Our Top Picks of the Best Fish Oil Supplements in 2024: 5 Options Reviewed

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are crucial for optimal health. As more research on omega-3 benefits for the brain, heart, joints, and other health aspects is carried out, interest in these fatty acids as a supplement gains further attention. The best fish oil supplements ensure that you do not miss out on the omega-3 health benefits.

In this article we delve into certain aspects on how to choose the best fish oil supplement, discuss the five best brands we think deserve attention, and further examine why fish oil and omega-3 supplementation is important.

Best fish oil supplement: a shortlist

1. HUM — best fish oil supplement overall
2. Utzy — best fish oil supplement with enhanced absorption
3. Bulk Supplements.com — best fish oil supplement for those on a budget
4. Nordic Naturals — best fish oil supplement from wild-caught fish
5. Nature Made — best fish oil supplement in gummy form

How we compiled our list of the best fish oil supplements

Quality of ingredients	Manufacturing process	Brand reputation	Customer reviews	Purity and quality standards
Source and type of fish oil	Standards and certifications	Historical reliability and trust	User experiences and satisfaction	Contaminant levels and concentration

• Quality of ingredients. To find the best supplement, it's essential to choose one derived from premium sources, which is key for anyone looking for omega-3 supplements. The quality of the source impacts the supplement's overall effectiveness.
• Manufacturing process. Fish oil that's been crafted through a meticulous manufacturing process, following stringent quality standards and certifications, ensures that the product needs is safe and potent.
• Brand reputation. A brand's standing is a valuable indicator of its reliability and the overall caliber.
• Customer reviews. User testimonials act as tangible proof of customer satisfaction. For example, those in search of the best fish oil supplement for cholesterol may find such feedback useful.
• Purity and quality standards. To determine what is the best fish oil, prioritizing high purity and strict quality standards is essential. This ensures it's contaminant-free and has a verified omega-3 concentration, supporting health without unnecessary risks.

Best fish oil supplement: an overview

Choosing the best fish oil supplement may require doing some research. When we picked the five brands scrutinized below, we looked into the criteria that make or break most decisions to start taking them.

First, there is the price, and it’s important as taking your fish oil is a long journey, so make sure you can afford it. Second, consider that ingredient sourcing and manufacturing quality is important to keep the health in good shape.

Lastly, customer reviews and certificates give a much-needed confidence boost. Read on to find out our take on the best fish oil supplements and why we picked them.

1. HUM — best fish oil supplement overall

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OMG Omega the Great by HUM Nutrition distinguishes itself through a blend of high-quality, sustainably sourced fish oil and vitamin E, aiming to support skin, heart, and brain health without the common fishy aftertaste.

The product boasts ultra-pure omega-3s in a science-backed ratio of 1:2 of EPA and DHA, demonstrating its commitment to efficacy.

This dedication is further evidenced by rigorous claimed third-party testing, verification of clean ingredients, and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) recommended by the FDA, ensuring each supplement meets strict quality standards.

Customers have shared positive reviews, highlighting satisfaction with the results, particularly in skin tone improvement and overall feeling of well-being.

A 30-day supply of softgel capsules costs $33 ($1.10 per serving).

2. Utzy — best fish oil supplement with enhanced absorption

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Utzy Naturals' Omega-3 supplement emphasizes its formulation and absorption. It features premium-grade fish oil sourced sustainably from the minimally industrialized Chilean coast.

It's unique for using the triglyceride form of Omega-3, which, according to the brand, is 70% more digestible than the common ethyl ester form, making it a more efficient choice for supporting brain, joint, and heart health.

The product is independently tested, ensuring the absence of heavy metals and other contaminants, although no mention of GMP manufacturing can be found on the product’s web page.

Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising its effectiveness and the natural lemon flavor that makes daily intake pleasant.

A 30-day supply of softgel capsules costs $29.95 ($1.00 per serving).

3. BulkSupplements.com — best fish oil supplement for those on a budget

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BulkSupplements.com's Fish Oil 1000 mg Softgels stand out for their commitment to formulation and efficiency. It delivers essential omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for heart, brain, and overall health, without a hefty price tag.

The brand’s product comes in an easy-to-swallow softgel form, ensuring a convenient daily intake without the fishy aftertaste. In terms of quality, BulkSupplements.com manufactures their product under GMP, which ensures product integrity.

Additionally, the brand carries out thorough in-house testing, verifying each batch for the absence of contaminants, and provides certificates of analysis upon request.

The customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, indicating a high level of user satisfaction with this fish oil product.

A bottle with 240 softgels, enough for 8 months, costs $25.96 ($0.11 per serving).

4. Nordic Naturals — best fish oil supplement from wild-caught fish

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Nordic Naturals' Ultimate Omega stands out for its exceptional quality and sourcing. It provides a strong dose of omega-3 fatty acids sourced exclusively from wild-caught sardines and anchovies.

Highlighting a commitment to environmental sustainability and consumer well-being, it boasts certifications from Friend of the Sea and undergoes rigorous third-party testing for the absence of contaminants and freshness.

Its use of omega-3s in the triglyceride form, which is more easily absorbed by the body, coupled with a pleasant lemon flavor, distinguishes it in the market. The product has earned praise from customers in the reviews section for its potential to support heart, brain, and overall health.

A 30-day supply of softgel capsules costs $22.39 ($0.37 per serving).

5. Nature Made — best fish oil supplement in gummy form

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Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies offer a delightful and user-friendly option for those who find swallowing pills challenging.

Crafted with superior ingredients, these gummies are naturally colored and flavored using fruit extracts. The flavors include banana, natural fruit, lemon, pineapple, orange, and peach & mango, making them attractive to adults and children.

Each serving delivers 57 mg of crucial omega-3 fatty acids that may support heart, brain, and eye health. Notably, the dose per serving is relatively lower, but you may discuss the required intake with your healthcare provider and adjust the serving size based on their recommendations.

Committed to maintaining high-quality standards, Nature Made holds United States Pharmacopeia (USP) certification, which affirms that the supplement has been made according to the FDA-monitored GMPs using sanitary and well-controlled procedures.

A 75-day supply costs $25.25 ($0.34 per serving).

Comparing the best fish oil supplements

Brand	Price per bottle	Price per serving	Number of servings	Form	Manufactured under GMP?
HUM	$33.00	$1.10	30	Softgels	Yes
Utzy	$29.95	$1.00	30	Softgels	Not stated
BulkSupplements.com	$25.96	$0.11	240	Softgels	Yes
Nordic Naturals	$22.39	$0.37	30	Softgels	Not stated
Nature Made	$25.25	$0.34	75	Gummies	Yes

What are fish oil supplements?

Fish oil supplements are derived from the tissues of fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines. These supplements contain the essence of omega-3 fatty acids, namely eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Omega-3 fatty acids are implicated for various bodily functions, supporting the heart, the brain, and generally reducing inflammation.

Fish oil supplements offer a convenient way to ensure an adequate intake of these essential nutrients, particularly for those who don't consume enough fish in their diet. With their concentrated form of omega-3s, these supplements have become a popular choice for individuals aiming to support their overall health and well-being.

What are omega-3 fatty acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats crucial for optimal health. They play pivotal roles in brain function, heart health, and reducing inflammation throughout the body. The three main types of omega-3s include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

EPA and DHA are primarily found in fatty fish and seafood, while ALA is present in plant-based sources like seeds and nuts. However, EPA and DHA are more readily utilized by the body compared to ALA, as ALA needs to undergo costly biochemical changes within your body to become EPA and DHA.

Types of omega-3s

• Eicosapentaenoic acid. Science has demonstrated that EPA possesses anti-inflammatory properties, supporting heart health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. It's abundant in fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel.
• Docosahexaenoic acid. DHA is critical for brain development and cognitive function, particularly in infants and children. It's found in high concentrations in oily fish such as trout, herring, and sardines.
• Alpha-linolenic acid. ALA is a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid that the body can convert to EPA and DHA, albeit inefficiently. It's prevalent in flaxseeds, chia, hemp seeds, and walnuts. However, incorporating EPA and DHA directly from fish sources is more effective for meeting the body's needs.

Health benefits of fish oil supplements

The main fish oil ingredients carry science-backed benefits for several aspects of our health. Let’s explore these in more detail.

Cardiovascular health

Fish oil supplementation offers significant benefits for cardiovascular health. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, may help reduce blood triglyceride levels, lower blood pressure, and may play a role in reducing plaque buildup in arteries, thus decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke.

Research suggests that omega-3s may improve endothelial function, reduce inflammation, and enhance heart rate variability, promoting overall cardiovascular well-being.

Multiple studies, including meta-analyses and clinical trials, have demonstrated the positive impact of fish oil supplementation on various cardiovascular disease risk markers, reinforcing its role as a potential dietary support for heart health.

Brain function and cognitive health

Fish oil supplementation has garnered attention for its potential to support brain function and cognitive health. The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are integral components of brain cell membranes and play crucial roles in neurotransmitter function and synaptic signaling.

Research suggests that regular consumption of fish oil may help improve memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function, while also potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Clinical trials and observational studies have demonstrated associations between higher omega-3 intake and better cognitive function measures, highlighting the importance of incorporating fish oil into a balanced diet for optimal brain health.

Joint health and inflammation

Fish oil supplementation has shown promise in promoting joint health and reducing inflammation.

The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA possess anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, fish oil may help with pain and stiffness associated with joint disorders by potentially modulating inflammatory pathways and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory molecules.

Such properties may alleviate self-reported symptoms of knee osteoarthritis and potentially other inflammatory conditions. The fish oil’s anti-inflammatory activity has far-reaching effects and may help even with lung health as well.

Skin and hair health

Fish oil supplementation offers science-backed benefits for skin and hair health. The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA play roles in maintaining skin integrity, moisture retention, and reducing inflammation associated with skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Moreover, omega-3s promote hair follicle health, potentially reducing hair loss and may improve overall hair strength and shine. While clinical studies on skin hydration, elasticity, and texture improvements are limited, users report that regular fish oil intake may support healthy skin and hair.

Incorporating fish oil supplements into the diet may contribute to vibrant and nourished-looking skin and hair.

Tips for maximizing the benefits of fish oil supplements

To maximize the benefits of fish oil supplements, consider these tips:

• Choose high-quality supplements. Opt for reputable brands to avoid dose variations, as some brands may not be truthful. Also, look for those who use molecular distillation to remove contaminants like mercury.
• Follow recommended dosages. Always follow the product label and consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage based on individual health needs.
• Consume with meals. Taking fish oil supplements with meals may enhance absorption and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Consider synergistic supplements. Pairing fish oil with vitamin D or antioxidants like vitamin E may enhance its effects and provide additional health benefits.
• Be consistent. Take fish oil supplements regularly to maintain steady levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the body.
• Monitor omega-3 levels. Consider periodic blood tests to assess omega-3 levels and consult with your healthcare provider to adjust supplementation if necessary.

Potential side effects and precautions when taking fish oil supplements

While generally safe, fish oil supplements may cause side effects in some individuals. These can include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhea, or indigestion. Taking high doses of fish oil may also increase the risk of bleeding, especially in individuals already on blood-thinning medications.

Furthermore, fish oil supplements derived from certain fish species may contain contaminants like mercury or PCBs, posing potential health risks unless distilled by the manufacturer to remove these.

Lastly, individuals with fish or seafood allergies should exercise caution when taking fish oil supplements. Consult a healthcare professional before starting fish oil supplementation, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications.

Best fish oil supplements — conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the best fish oil supplement involves considering factors like quality, formulation, and omega-3 concentration. Opt for reputable brands with molecular distillation to ensure minimal levels of contaminants.

Look for supplements with higher concentrations of EPA and DHA for maximum benefit. Consulting your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations is crucial, as making informed choices regarding fish oil supplementation may significantly contribute towards your overall health and well-being.

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