When to take it
With a main meal containing fat; split higher doses.
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Omega-3 & fatsStrong evidence
Omega-3 fatty acids
Also known as: fish oil, EPA and DHA
EPA and DHA are long-chain fats from fish and algae that are built into cell membranes of the heart, brain and retina. The body makes them from plant ALA only in small amounts.
What it is used for
- Lowering triglycerides at higher EPA+DHA doses – strong evidence
- Normal heart function (EFSA, from 250 mg EPA+DHA daily) – strong evidence
- DHA for normal brain and vision – moderate evidence
- Modest relief of inflammatory joint symptoms – weak to moderate evidence
Forms and how they differ
triglycerides (TG, rTG)
natural or re-esterified form, well absorbed
ethyl esters (EE)
concentrated, cheaper; absorbs better with a fattier meal
liquid oil
higher dose per spoon, prone to oxidation, keep cool
algal oil
vegan source, mainly DHA, often EPA too
Pairs well with
Vitamin D, vitamin E (protects the oil from oxidation), a vegetable-rich diet.
Do not combine / separate
Be careful with other supplements that affect clotting (ginkgo, high-dose garlic).
Watch out for
Caution with blood thinners and before surgery; high doses may raise atrial fibrillation risk in susceptible people. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have kidney or liver disease or take any medicines.
Safety
EFSA states that long-term intake of EPA and DHA combined up to 5 g per day raises no safety concerns in adults. Do not exceed the label dose.
Practical tip
Look at EPA+DHA per serving, not total oil. If it smells rancid, it is likely oxidised.
Products containing Omega-3 fatty acids 49
Red yeast rice + Omega-3 fatty acidssoftgel
Omega-3 fatty acids 750 mgfish oil (high DHA) · 750 mg / capsule
Omega-3 fatty acids 530 mgfish oil · 530 mg / serving
Omega-3 fatty acids 100 mgfish oil DHA · 100 mg / capsule
Omega-3 fatty acidsfish oil DHA
Coenzyme Q10 + Omega-3 fatty acids 60 mgubiquinone · 60 mg / capsule
Omega-3 fatty acids + Coenzyme Q10krill oil
Omega-3 fatty acids 1000 mgkrill oil phospholipids · 1 000 mg / capsule
Omega-3 fatty acids 500 mgkrill oil phospholipids · 500 mg / capsule
Omega-3 fatty acids + Astaxanthin 500 mgkrill oil · 500 mg / capsule
Folate + Omega-3 fatty acidsfolic acid + algal DHA
Omega-3 fatty acids + Alkylglycerolsratfish liver oil
Omega-3 fatty acidsroe oil phospholipids
Omega-3 fatty acids + Vitamin A + Vitamin D3 1000 mgcod liver oil · 1 000 mg / capsule
Omega-3 fatty acids 650 mgcod liver oil · 650 mg / capsule
Omega-3 fatty acids + Omega 3-6-9 1200 mgfish + borage + flax oil · 1 200 mg / capsule
Omega-3 fatty acidsflax/algal blend
Omega-3 fatty acids + vitamin D3+ vitamin D3
Omega-3 fatty acids fish oil + vitamins A, D, E, K 520 mgfish oil + vitamins A, D, E, K · 520 mg / serving
Omega-3 fatty acids fish oil + cholecalciferol + MK-7 550 mgfish oil + cholecalciferol + MK-7 · 550 mg / capsule
Omega-3 fatty acids high DHA fish oilhigh DHA fish oil
Omega-3 fatty acids fish oil 245.6 mgfish oil · 245.6 mg / serving
Omega-3 fatty acids + Vitamin D3 320 mgfish oil · 320 mg / serving
Omega-3 fatty acids liquid fish oil for childrenliquid fish oil for children
Omega-3 fatty acids fish oil ethyl esters 550 mgfish oil ethyl esters · 550 mg / capsule
Omega-3 fatty acids fish oil triglycerides 600 mgfish oil triglycerides · 600 mg / serving
Omega-3 fatty acids + Vitamin D3 830 mgfish oil liquid · 830 mg / serving
Omega-3 fatty acids 250 mgalgal oil DHA · 250 mg / capsule
Omega-3 fatty acids 696 mgalgal oil DHA · 696 mg / serving
Omega-3 fatty acids 2850 mgalgal oil · 2 850 mg / serving
Omega-3 fatty acids + Vitamin D3fish oil
Omega-3 fatty acids 500 mgfish oil triglyceride · 500 mg / capsule
Omega-3 fatty acids 750 mgfish oil · 750 mg / capsule
Omega-3 fatty acidsenteric-coated fish oil
Omega-3 fatty acids 980 mgfish oil (high DHA) · 980 mg / capsule
Omega-3 fatty acidsfish oil
Omega-3 fatty acids 1000 mgmolecularly distilled fish oil · 1 000 mg / capsule
Omega-3 fatty acids + Vitamin D3 900 mgfish oil · 900 mg / capsule
Omega-3 fatty acidsfish oil liquid
Omega-3 fatty acids 2840 mgfish oil liquid · 2 840 mg / serving
Omega-3 fatty acids + Astaxanthin 3000 mgfish oil liquid · 3 000 mg / serving
Omega-3 fatty acids 800 mgfish oil triglyceride · 800 mg / capsule
Omega-3 fatty acidsfish oil gummy
Omega-3 fatty acidsfish oil (high EPA)
Omega-3 fatty acids liquid fish oil triglycerides (EPA/DHA/DPA) 1460 mgliquid fish oil triglycerides (EPA/DHA/DPA) · 1 460 mg / serving
Omega-3 fatty acids high concentrate fish oilhigh concentrate fish oil
Omega-3 fatty acids + Omega 3-6-9algal + hemp oil
Omega-3 fatty acidsalgal + flaxseed oil
Omega-3 fatty acids algal oil (Schizochytrium) DHA 200 mgalgal oil (Schizochytrium) DHA · 200 mg / capsule
How to read the evidence rating
Strong evidenceModerate evidenceWeak evidenceNo evidence
Strong = several good human studies or official recommendations; moderate = promising but smaller studies; weak = few studies or mixed results; no evidence = claims not confirmed.
Combination check
Select the supplements you take and, if relevant, your medicines. We show what interferes, what needs a time gap and what to watch out for.
Check Omega-3 fatty acids with othersWhich supplements do you actually need?
Fénix Methode picks them from your blood results and schedules when to take what – no needless purchases.
From the same group
AlkylglycerolsWeak evidenceBlackcurrant seed oilWeak evidenceBorage oilWeak evidenceCod liver oilModerate evidenceEvening primrose oilWeak evidenceFlaxseed oilWeak evidence
Important notice
This information is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist. We do not give medicine dosages. Supplements are no substitute for a varied diet; if pregnant, breastfeeding, ill or on medication, consult a doctor first.