The 14 Best Fish Oil Supplements of 2023, According to Dietitians

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fats that play important roles in many processes in your body, including those involving inflammation, immunity, heart health, and brain function (1).

There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids:

• eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
• docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
• alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)

EPA and DHA, which are primarily found in fish, are the biologically active forms of omega-3 fatty acids. ALA is found in plant foods, and your body must convert it to EPA and DHA in order to use it (2).

If you don’t regularly consume fish, taking a fish oil supplement can be a quick and convenient way to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

Keep reading to see our picks of the 14 best fish oil supplements.

A quick look at the best fish oil supplements

• Best overall fish oil supplement:
  • Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega
• Best fish oil subscriptions:
  • Care/of Fish Oil Wild at Heart
  • HUM Nutrition OMG! OMEGA the Great
• Best fish oil supplements for heart health:
  • Life Extension Super Omega-3
  • Thorne Omega-3 with CoQ10
• Best affordable fish oil supplements:
  • Amazon Elements Super Omega-3 with Lemon Flavor
  • Nature Made Fish Oil Plus Vitamin D
• Best-tasting fish oil supplement:
  • Barlean’s Ideal Omega3 Softgels
• Best liquid fish oil supplement:
  • Carlson Labs The Very Finest Fish Oil
• Best softgel fish oil supplements:
  • Innovix Labs Triple Strength Omega-3
  • Viva Naturals Omega-3 Fish Oil
• Best gummy fish oil supplement:
  • Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies
• Best cod liver oil:
  • Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil
• Best fish oil supplement for kids:
  • Barlean’s Omega Pals Chirpin’ Slurpin’ Lemonade Fish Oil

What are the benefits of fish oil?

Fish oil is a source of omega-3 fats, which offer a number of health benefits.

Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and therefore may have a positive effect on many conditions that are thought to be related to chronic inflammation — particularly heart disease. EPA and DHA may also help lower high triglyceride levels, a risk factor for heart disease (1, 3).

Additionally, omega-3s play a key role in vision and eye health, as they’re necessary for eye development and may help in the treatment of dry eye disease (4).

Omega-3s are also important for brain health. During infancy and childhood, they’re necessary for proper neurological development (1, 5).

In adults, omega-3 supplementation may play a role in preventing stroke and mental decline (6).

How we chose

When rounding up the best fish oil supplements, we considered the following factors:

• Vetting: All the products included were vetted to ensure they meet Healthline’s medical and business standards.
• Quality: In addition to the quality of ingredients, we looked at the company’s testing and manufacturing processes.
• Fish oil source: We prioritized supplements featuring oil from smaller fish.
• Price: We included products to suit a variety of budgets.

Healthline’s picks of the best fish oil supplements

Best overall fish oil supplement

Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega

• Price: $$$
• Serving size: 2 softgels
• DHA per serving: 450 milligrams (mg)
• EPA per serving: 650 mg
• Servings per container: 45
• Best for: most healthy adults looking for a high quality fish oil supplement

Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega is our pick for the best overall because it’s a high quality supplement that provides 1,100 mg of combined EPA and DHA sourced from wild-caught sardines and anchovies.

The softgels are lemon-flavored, which can help eliminate the fishy aftertaste often found in other fish oil supplements.

All Nordic Naturals products are certified by Friend of the Sea, an organization that ensures that seafood is sourced from sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

A certificate of analysis (COA) is also available for all Nordic Naturals products. This document provides detailed information on the purity, strength, and quality of supplements.

Best fish oil subscriptions

Care/of Fish Oil Wild at Heart

• Price: $$$
• Serving size: 2 softgels
• DHA per serving: 220 mg
• EPA per serving: 180 mg
• Servings per container: 30
• Best for: people who enjoy the convenience of a subscription service and want a lower dose fish oil supplement

If you prefer to have your fish oil supplement automatically shipped to you each month, you’ll want to check out Care/of Fish Oil Wild at Heart.

This fish oil supplement contains salmon oil sustainably sourced from wild Alaskan salmon and processed through cold press extraction.

In addition to fish oil, the softgels contain bovine-sourced gelatin, glycerin, mixed tocopherols, and water.

According to the company’s website, Care/of products are third-party tested to ensure purity and potency.

HUM Nutrition OMG! OMEGA the Great

• Price: $$$
• Serving size: 2 softgels
• DHA per serving: 400 mg
• EPA per serving: 800 mg
• Servings per container: 30
• Best for: people who enjoy the convenience of a subscription service and need a higher dose of omega-3s than Care/of offers

HUM Nutrition is another subscription vitamin service that offers a great fish oil supplement.

The OMG! Omega the Great product is a fish oil softgel that provides 1,400 mg of total omega-3s per serving, sourced from wild anchovies.

All HUM Nutrition products are third-party tested, non-GMO, gluten-free, and free of artificial sweeteners and colors.

You can purchase it without subscribing, but it’s much less expensive to sign up for a 3-month subscription.

Best fish oil supplements for heart health

Life Extension Super Omega-3

• Price: $$
• Serving size: 2 softgels
• DHA per serving: 500 mg
• EPA per serving: 700 mg
• Servings per container: 60
• Best for: people looking for a more affordable alternative to Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega

Offering 1,200 mg of combined EPA and DHA per serving, Life Extension Super Omega-3 is a great option to squeeze more heart-healthy omega-3s into your diet.

It also features antioxidant-rich olive extract, which offers some heart-protective properties. Additionally, sesame seed lignans are included for their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, helping protect the fish oil from spoilage (7, 8).

Sourced primarily from anchovies that are caught sustainably off the coast of Chile, this supplement is certified by International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS), a program that evaluates the quality and potency of fish oil products.

It’s available in several varieties, including enteric-coated and easy-to-swallow softgels.

Thorne Omega-3 with CoQ10

• Price: $$$
• Serving size: 1 gelcap
• DHA per serving: 180 mg
• EPA per serving: 450 mg
• Servings per container: 90
• Best for: people who are also interested in taking a CoQ10 supplement

This high quality fish oil supplement pairs omega-3 fatty acids with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a heart-healthy antioxidant that protects against oxidative damage and helps generate energy in your cells (9).

Each gelcap contains 630 mg of combined EPA and DHA sustainably sourced from cold water fish, along with 30 mg of CoQ10.

It’s produced by Thorne Research, which has been certified by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), an Australian government agency that regulates medications and supplements.

All Thorne Research products undergo four rounds of extensive testing to ensure that you’re getting the best quality possible. Thorne’s manufacturing facility is third-party certified by NFS International.

Best affordable fish oil supplements

Amazon Elements Super Omega-3 with Lemon Flavor

• Price: $
• Serving size: 2 capsules
• DHA per serving: 450 mg
• EPA per serving: 650 mg
• Servings per container: 60
• Best for: people on a tight budget

Amazon Elements Super Omega-3 fish oil supplements contain omega-3s from wild-caught fish, including anchovies, sardines, and mackerel.

Other ingredients include gelatin, glycerin, and purified water. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives, and they’re gluten- and GMO-free.

The fish oil in Super Omega-3 comes from Norway, and the product is blended and packaged in the United States. Amazon states that levels of contaminants, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, or arsenic, do not exceed recognized safety standards.

This is the sourcing model for all Amazon Elements supplements. The ingredients come from around the world, but the blending and manufacturing are all done in the United States by Arizona Nutritional Supplements (ANS).

ANS adheres to the CGMPs, meaning that the company’s operational procedures meet standards for quality control and testing set by the FDA.

Amazon guarantees that all supplements in the Amazon Elements line are tested for potency, purity, and integrity. It provides a COA for each product, detailing the results of the testing.

Nature Made Fish Oil Plus Vitamin D 1,000 IU

• Price: $
• Serving size: 2 softgels
• DHA per serving: 600 mg combined EPA and DHA
• EPA per serving: 600 mg combined EPA and DHA
• Servings per container: 45
• Best for: people who also want a vitamin D supplement

This Nature Made supplement is a high quality yet affordable option for those looking to increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D at the same time.

It contains 2,000 IU of vitamin D, an important vitamin that’s found naturally in very few food sources (10).

These supplements are sourced from wild-caught fish and have been purified to remove mercury and other harmful compounds, such as dioxins, furans, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Nature Made supplements are verified by U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), a nonprofit organization that sets strict standards for the strength, quality, packaging, and purity of supplements.

Best tasting fish oil supplement

Barlean’s Ideal Omega3 Softgels

• Price: $$$
• Dose: 1 softgel
• DHA per serving: 250 mg
• EPA per serving: 750 mg
• Servings per container: 60
• Best for: people who have trouble tolerating the taste of most fish oil supplements

Barlean’s Ideal Omega3 Softgels are orange-flavored to help mask the unpleasant taste and smell of fish oil.

Just 1 Ideal Omega3 softgel capsule contains 1,000 mg of combined EPA and DHA sourced from pollock, making it quick and easy to get your daily dose.

In addition to holding a 5-star rating from IFOS, this pharmaceutical-grade supplement is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council for its sustainable fishing practices.

Best liquid fish oil supplement

Carlson Labs The Very Finest Fish Oil

• Price: $$
• Serving size: 1 teaspoon (5 mL)
• DHA per serving: 500 mg
• EPA per serving: 800 mg
• Servings per container: 100
• Best for: people who prefer liquid supplements

For those who prefer using liquid fish oil instead of softgels or capsules, this supplement is a great option.

Each teaspoon (5 mL) contains 1,600 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, with 1,300 mg from EPA and DHA sourced from wild-caught anchovies, sardines, and mackerel.

It’s not only certified by IFOS but also non-GMO verified, meaning that it’s free of any genetically modified organisms.

It’s also rich in vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin that doubles as an antioxidant (11).

Plus, it’s available in lemon and orange flavors that make it great for mixing into smoothies or juices.

Best softgel fish oil supplements

Innovix Labs Triple Strength Omega-3

• Price: $
• Serving size: 1 softgel
• DHA per serving: 360 mg
• EPA per serving: 480 mg
• Servings per container: 200
• Best for: people who prefer a one-a-day formulation

With 900 mg of omega-3 fatty acids packed into a single softgel capsule, this Triple Strength Omega-3 supplement is an excellent option for those seeking to simplify their routine.

In addition to earning a 5-star rating from IFOS, all Innovix Labs pills are produced from sustainably sourced fish like anchovies, sardines, and mackerel and are purified to remove harmful compounds such as mercury.

The capsules have an enteric coating to keep them from breaking down and dissolving in your stomach. This is thought to help minimize side effects such as fishy burps and aftertaste.

Viva Naturals Omega-3 Fish Oil

• Price: $$
• Serving size: 2 softgels
• DHA per serving: 480 mg
• EPA per serving: 1,400 mg
• Servings per container: 90
• Best for: people looking for a high dose omega-3 supplement

This simple fish oil formula supplies 2,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids in every serving, with 1,880 mg of combined EPA and DHA.

In addition to being IFOS-certified, it’s produced from small, wild-caught fish like mackerel, anchovies, and sardines that have been caught using sustainable fishing practices.

The oil also undergoes a purification process that helps eliminate any fishy odor or aftertaste.

Best gummy

Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies

• Price: $$
• Serving size: 2 gummies
• DHA per serving: 47.5 mg
• EPA per serving: 9.5 mg
• Servings per container: 75
• Best for: people who already consume sources of DHA and EPA and are looking for a low dose supplement

If the thought of swallowing a softgel is hard to stomach, these gummies are a great alternative to bump up your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

They contain 57 mg of combined EPA and DHA per serving and are sourced from wild-caught ocean fish.

They’re also verified by USP and free of any synthetic dyes and flavors.

However, keep in mind that these gummies supply a much lower dose of omega-3 fatty acids than most other fish oil supplements. These gummies also contain 3 grams of added sugar per serving.

Instead of relying on these gummies to meet your omega-3 needs entirely, it’s best to use them as part of a balanced diet filled with plenty of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Best cod liver oil

Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil

• Price: $$$
• Serving size: 1 teaspoon (5 mL)
• DHA per serving: 510 mg
• EPA per serving: 340 mg
• Servings per container: 48
• Best for: people interested in a fish oil supplement that also provides fat-soluble vitamins

Cod liver oil is a unique type of fish oil pressed from the livers of cod, a type of fish that is a rich source of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E in addition to omega-3s (12).

Sourced exclusively from wild Arctic cod from the Norwegian Sea, this supplement is available in liquid and softgel forms. It provides 600–850 mg of combined EPA and DHA, depending on which product you select.

Nordic Naturals supplements are sustainably produced, non-GMO, and certified by third-party organizations such as Friend of the Sea and European Pharmacopoeia.

This product is available in several flavors, including unflavored, orange, strawberry, and lemon.

Best fish oil supplement for kids

Barlean’s Omega Pals Chirpin’ Slurpin’ Lemonade Fish Oil

• Price: $$$
• Serving size: 1.5 teaspoons (7.5 mL)
• DHA per serving: 210 mg
• EPA per serving: 330 mg
• Servings per container: 29
• Best for: kids over age 1

Looking for a fish oil your kid might take without complaint? This Omega Pals fish oil from Barlean’s comes in several kid-approved flavors, such as lemonade, tangerine, citrus, and strawberry banana.

It provides a combined 540 mg of DHA and EPA.

The product is made for children ages 1 and older.

It’s important for children to get enough omega-3s, particularly DHA, because it’s vital for brain development and eye health (5).

However, there are currently no specific guidelines for DHA intake. Instead, there are guidelines for total omega-3 intake, which are as follows (1):

• ages 1–3: 700 mg
• ages 4–8: 900 mg
• ages 9–13: 1,000 mg for girls; 1,200 mg for boys

A comparison of the best fish oil supplements

Here’s a quick look at how our top picks compare:

How to choose a fish oil supplement

There are several factors to consider when selecting a fish oil supplement:

• Supplement quality: It’s important to check the ingredient list carefully and steer clear of supplements containing fillers or artificial ingredients. Ideally, look for products that have undergone third-party testing and are certified by an independent organization such as IFOS, USP, NSF International, or the TGA.
• Dosage: Pay close attention to the dosage, including the amount of EPA and DHA. Some products may also contain ALA, a form of omega-3 fatty acid found in plants that is converted to EPA and DHA in small amounts (2).
• Fish oil source: You may want to consider the source of the fish oil as well. Ideally, opt for smaller, sustainably caught fish, like sardines and anchovies, which tend to contain lower levels of mercury (13).
• Supplement type: There are also several forms of fish oil supplements, including softgels, liquids, or gummies. While some prefer the convenience and ease of capsules, liquids and gummies may work better for others.

How much fish oil should you take?

Most health organizations recommend taking 250–500 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day, with slight variations depending on your age and health status (14, 15).

For ALA, the daily recommended intake is 1.1 grams per day for women and 1.6 grams per day for men (2).

Potential side effects of fish oil

The most common side effect of fish oil supplements is fishy burps, but there are now several “burpless” fish oil products on the market that claim to cut down on this unpleasant but harmless side effect.

If you experience nausea or vomiting after taking fish oil, check the expiration date. The oil may deteriorate and become rancid. Consider taking the supplement with a meal to decrease any uncomfortable side effects.

Frequently asked questions

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Should you take fish oil every day?

You can take fish oil every day. However, taking high doses of fish oil (at least 900 mg of EPA plus 600 mg DHA) over time may promote immune system suppression because of the powerful anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fats (1).

It’s important to check the dosages of EPA and DHA in your fish oil before you purchase so that you don’t buy one that could lead to this effect.

When is the best time to take fish oil?

The best time to take fish oil is when it’s most convenient and easiest for you to remember. Fish oil doesn’t offer immediate benefits, so what’s most important is that you take it consistently (16).

However, if you experience side effects from fish oil supplements, such as nausea or acid reflux, you may find the supplement easier to tolerate by splitting it into two smaller doses throughout the day.

Whether you take it in the morning, in the afternoon, or at night, experts recommend taking a fish oil supplement alongside a fat-containing meal for optimal absorption (17).

Is fish oil good for your hair?

There hasn’t been a great deal of research on fish oil for hair, but a 2018 study suggested that fermented fish oil could promote hair growth due in part to its DHA content (18).

However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of fish oil on hair health.

What medications should not be taken with fish oil?

In high doses, omega-3 products and fish oil supplements can have blood-thinning effects. For this reason, you should not take them without a healthcare professional’s approval if you’re also taking a blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin or another anticoagulant (1).

The bottom line

There are many types of omega-3 supplements, each from a different source and with distinct combinations of ingredients.

They also come in various forms, including capsules, liquids, and gummies.

For best results, find a fish oil supplement that works for you and take it alongside a balanced diet to maximize its benefits.

Finally, when it comes to fish oil, more is not always better. In fact, excessive intake may do more harm than good.