Borage, Evening Primrose, and Flaxseed Oils Review >>

Clinical Update

9/21/2013

Fish Oil and Arthritis

A study of several thousand women found those who consumed at least a moderate of amount omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) from fish in their diets had just half the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis over the course of the study than did women with lower intakes.  For details about the amount of omega-3's and fish consumption associated with preventing arthritis, other uses of omega-3's, and tests of fish/marine oil supplements, see the Fish/Marine Oil Supplements Review>>

Clinical Update

2/21/2024

Omega-3s for Preventing Preterm Birth

Some new guidelines suggest getting specific amounts of the omega-3s DHA and EPA during pregnancy. Get the details, including how to tell if your intake is too low and when to start supplementation, in the Pregnancy section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among omega-3 supplements.

News Release

September 13, 2016

Best Fish Oil? ConsumerLab.com Tests 44 Popular Omega-3 Supplements and Identifies Its Top Picks

White Plains, New York, September 13, 2016 — Fish oil and omega-3 fatty acid supplements containing EPA and DHA are among the most popular supplements, and clinical studies suggest a wide range of potential benefits, from improving mental health to treating inflammatory disease.

News Release

December 09, 2014

Round-up of Recent Product Tests by ConsumerLab.com -- Results for B Vitamin Supplements & Energy Drinks, Garlic, NAC (N-acetyl cysteine), Iron and Omega-7 Fatty Acids

White Plains, New York, December 9, 2014 — In recent months, ConsumerLab.com has published test results for a variety of popular supplements, including B vitamins supplements and energy drinks, NAC (N-acetyl cysteine), iron and garlic. In addition, ConsumerLab.

News Release

May 07, 2014

Flaxseed and Other Popular Seed Oil Supplements Tested by ConsumerLab.com, But Not All Brands Pass -- Flaxseed, Black Currant, Borage and Evening Primrose Oils Reviewed

White Plains, New York, May 7, 2014 — Plant seed oils are popular supplements that provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, but which products offer the best value and quality? Recent analyses by ConsumerLab.

News Release

April 09, 2014

Best Fish Oil? ConsumerLab.com Testing Finds Many High Quality Supplements, But Pitfalls Exist

White Plains, New York, August 10, 2014 — Recent laboratory tests of fish oil, krill oil, algal oil, calamari oil, and green-lipped mussel oil supplements by ConsumerLab.com revealed quality problems with four out of 30 supplements selected for review.

News Release

August 22, 2012

Contamination and Other Problems Found in Fish Oil Supplements -- Large Review by ConsumerLab.com Reveals Excessive PCBs or Mislabeling in Over 30% of Omega-3 Supplements

August 22, 2012 — The quality of fish oil / omega-3 supplements varies across brands, according to recent tests by ConsumerLab.com, which independently reports on the quality of health products. Analyses of 35 products selected and purchased by ConsumerLab.

Recalls & Warnings

January 16, 2023

Sanders Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels Recalled Due to Plastic

On December 30, 2022, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced the recall of certain lots of Sanders Candy Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels due to pieces of plastic being found in products.

News Release

January 11, 2011

Spoilage and labeling errors found with some omega-3 and -6 supplements; Review of evening primrose, flaxseed, borage, and black currant oil supplements

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — JANUARY 10, 2011 — A new report on the quality of omega-3 and -6 fatty acid supplements made from seed oils was released by ConsumerLab.com today. Only 11 of 17 products selected for testing met quality criteria for freshness and labeling.

News Release

August 05, 2008

ConsumerLab.com Find Fifty Fish Oil Supplements Pass Quality Testing -- New Report Helps Consumers Choose Among Pills, Liquids, Foods and Beverages with Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA)

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — AUGUST 5, 2008 — ConsumerLab.com announced today that testing of fifty omega-3 fish oil supplements, foods or beverages (including two marketed for pets) found all to have safe levels of mercury, lead and PCBs.

News Release

December 10, 2007

ConsumerLab.com finds improvement in quality of omega-3 and -6 supplements — Results for 22 products made from evening primrose, flaxseed, borage and black currant oils

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — DECEMBER 10, 2007 — A new report on the quality of omega-3 and -6 fatty acid supplements made from seed oils was released by ConsumerLab.com today. Two products were slightly low in one fatty acid, but this is an improvement over results from ConsumerLab.

News Release

July 12, 2005

ConsumerLab.com finds some supplements lower in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids than claimed — Report available for 23 products made from oils of black currant, borage, evening primrose and flax

WHITE PLAINS, NY — July 12, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com has released its latest report on the quality of supplements made from the seed oils of black currant, borage, evening primrose, and flax.

Recalls & Warnings

March 16, 2023

Omega-3 Supplements for Dogs and Cats Recalled Due to Potential for Vitamin A Toxicity

On March 9, 2023, Stratford Care USA issued a recall of 62 brands of omega-3 supplements for dogs and cats due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin A.

Recalls & Warnings

August 15, 2020

FTC Warns 20 More Companies for Coronavirus Claims

On August 14, 2020, the FTC announced that it sent warning letters to 20 companies for selling products such as vitamin C, hydrochloroquine, omega 3, and melatonin with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).

Recalls & Warnings

January 26, 2023

FDA Warns Seller of Canary Seed Omega-3

On November 16, 2022, the FDA issued a warning letter to Evimeria El Aztecano, Inc. following review of the company’s Yerbas Finas Leche de Alpiste con Guanabana y Omega-3 product labeling, which found the product contained less magnesium and potassium than claimed on the label.

Recalls & Warnings

June 16, 2022

Omega 3 Supplements Recalled Due to Undeclared Drug Ingredients

On May 28, 2022, Latin Foods Market issued a voluntary recall of one lot of Artri King Reforzado con Ortiga y Omega 3 tablets after FDA laboratory analysis found the presence of undeclared diclofenac and dexamethasone.

Recalls & Warnings

July 10, 2021

FDA Warns Seller of Omega XL

On June 31, 2021 the FDA issued a warning letter to Great Healthworks, Inc. following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about Omega XL and ProbioticXL supplements to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

January 20, 2021

Seller of Omega-3 Warned for Making Claims to Treat Focus, Mood

On December 9, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Bodyhealth.com, LLC following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Healthy-Thin Energize, Body Detox (Oral Spray), and Omega 3 Health to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

March 30, 2019

Sea Salt 70% Dark Chocolate Bar Recalled Due to Allergen Risk

On March 28, 2019, Theo Chocolate issued a recall of 3oz Sea Salt 70% Dark Chocolate bars because they may contain undeclared milk. 

Recalls & Warnings

January 20, 2019

RXBAR Protein Bars Recalled

On January 15, 2019, RXBAR issued a recall of certain varieties of protein bars because they may contain undeclared peanuts.

Recalls & Warnings

February 02, 2018

Seller of Vitamin D, Omega-3's, Whey Protein & More Warned for Drug Claims

On January 24, 2018 the FDA issued a warning letter to Young Health Products, LLC following a review of the company's website which found promotional statements and testimonials made about the certain products, including Lugol's Solution 2%, Liquid Vitamin D3, Probimune, Flax Seed & Omega ...

Recalls & Warnings

October 18, 2017

Total Body Nutrition Warned for Banned Stimulant in Supplements

On September 28, 2017, the FDA issued a warning letter to Total Body Nutrition following a facility inspection which found some of the company's products to be adulterated because they were prepared, packed, or held under conditions that violate Current Good Manufacturing Practices for dietary ...

Recalls & Warnings

June 07, 2017

FDA Warns Seller of Probiotic and Omega-3 Supplements for Manufacturing Violations

On May 22, 2017, the FDA issued a warning letter to BioTE Medical, LLC following a facility inspection which found its products, including BioTE DIM, BiotTE Probiotic, BioTE Iodine Plus, and BioTE Omega 3 to be adulterated because they were prepared, packed, or held under ...

Recalls & Warnings

February 10, 2015

Seller of "Natural" Cough Syrup Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims

On January 21, 2015, the FDA issued a warning letter to Fragrance Manufacturing Incorporated, following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including Maty's All Natural Cough Syrup and Maty's All Natural Cough Syrup for Kids, to be adulterated because they ...

Recalls & Warnings

November 06, 2014

Seller of Cholesterol, Arthritis Supplements and More Warned for Drug Claims

On October 17, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Vitamins Direct (USA) and Golden Pride, Inc., which distribute Flexezy and Physician's Signature brands of dietary supplements, following a facility inspection which found statements made about certain supplements to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

September 17, 2013

Seller of Omega-3 and Joint Supplements Warned for Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims

On August 29, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Y.S. Health Corp.

Recalls & Warnings

January 30, 2013

Seller of Omega-3 and Emu Oil Supplements Warned For Drug Claims, Misbranding

On November 19, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Emu Products & Management, Inc. after a review of the company's website found statements that promoted the dietary supplements Multi-Omega Gel Caps, Recovery Gel Caps, ARP Gel Caps and the topical skin products Extreme Cryo Gel, F.A.C.E.

Recalls & Warnings

December 21, 2012

FDA Warns Maker of Glucosamine and Omega-3 Supplements For Manufacturing Violations

On December 7, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Basic Organics, Inc. following a facility inspection which found the company's Glucosamine Chondroitin and Omega 3 dietary supplements to be adulterated.

Recalls & Warnings

October 08, 2015

FDA Warns Seller of Omega-3 "Concussion" Supplement for Drug Claims

On October 1, 2015, the FDA issued a warning letter to MPH Nutrition, LLC, following a review of the company's website which found statements made about  Re:Mind Recover, a supplement promoted for recovery from concussions, to be drug claims which are not permitted for supplements.