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The Fast Facts
- A quality fish oil supplement aims for 250 to 500 milligrams (mg) of combined eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per serving.
- Consider a product that’s third-party tested for purity and potency, ideally certified by organizations such as NSF International, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), or the International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS).
- Based on quality, registered dietitian input, and tester feedback, Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Soft Gels is our top pick for the best fish oil supplement.
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Best overall: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Soft Gels | Skip to review
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Best fish oil supplement for cholesterol: Thorne Omega-3 with CoQ10 | Skip to review
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Best single source omega: Sports Research Omega-3 Fish Oil | Skip to review
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Most affordable: Nutricost Fish Oil Soft Gels | Skip to review
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Best liquid fish oil: Carlson Labs The Very Finest Fish Oil | Skip to review
If you don’t eat cold-water fatty fish and other seafood, or plant-based foods, such as nuts, seeds, and plant oils often, omega-3 supplementation through fish oil is an easy and helpful way to increase your intake and get support for heart, eye, and brain health, and in lowering inflammation and cholesterol.
Some of the products below were provided to Healthline testers at no cost. Our opinions and reviews are ours alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the brands.
When rounding up the best fish oil supplements, we considered the following factors:
- Quality: In addition to ingredient quality, we evaluated the company’s testing and manufacturing processes. The products selected are made by companies that provide objective measures of trust, such as third-party lab-validated supplements.
- Fish oil source: We prioritized supplements with oil from smaller fish because they’re typically lowerTrusted Sourcein mercury than larger fish.
- Certifications: We prioritized products with additional certifications from independent organizations to help ensure quality, transparency, and safety beyond third-party testing. However, we also included many products that use other methods to verify quality.
- Tester reviews: Our team tried many of the supplements on our list and shared firsthand feedback to help us decide which products to include.
- Price: We included products to suit a variety of budgets.
- Supplement Quality: Choose supplements without fillers or artificial ingredients, and look for third-party certifications from organizations like IFOS, NSF International, or USP International.
- Omega-3 Content: Aim for 250 to 500 mgTrusted Source of combined EPA and DHA per serving. Some products also contain ALA, a plant-based omega-3.
- Serving Size: Check if the recommended dose requires multiple capsules or a single serving to fit your preference.
- Fish Oil Source: Prefer fish oil derived from smaller, sustainably caught fish such as sardines and anchovies, which typically haveTrusted Source lower mercury levels.
- Supplement Type: Fish oil supplements come in various forms — softgels, liquids, or gummies — so choose based on your personal preference.
- Freshness: You can purchase from reputable brands that test for oxidation. It’s wise to always check expiration dates and avoid large bulk purchases to ensure freshness.
There are many types of fish oil supplements, each sourced from a different species and varying in omega-3 fatty acid content.
When shopping for an omega-3 supplement, it’s best to choose a product that’s been third-party tested to make sure the contents match the label and supplement facts panel.
You’ll also want to consider which form of supplement you prefer, such as a liquid, capsule, or gummy, and your preferred dose. However, keep in mind that more is not always better. In fact, excessive intake may do more harm than good.
For best results, take the supplement alongside a balanced diet to help maximize its potential benefits.