Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the more common oil supplements sold on the wellness market, and for very good reason. Taking fish oil supplements can benefit the heart, mind, and body in many ways, and the scientific data supporting fish oil supplementation is extensive. Whether you are looking to lower your blood pressure and reduce inflammation, or you are looking for fish oil supplements for brain health, the Omega-3 fatty acids found in liquid fish oil can help you reach all of those physical and mental wellness goals. 

Your body needs Omega-3s for cell growth and muscle activity, so if it is deficient in these essential fatty acids, fish oil supplements, either in pill or liquid form, can help you access EPA and DHA. 

The issue with fish oil supplements is the same as with any wellness product: how do you know you can trust the product? You want to get a product that is free of genetically modified organisms and is made in the most natural way possible, but you also want to make sure you are getting the right deal. 

Are cheaper products worth it, or do you need to pay premium prices for Omega-3 oil supplements? With the number of fish oils and vegan Omega-3 oil supplements out there, which one is right for you? We’ve found 5 Omega-3 oil supplements that can fit almost any lifestyle and provide potential wellness benefits.

Best Fish Oil Supplements 

1. Best Overall Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplement: Utzy Naturals Pure Omega-3 Fish Oil
2. Best Pure Fish Oil Supplement: Kion Omega Fish Oil
3. Best Vegan-Alternative Fish Oil Supplement for Women: Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin 18+
4. Best Vegan Omega-3 Supplement: future kind+ Vegan Omega-3 Supplement
5. Best Krill Oil Supplement: Vitauthority Krill Oil featuring Superba2 Antarctic Krill Oil  

Are Dietary Supplements Safe?

As a general rule, yes, dietary supplements are safe for improving overall mental and physical health. However, you should keep a few things in mind when taking supplements.

Do you need the vitamins or minerals that the supplement provides? 

Some vitamins, like vitamin C, are not stored in the body and, therefore, can be taken in larger doses without extreme side effects. However, other vitamins and minerals, like vitamins A, D, and K can become toxic if taken too much. Supplements like fish oils should only be taken if you have a condition that keeps necessary nutrients from being absorbed by the body or if you have a diet that is deficient in certain nutrients.

Are you already on any medications? 

Vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of blood thinners and antioxidants like vitamin E can make certain chemotherapy medications less effective. If you are on medications or going through highly specific medical treatments, you should consult with your doctor about supplement use. Taking fish oil concentrate can interfere with how well your body absorbs Vitamin-E. 

Do you have a goal in mind?

Remember, supplements should be used to meet wellness goals. Supplement use without specific goals in mind can be useless at best and can interfere with medications or create harmful side effects at worst. However, the same could be said about medications. If you use supplements in tandem with your doctor’s recommendations and with specific wellness goals in mind, though, your supplement use should be incredibly safe and beneficial. 

Best Fish Oil Supplements Reviewed

1. Best Overall Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplement: Utzy Naturals Pure Omega-3 Fish Oil

Why we love it

Utzy Naturals makes one of the best fish oil supplements because of its natural ingredients, high concentration, industry-leading purity testing, and the way its fish oil supplement is free of common allergens like corn, yeast, and gluten.

Potency is another reason to consider Utzy Naturals Omega-3 fish oil supplement. Each softgel contains 430 milligrams of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 290 milligrams of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Which is significantly higher dose than other fish oil supplements on the market.

Utzy Naturals seeks to provide users with the most natural supplementation they can find. So they have maintained the natural triglyceride form of the fatty acids, which helps improve the body’s absorption by 70%. 

When you factor in that the bottles are made from recyclable glass, everything is made in the USA (Stevens Point, Wisconsin), and comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee, there is no reason to not give the Utzy Naturals Omega-3 fish oil supplement a try.

Pros: 

• A potent dose of EPA and DHA 
• Made in the USA in pharmaceutical grade facilities. Third-party lab tested for purity, comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee, and is available in a pleasant lemon-lime flavor
• Maintains the natural triglyceride form for better absorption in the body
• All fish are sourced from the clean coasts of Chile
• Natural lemon flavor

Cons:

• Not a vegan-friendly product

Specs:

• Size: 60 softgels per bottle
• Strength: 800 milligrams of Omega-3s (430 mg of EPA, 290 mg of DHA, and 80 mg of additional Omega-3 fatty acids) per serving

2. Best Pure Fish Oil Supplement: Kion Omega Fish Oil

Why we love it

Purity is a big consideration when finding the best fish oil supplements. Kion Omega fish oil supplement is one of the purest. Made from sustainably sourced cold water anchovies and sardines from the coasts of South America. This is a fish oil supplement that contains a powerful dose of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA and DHA). 

Kion Omega fish oil supplement maintains the natural triglyceride form of the Omega-3 fatty acids. Allowing the body to more efficiently absorb the liquid fish oil. The inclusion of bovine gelatin as a bonding agent may provide its own benefits as well that stack on top of the benefits of the fish oil.

With fast shipping, a 60-day money-back guarantee, and regular testing on the fish oil for arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium, Kion Omega fish oil provides plenty of reason for people to try it. 

Pros:

• No fishy taste
• The fish oil/bovine gelatin combination is a great way to deal with high blood sugar and liver disease. While also improving cognitive function as well as heart and joint health
• A potent dose of EPA and DHA that maintains its natural triglyceride form for improved bodily absorption
• Sourced from sustainable cold water fish and thoroughly tested for harmful heavy metals with a 60-day money-back guarantee and fast shipping

Cons:

• Made from both bovine gelatin and fish oil, this is definitely not a product for vegans or even pescatarians

Specs:

• Size: 60 softgels per bottle
• Strength: 1210 milligrams of purified cold water fish oil containing 1000 milligrams of Omega-3s (530 mg of EPA, 435 mg DHA, and 35 mg of other Omega-3 fatty acids) er serving

3. Best Vegan-Alternative Fish Oil Supplement for Women: Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin 18+

Why we love it

Ritual’s Essential for Women 18+ Multivitamin is a great product before we even talk about it as a vegan alternative to fish oil supplements. This is a vegan product with vegans in mind. It contains vitamins B12 and D, so you get plenty per serving. 

The vegan diet is typically low in vitamins B and D vitamins. These soft gels are a fully vegan product while avoiding common allergenic ingredients like soy and gluten. They use a non-soy form of vitamin K2, specifically the most effective form, K2MK7.

For women specifically, DHA has been shown to help with infant development. DHA is commonly in breast milk. While the body does make small amounts of DHA, most of it is gained from diet. With all of this in mind, Ritual Essential for Women Multivitamin is not only a great supplement all around, but it makes for a great vegan alternative to fish oil supplements. 

Pros:

• Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee
• A great way to improve brain, heart, eye, joint, and bone health in women over the age of 18
• A vegan product without gluten or major allergens like soy that contains nutrients commonly deficient in a vegan diet
• Microalgae DHA may be more potent than DHA in traditional fish oil supplements

Cons:

• Contains only DHA, no other Omega-3 fatty acids 

Specs:

• Size: 30 capsules per bottle 
• Strength: 330 mg of Omega-3 DHA, 50 mcg of Vitamin D, 6.7 mg of Vitamin E, 1000 mcg of Folate, 8 mcg of Vitamin B12, 8 mg of Iron, 30 mg of Magnesium, 0.7 mg of Boron, and 90 mg of K2 per serving

4. Best Vegan Omega-3 Supplement: future kind+ Vegan Omega-3 Supplement

Why we love it

If a true alternative to a fish oil supplement is what you are looking for, future kind+ makes a Vegan Omega-3 oil supplement that is right for you. This vegan supplement contains both DHA and EPA for additional benefits. Which are commonly associated with fatty fish but without the guilt of having to consume living animals.

Along with containing the essential Omega-3 fatty acids, future kind+ Vegan Omega-3 oil supplement also contains Omega 6 fatty acids, which are commonly found in salmon, grass-fed meat, and eggs.

Unlike other vegan fish oil alternatives, future kind+ does not use ‘Irish seaweed’. An ingredient that contains the potentially harmful carrageenan, which has been linked with gastrointestinal issues like intestinal inflammation. 

Pros:

• future kind+ is dedicated to an animal-friendly future with vegan, cruelty-free products with carbon-neutral shipping and eco-friendly packaging
• A vegan alternative to fish oil supplements that contain DHA, EPA, and Omega 6 fatty acids
• No ‘fish burbs’ or fishy smells, just oil that provides heart, eye, joint, and mental health benefits
• Does not contain the potentially harmful carrageenan that is commonly associated with fish oil vegan alternatives

Cons:

• Contains a fairly low dose of Omega-3 fatty acids compared to other products we’ve featured

Specs:

• Size: 60 vegan softgels per bottle
• Strength: 500 mg of Algal oil including 20 mg of Omega 6 fatty acids and 275 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids including 75 mg of EPA and 150 mg of DHA per serving

5. Best Krill Oil Supplement: Vitauthority Krill Oil featuring Superba2 Antarctic Krill Oil 

Why we love it

Unlike a fish oil supplement, Vitauthority Krill Oil not only contains all the Omega-3 fatty acids for improved joint, brain, and heart health, but also contains phospholipids and a very specific antioxidant known as astaxanthin. Which not only gives the krill and the oil its distinct reddish color, but has also been connected to improved skin, heart, and joint health as well as improving overall endurance and even being linked to cancer treatments. 

Vitauthority has an understanding of the unique benefits of krill oil, which is why they have chosen to forgo the standard fish oil supplement to focus on oil extracted from these tiny, Antarctic crustaceans.

Beyond the Omega-3s and antioxidants, Vitauthority krill oil contains a healthy dose of phospholipids. Which are largely connected to the transportation of nutrients throughout the body. A healthy dose of Choline can assist the body with reducing cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and has even been shown to boost overall endurance.

Pros:

• Krill oil contains the Omega-3 fatty acids that can provide brain, joint, eye, and heart health
• Phospholipids help carry the nutrients through the body for improved absorption
• Astaxanthin and Choline provide further health benefits for the skin, mind, blood flow, and can boost endurance while lowering cholesterol and blood pressure
• Made in the USA with third party testing for safety

Cons:

• Not only is this not a vegan product, containing krill oil and bovine gelatin, but it also contains ethyl vanillin, which is an artificial flavoring

Specs:

• Size: 60 liquid softgels per bottle
• Strength: 50 mg of Choline and 1000 mg krill oil including 220 mg of Omega-3s (with 120 mg of EPA and 55 mg of DHA), 400 mg of Phospholipids, and 100 mcg of Astaxanthin per serving

How We Picked The Best Fish Oil Supplements

There are several companies out there claiming they have the best fish oil supplements or offering alternatives to fish oil supplements through algal or krill oil. The question is what makes them them the best fish oil supplement? Fish oil supplements can be great supplements for high blood pressure, joint health, and cognitive function. But not every Omega-3 supplement, made from fish oil or otherwise, is created equally. 

When we were trying to decide who made the best fish oil supplements or fish oil alternatives, we considered the following 3 criteria. This is hardly the end-all, be-all of qualifications for what makes an Omega-3 oil supplement the best. But it was useful for us to separate the wheat from the chaff, so to speak, and bring you 5 products that are both trusted and effective.

Quality of Ingredients

The very first thing we kept in mind was if these supplements were made from high-quality ingredients. For the fish oil supplements, we took into consideration where the fish were sourced from. Both Utzy Naturals and Kion source their fish from the coasts of South America. Coasts that are generally regarded as clean and pure. 

For the vegan alternatives to fish oil, we made sure that the products were made entirely of natural ingredients. The Vitauthority Krill Oil sourced its krill from the very pure and clean waters of Antarctica as well. 

Market Research

Our expertise in the supplement industry has taught us the value of listening to what other industry experts and actual customers have to say. The world of fish oil supplementation is no different. We did not feature any products that have historically low customer reviews, but we didn’t just factor in star ratings and the highly opinionated stances of individuals. 

Reviews can provide insight into the real-world advantages of fish oil supplements compared to the advertised benefits. We actively didn’t feature companies whose reviews did not match the advertised benefits. We also listened to what our peers in this industry had to say.

Scientific Research

There is a lot of research into the benefits of Omega-3s. We took the time to read this research and see if the purported benefits of these fish oil supplements and fish oil alternatives matched what the actual science said. While also making sure that the companies we featured were using third-party lab testing. We read those reports to see if the ingredients listed on the bottles matched the ingredients listed on the lab reports.

How To Find The Best Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements

It is fairly well documented that Omega-3s found in fish oil have amazing benefits such as reducing cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, it is also well-known that people commonly use fish oil supplements to lower cholesterol. If you don’t feel like eating fatty fish, fish oil can be a great way to supplement the EPA and DHA your body needs, but the question of which fish oil supplement is right for you comes down to how you can answer the following questions:

Which supplement best fits your lifestyle?

As we discussed above, if you are looking for the cleanest, purest ingredients in your fish oil, you should consider purchasing a fish oil that is sourced from South America, specifically the coasts of Chile. 

These waters are known for their lack of pollutants. Meaning that the chance of taking a supplement sourced from contaminated fatty fish is far less likely. Third-party lab testing should help reveal contaminants to keep dangerous products off the market. It is still worth considering products sourced from cleaner waters.

However, the issue with fish oil is that it is inherently not appropriate for many dietary needs. If you are vegan or vegetarian, it may be harder to get the benefits of fatty fish, and many of the fish oil supplements use gelatin made from animal products. However, as we saw, plant oils, like algal oil, can be great sources of Omega-3 fatty acids and make for a great alternative. 

Krill oil brings out its own interesting benefits. The antioxidant that naturally occurs in the Antarctic crustaceans provides its own benefits, but Choline is an often underestimated nutrient that has a number of health benefits, including benefits for infants in the womb and nursing. While fish oil has more scientific research, krill oil does provide unique benefits from fish and algal oil.

Which supplement provides the most intended benefits?

Based on this question, you may think that choosing a multivitamin that contains Omega-3s is the best option, like the one offered by Ritual. It is true that the Ritual Omega-3 supplement is a great product with multiple nutrients with multiple wellness benefits. But as we discussed above, it is not a good idea to take supplements for vitamins and nutrients that you receive enough from your daily diet. 

If you don’t consume enough fatty fish, a more pure krill or fish oil may be the better option. Companies like future kind+ do make an algal oil that contains all of the Omega-3s and Omega 6s. 

Which supplement is made from the most natural ingredients?

Beyond just sourcing their microalgae, fish, or krill from the cleanest sources, you should also look into products that are made with the least amount of artificial flavorings, colorings, or genetically modified organisms. 

You should also consider common allergens that may be in your supplements. Though soy is common in many vegan supplements. As we saw with Ritual, it is not necessary for vegan supplements and plant oils to contain soy, gluten, and other common plant allergens. 

Potential Benefits of Using Omega-3 Supplements

If you do not eat enough coldwater fatty fish, you are likely suffering from an Omega-3 deficiency and are missing out on several health benefits. 

Fish oil, algal oil, and krill oil can all be great ways to supplement the deficient Omega-3 and help get your mind and body back on track. Remember, though, that you should only seek out supplementation if you do not eat enough of the aforementioned foods as a part of your diet. 

Heart Health

It has been shown that Omega-3s are a big part of regulating the body’s blood pressure and cholesterol, which in turn leads to a healthier heart. Omega-3s reduce triglycerides in the bloodstream which can lead to blood clots. Omega-3s can also help the heart from developing arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats. 

Not only do Omega-3s help regulate the fat in your bloodstream, but they can also regulate the calcium and cholesterol that cause plaque to build up.  In several ways, increasing the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids in your body through supplementation can help reduce heart disease and help you live a longer, healthier life.

Brain Health

Improved blood flow is not just good for the heart, but also for the mind. Healthy blood flow can cause the brain to feel energized, reducing fatigue and improving your overall mood. However, improving your overall blood flow is not the only way that Omega-3 fatty acids help the mind. 

Studies have shown that EPA and DHA may have positive effects on chronic neurodegenerative disorders, and the fatty acids are connected with cellular function that can improve cognition which is connected to both mood and memory. Having anti-inflammatory qualities as well, Omega-3s may also help reduce the effects of neurodegenerative disorders.

Joint Health

As discussed above, Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory qualities, which can not only help reduce pain in the muscles and nerves but can also have an effect on your overall joint health. The Omega-3s present in fish oil help reduce cartilage loss, which can cause pain or swelling in the joints and reduce your overall quality of life. 

At its most intense, loss of cartilage can actually lead to fully disabled limbs. Omega-3s can also increase synovial fluid, which can assist with pain and overall health in the shoulders, knees, hips, wrists, and elbows. If osteoarthritis or joint pain is a concern, increasing Omega-3s through fish oil supplementation can be incredibly beneficial. 

Reduces the Risk of Autoimmune Diseases

Studies have recently shown that Omega-3 supplementation can have a 22% reduction in all autoimmune disease incidences. From rheumatoid arthritis to diabetes to Crohn’s disease to psoriasis to migraines, there are so many autoimmune diseases that Omega-3s can help reduce the symptoms of and possibly even help with the prevention of. 

Much of this is tied to the anti-inflammatory qualities of Omega-3s. When combined with vitamin D, Omega-3s are great for both quality of life and prevention.

Potential Side Effects of Using Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements

While taking fish oil for Omega-3 supplementation can provide a wealth of benefits to your mental and physical health, there are side effects that can result from taking too much Omega-3s, especially if you are not suffering from a deficiency. Common, minor side effects connected to overconsumption of Omega-3s include:

• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Back pain
• Burping
• Reduced blood pressure
• Fishy aftertaste
• Headaches
• Nosebleeds
• Fatigue
• Heartburn

If you do not need to take Omega-3 supplements but continue to do so, greater side effects can occur, such as:

• Insomnia
• High blood sugar
• Heart arrhythmia
• Increased risk of bleeding and rashes

Since many sources of Omega-3 also contain Vitamin A, a risk of Vitamin A toxicity is possible. Vitamin A toxicity is commonly associated with headaches, abdominal pain, and rashes, but can lead to a stroke in the most severe circumstances. 

While Omega-3s are not generally connected with medical interactions, they can increase the effects of blood thinners, such as NSAIDs, warfarin, and clopidogrel. While this increase can be beneficial in relation to blood flow and heart disease, this can also lead to excessive bleeding and easy bruising. 

Omega-3s can also raise fasting blood sugar levels, so if you are taking blood sugar-lowering medications, you may want to consult with your doctor before taking supplements.

FAQs

What are Omega-3 fatty acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are comprised of three acids, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These are components that do not occur naturally, or not very commonly, in the human body and must be consumed through diet or supplementation to take. They are connected with anti-inflammatory properties and have been linked with improved joint, heart, and brain function.

How many Omega-3 supplements should I take?

While you should probably follow the recommended dosage provided by the company you are buying from, there are some general recommendations of how much Omega-3 should be taken daily. 

The general number is about 1000 milligrams a day, though with men it is more recommended to take 1600 milligrams while women are recommended to take 1100. The American Heart Association recommends Omega-3 supplementation for those with coronary disease, but you should make sure that you are taking both EPA and DHA. 

Can I take Omega-3 supplements with other medication?

As discussed above, Omega-3 supplements are generally seen as being very safe in connection with other medications and may even increase the effects. Omega-3s present the most danger with blood thinners due to the risk of increased bleeding and can increase your blood sugar, which could interact poorly with medications attempting to lower blood sugar. 

With that in mind, Omega-3 supplements can also help reduce the symptoms of other medications. It may reduce the toxic side effects of cyclosporine, improve symptoms of psoriasis associated with topical steroids, and may even help improve the effects of cholesterol-lowering medications. With that in mind, if you are on medications, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor about taking supplements. 

Can I take Omega-3 supplements in place of other medications?

If your doctor has recommended medication, or if you are currently taking medications, you should not try to replace your medications with Omega-3 supplements. However, as we discussed above, Omega-3 supplements can help increase the effects of medications. 

Omega-3 supplements are also a great preventative measure to help avoid long-term damage to your cardiovascular system that may require medication later in life, so if you are not consuming enough fatty fish, leafy greens, or certain seeds and nuts, Omega-3 supplements could save you a lot of pain in the future. 

Take Fish Oil Supplements For Wellness

Of all wellness supplements, taking fish oil to increase the Omega-3s in your body may be the most scientifically supported thing you can do. Omega-3 supplements from fish, algal, and krill oil can provide a real boost to your physical health, especially with your heart and joints, and in your mental health as well, concerning mood and cognitive function. 

Unlike other supplements, Omega-3s have relatively few side effects as long as toxicity is avoided, and the way that Omega-3s interact with medications is generally very moderate. While your lifestyle will decide which product is right for you, any of the products we have discussed today will provide you with effective Omega-3 supplementation to help with your wellness goals.