Fish Oils & Omegas
Shop fish oil and omega-3 supplements rich in essential fatty acids including EPA and DHA. Explore high-strength capsules, softgels and other convenient daily formats, with EPA and DHA contributing to the normal function of the heart.*
Daily omega-3 from fish oils and omega supplements
Fish oil supplements are a convenient way to add the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA to your daily routine. EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart, with the beneficial effect obtained from a daily intake of 250mg of EPA and DHA.
The number on the front of the bottle can be misleading, though. A capsule labelled “1,000mg fish oil” does not necessarily provide 1,000mg of omega-3. The figures that matter most are the actual EPA and DHA provided by the full daily serving.
Why choose fish oil or omega-3?
If you want EPA and DHA
Fish oil is one of the most common supplement sources of EPA and DHA. These omega-3 fatty acids are the main figures to focus on when choosing between products.
If you want everyday convenience
Fish oil capsules are easy to add to a daily routine with very little preparation, making them one of the simplest wellbeing supplements to use consistently.
If you prefer fewer capsules
A more concentrated fish oil can provide more EPA and DHA in each capsule, which may reduce the number you need to take for the same daily amount.
If heart health matters to you
EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250mg of EPA and DHA.
If you don't eat much oily fish
Fish oil supplements can provide a convenient source of EPA and DHA when oily fish is not something you regularly include in your diet.
If you want a simple supplement
You don't necessarily need a complex blend. A straightforward fish oil with clearly stated EPA and DHA amounts can make choosing much easier.
How to choose a fish oil supplement
Look at EPA & DHA first
This is the most useful comparison. Two bottles can both say 1,000mg fish oil while providing very different amounts of EPA and DHA.
Don't confuse fish oil with omega-3
The total fish oil weight includes more than just EPA and DHA. Always look for the detailed omega-3 breakdown if you want to know what the supplement actually provides.
Check the daily serving
A product may provide its headline EPA and DHA amount in one capsule or across several. Use the full daily serving when comparing products.
Think about concentration
Higher-strength formulas can provide more omega-3 in a smaller number of capsules. That can be useful if you'd rather not take several softgels each day.
Capsules or liquid?
Capsules and softgels are convenient and portable, while liquid fish oils may suit people who prefer not to swallow multiple capsules. Choose the format you're most likely to use consistently.
Compare cost per useful serving
Rather than just comparing bottle price, look at the number of full servings and the amount of EPA and DHA each serving provides. A cheaper bottle isn't always better value if it's much less concentrated.
Understanding fish oil labels
1,000mg fish oil
This describes the total amount of fish oil in the serving. It does not necessarily tell you how much EPA, DHA or total omega-3 you are getting.
EPA
EPA is one of the main long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements and is usually listed separately on the nutrition or supplement panel.
DHA
DHA is another major long-chain omega-3 fatty acid. Together with EPA, it contributes to the normal function of the heart at the qualifying daily intake.
High-strength fish oil
“High strength” usually means the product provides a more concentrated amount of omega-3, EPA or DHA, but the actual numbers on the label are what matter.
Related categories
Fish oil & omega questions
What is omega-3 fish oil?
Fish oil is a source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA. Supplements are available in different concentrations, so the amount of EPA and DHA per serving can vary considerably.
What are EPA and DHA?
EPA and DHA are long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish and fish oil supplements. EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart when the qualifying daily intake is met.
Is 1,000mg of fish oil the same as 1,000mg of omega-3?
No. A 1,000mg fish oil capsule may contain a smaller amount of total omega-3, including EPA and DHA. Check the detailed supplement information rather than relying on the total fish oil weight.
What should I look for when buying fish oil?
Start with the EPA and DHA per daily serving. Then consider how many capsules are needed, the concentration, supplement format and cost per serving.
Are high-strength fish oils better?
Not automatically, but a higher concentration can provide more EPA and DHA in fewer capsules. That may be more convenient if you prefer a smaller daily serving.
How many fish oil capsules should I take?
Follow the directions for the individual product. Different concentrations mean one product may provide its full daily amount in one capsule while another may require several.
Should I take fish oil every day?
Fish oil supplements are commonly designed for regular daily use, but follow the serving directions on the product you choose.
What is the difference between fish oil and omega-3?
Fish oil is a source of omega-3 rather than another name for omega-3 itself. The oil can contain EPA, DHA and other fatty acids, which is why the detailed omega-3 figures matter more than total fish oil alone.
Can I get omega-3 without fish oil?
Yes. Omega fatty acids can come from different sources, including plant and algal sources, depending on the product. Check the source and the specific fatty acids provided when choosing an alternative to fish oil.