Key takeaways
– Look for a fish oil supplement that has around 250 to 500 milligrams (mg) of combined eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per serving.
- Important indicators of quality include third-party testing and certification by an independent organization like the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Friend of the Sea, NSF International, International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS), European Pharmacopoeia, Marine Stewardship Council, or Orivo.
- 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.
A quick look at the best fish oil supplements
– Best overall: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Soft Gels | Skip to review
- Best for cholesterol levels: Thorne Omega-3 with CoQ10 Capsules | Skip to review
- Best single source omega: Sports Research Omega-3 Fish Oil | Skip to review
- Best gummies: Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies | Skip to review
- Best liquid: Carlson Labs The Very Finest Fish Oil | Skip to review
- Most affordable: Nutricost Fish Oil Softgels | Skip to review
Sports Research Omega-3 Fish Oil
– Form: softgels
- Dose: 1 softgel per day
- Certifications: non-GMO tested, MSC Certified Sustainable Seafood, third-party tested
Editor’s take
“I was surprised by how easy the pill went down (cannot emphasize that enough) and that there was no aftertaste. No fishy burps or bad smells. Also love that the brand seems environmentally conscious. There is fish gelatin in the pill though, FYI!”
— Parisa Syed, Healthline editor
Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in supporting heart, eye, and brain health, and for lowering inflammation and cholesterol, among other benefits.
They’re abundant in cold-water fatty fish and other seafood and in lesser amounts in plant-based foods, such as nuts, seeds, and plant oils.
But if you don’t eat these foods often, omega-3 supplementation through fish oil is an easy and helpful process to increase your intake of this essential nutrient.
Here are our picks of the best fish oil supplements on the market.
Pricing guide
– $ = under $1 per serving
- $$ = $1 to $1.50 per serving
- $$$ = over $1.50 per serving
Healthline’s picks for the best fish oil supplements
Disclaimer: Some of the products below were provided to Healthline testers for free. Our opinions and reviews are ours alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the brands.
Best overall
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Soft Gels
– Number of servings: 60 per container
- EPA: 650 mg per serving
- DHA: 450 mg per serving
- Certifications: third-party tested for purity and potency, non-GMO tested, Friend of the Sea certified sustainable
- Price: $$
Why it’s best overall: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Soft Gels is a high-quality supplement that provides 1,280 milligrams (mg) of combined EPA and DHA sourced from wild-caught sardines and anchovies.
These supplements are third-party tested — much like all the products on this list — but the brand goes the extra mile by making the certificates of analysis (COA) available on its website. This document provides detailed information on the purity, strength, and quality of supplements.
It’s registered dietitian Kelli McGrane’s pick as one of the best fish oil supplement options on the market. Plus, our tester Candice Abellon notes that it was easy to swallow and caused fewer fishy burps than other brands.
What else to know: 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.
What our tester says
Nordic Naturals has been on dietitian Kelli McGrane’s radar for years as one of the most transparent supplement brands on the market.
“While the capsules are quite large, I’ve found them easy to swallow. Plus, as someone who dislikes the smell and taste of fish, I particularly appreciate that the softgels have a pleasant lemon flavor that masks any fishiness that might otherwise be off-putting.”
When testing in 2024, Candice Abellon found that she also did not experience as much fishy burps as she has with other brands and that the softgels were easy to swallow. The subtle lemon flavor made them manageable when they settled on her tongue for a bit.
“That telltale fishiness wasn’t there,” she said. “Holding two gel capsules in my hand, they just smell sweet, like they’re lemon candies. All together in the bottle, a whiff of that smells like medicinal lemon candy.”
While the product was provided to her for free, Abellon says she would buy them.
Pros & cons
– minimal ingredients
- third-party certified
- non-GMO verified
- certified sustainable
– capsules are on the larger side
- on the pricier side
Product details
– Form: softgel
- Dose: 2 softgels per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): omega-3s (1,280 mg)
Best for cholesterol levels
Thorne Omega-3 with CoQ10 Capsules
– Number of servings: 90 per container
- EPA: 450 mg per serving
- DHA: 180 mg per serving
- Certifications: NSF certified facilities
- Price: $$ to $$$
Why we picked it: 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.
It’s worth noting that while CoQ10 supplements have been linked to benefits for heart health, exercise performance, and more, most studies suggest a dosage of at least 100 mg per day. Because this supplement only provides 30 mg, people interested in the benefits of CoQ10 may need to take an additional supplement.
What else to know: Each capsule contains 630 mg of combined EPA and DHA sustainably sourced from cold-water fish, along with 30 mg of CoQ10.
Thorne’s fish oil supplement 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 NSF International.
Read our full Thorne review.
What our tester says
Lisa Stanley tried Thorne Omega-3 with CoQ10 to support her health while managing her high cholesterol. “I needed CoQ10 to take alongside a statin, as it is recommended for those on this medication […] I wanted to increase my intake of fish oil to further help manage my cholesterol levels.”
Stanley has used fish oils in the past, on and off, and she has never experienced any side effects from taking them. She used to take Nature Made fish oil supplements in the past, but she likes that “Thorne comes in a set of 90 capsules while Nature Made only offers 60.” She also noted that Thorne’s supplements didn’t have a fishy taste like Nature Made’s.
The only issue Lisa faced was the price. The recommended dose for Thorne’s supplement is 2 to 3 capsules a day. “I sometimes struggled to remember to take it multiple times […] Plus, with 90 pills, the bottle only lasts 30 to 60 days instead of a full 90, which feels like less value in the long run.”
Other than the price, Lisa didn’t have much else to dislike about this product. She didn’t experience any negative side effects, including fishy burps or a fishy aftertaste, and she found the supplement easy to swallow because of the gel caps.
Stanley said that she would purchase this product again because “it effectively supports my cholesterol management without any fishy taste, which I appreciate. The gel capsules are easy to swallow, and the product doesn’t require any special storage, making it convenient for daily use. Plus, the value is good since it combines two pills (CoQ10 and fish oil) into one.”
Pros & cons
– includes CoQ10
- third-party certified
- gluten-free
– expensive
- multiple doses a day to get recommended amount of CoQ10
Product details
– Form: capsule
- Dose: 1 capsule per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): fish oil, coenzyme Q10 (30 mg)
Best single source omega
Sports Research Omega-3 Fish Oil
– Number of servings: 90 per container
- EPA: 690 mg per serving
- DHA: 260 mg per serving
- Certifications: non-GMO verified, IFOS 5-star certified, MSC certified
- Price: $
Why we picked it: Made from single-source, wild-caught Alaskan pollock, Sports Research stands out as a high-quality, budget-friendly omega-3 option.
According to the manufacturers, it uses a 10-step refinement process, resulting in an ultra-concentrated dose and no fishy aftertaste or burps. Our tester backs this up, reporting that the oil went down easy, didn’t smell bad, and didn’t cause any unpleasant fishy burps when she tried it.
What else to know: This supplement is available in two different doses and provides either 625 mg or 1,250 mg of fish oil per serving, with 520 mg or 1,040 mg of omega-3s per serving, respectively.
In addition to being third-party tested, this product is also gluten-free, non-GMO tested, and IFOS 5-star certified.
The brand offers multiple sizes, along with convenient subscriptions at a discounted rate.
What our tester says
Tester Parisa Syed tried this supplement for 30 days and found that while the size of the larger softgels was off-putting at first, the vitamins went down easier than she thought when first looking at them.
“I was actually pretty nervous about swallowing the fish oil pill. It’s a pretty big pill–the meds I take daily are a fraction of the size,” she said. “I was surprised by how easy the pill went down (cannot emphasize that enough) and that there was no aftertaste. No fishy burps or bad smells.”
For the entire month she took these fish oil softgels, she did not experience any issues swallowing or with aftertaste. She simply took the vitamins with food and had no problem going about her day without any side effects.
Pros & cons
– sourced from wild-caught fish
- third-party tested
- gluten-free and non-GMO
- no unpleasant smell or fishy burps
- affordable
– large capsule size
- contains fish gelatin
Product details
– Form: softgel
- Dose: 1 softgel per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): wild alaska pollock fish oil concentrate 1,240 mg, total omega-3s 1,040 mg
- Available flavors: none
- Returns: free returns for Prime members
- Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Best gummies
Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies
– Number of servings: 75 per container
- EPA: 9.5 mg per serving
- DHA: 47.5 mg per serving
- Certifications: USP verified
- Price: $
Healthline’s review
Why we picked it: If you’re interested in just a steady — not a heavy dose — of daily fish oil, Nature Made makes a low-dose gummy for ease of consumption.
What else to know: The deep-ocean fresh and wild caught fish provide omega-3 fatty acids with natural fruit flavors and no artificial flavors or colors. It now comes in Orange flavor only.
Pros & cons
– convenient choice for folks who can’t swallow pills or prefer a more portable option
- most reviewers report no heavy fish taste
– gummies can melt together under heat
- some reviewers upset with flavor change from Strawberry, Lemon, and Orange to just Orange
- very low DHA and EPA quantities compared to other supplements on the market
Product details
– Form: gummy
- Dose: 2 gummies per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): fish oil (227 mg)
- Available flavors: strawberry, lemon, orange
Best liquid
Carlson Labs The Very Finest Fish Oil
– Number of servings: 100 per container
- EPA: 800 mg per serving
- DHA: 500 mg per serving
- Price: $
Healthline’s review
Why we picked it: Carlson Labs liquid fish oil is sourced from wild-caught anchovies, sardines, and mackerel. It’s certified by IFOS and non-GMO Project verified.
What else to know: This omega is very high potency. Each teaspoon (5 milliliters) contains 1,600 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, with 1,300 mg from EPA and DHA. High doses could cause immune system suppression, so you may want to speak with a doctor before taking.
Pros & cons
– no fishy burp
– lemon flavor may be too strong for some
- capsules are on the large side
- older adults or those with hand mobility challenges might find it hard to open
- some reviewers complain of a recent price hike
Product details
– Form: liquid
- Dose: 1 tsp per day
- Available flavors: lemon, orange, mixed berry, just peachie, green apple, fruit splash, bubble gum, unflavored
Women-Founded
Most affordable
Nutricost Fish Oil Softgels
– Form: softgel
- Number of servings: 240 per container
- EPA: 340 mg per serving
- DHA: 220 mg per serving
- Price: $
Healthline’s review
Why we picked it: At 240 softgels per bottle, this fish oil is the best value fish oil supplement we’ve found.
What else to know: Nutricost is a full suite sports performance brand that offers everything from creatine to fish oil, in addition to a wide range of other supplements. Its products are gluten-free, cGMP-compliant, and free of GMOs.
Pros & cons
– large quantity for value
– capsules can melt together
- some complaints of rancidity
- some reviewers complain of fishy burps
Product details
– Dose: 1 softgel per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): fish oil (1,000 mg)
A comparison of the best fish oil supplements
How we chose the best fish oil supplements
Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, evaluate ingredients, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the brands on this page, we considered all the vitamin brands that passed our vetting process. Then, we personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further.
When rounding up the best fish oil supplements, we considered the following factors:
– Quality: In addition to the quality of ingredients, we looked at the company’s testing and manufacturing processes. The products selected are made by companies that provide objective measures of trust, such as having their supplements validated by third-party labs.
- Fish oil source: We prioritized supplements with oil from smaller fish because they’re typically lower
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in 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 provided firsthand feedback on their experience to help us decide which products to include.
- Price: We included products to suit a variety of budgets.
Labcorp OnDemand’s Essential Vitamin Deficiency Test may help you uncover nutritional deficiencies and make informed decisions about what you eat.
What to consider when shopping for 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. Aim to 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.
- Omega-3 content: Look for supplements that contain around 250 to 500 mg
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of combined EPA and DHA per serving. Some products may also contain ALA, a form of omega-3 fatty acid found in plants that’s converted to EPA and DHA in small amounts
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.
- Serving size: Some supplements may require you to take multiple capsules or gummies each day, while others provide the entire dose in a single shot. If this is important to you, be sure to check the recommended serving size prior to purchasing.
- Fish oil source: You may want to consider the source of the fish oil as well. Ideally, opt for smaller, sustainably caught fatty fish, like sardines and anchovies, which tend to contain
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lower levels of mercury.
- Supplement type: There are also several forms of fish oil supplements, including softgels, liquids, or gummies. Which one works best for you will largely be a matter of preference.
- Freshness: Purchasing from a reputable brand can help ensure that you’re getting fish oil at its peak freshness. In fact, some supplements may undergo third-party testing to check for oxidation, which can be a sign of rancidity. You should also check the expiration date carefully and avoid buying in large batches to maintain freshness.
What are the benefits of fish oil?
Fish oil is a top source of omega-3 fatty acids, called polyunsaturated fats, which play important roles in many processes in your body, including
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those involving inflammation, immunity, heart health, and brain function.
There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids:
– Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): These are primarily found in fish and are biologically active forms of omega-3. This means they’re in a form that the body can use.
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): This is found in plant foods, and your body must convert
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it to EPA and DHA in order to use it.
All omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and may have a positive effect on many conditions thought to be related to chronic inflammation — particularly heart disease. EPA and DHA may also help lower
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high triglyceride levels, a risk factor for heart disease.
Additionally, omega-3s play a key role in vision and eye health, as they’re necessary for eye development. However, while some studies suggest that they may help
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in the treatment of dry eye disease, other research has turned up conflicting results
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.
Omega-3s are also important for brain health. During infancy and childhood, they’re necessary
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for proper neurological development.
In older adults, omega-3 supplementation may play a role in promoting
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brain function and preventing cognitive decline.
Useful supplement shopping guides for supplements
– How to choose high-quality vitamins and supplements
- How to read supplement labels like a pro
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.
Some people might also experience digestive issues after taking fish oil, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
If you experience nausea or vomiting after taking fish oil, you can check the expiration date. The oil may deteriorate and become rancid. Consider lowering your dose or taking the supplement with a meal to decrease any uncomfortable side effects.
Also check with a doctor before taking fish oil if you’re taking other medications or have any underlying health conditions, as high doses could increase
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the risk of bleeding or suppress immune function.
Frequently asked questions about fish oil supplements
What is the best fish oil supplement for cholesterol?
Research on the potential effects of fish oil on cholesterol levels is conflicting. According to a 2021 study, higher blood levels of DHA could be linked to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
On the other hand, one review concluded that fish oil supplements could actually increase LDL cholesterol, while other research suggests that eating fresh fish might be a better option for improving cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Therefore, it’s best to consult a doctor before taking fish oil if you have high cholesterol levels.
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.
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.
Most health organizations recommend consuming 250 to 500 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day, with slight variations depending on your age and health status.
For ALA, the daily recommended intake is 1.1 g per day for women and 1.6 g per day for men.
Which fish oil supplement is best?
Nordic Naturals is our top pick for the best omega-3 brand. Its Ultimate Omega supplement third-party tested and Friend of the Sea certified, and it also provides a COA for all products on its website.
Look for fish oil derived from wild-caught, sustainably sourced varieties of fatty fish that are lower in mercury, such as mackerel, anchovies, or sardines.
Some people might also prefer opting for cod liver oil instead, as it provides other important nutrients in addition to omega-3s, including vitamins A and D.
What is the best omega-3 supplement for inflammation?
If reducing inflammation is your goal, look for a fish oil supplement that contains a good amount of DHA in each serving. Nordic Naturals Cod Liver Oil has the highest amount of DHA per serving on our list.
According to one 2021 study, while both DHA and EPA can help decrease markers of inflammation, DHA may have a broader effect.
What is the best fish oil supplement for memory?
Fish oil supplements that combine omega-3 fatty acids with other ingredients, like CoQ10 or vitamin D, can be a great choice to help support brain function.
Nordic Naturals Cod Liver Oil contains vitamin D, while Thorne’s Omega-3 contains CoQ10.
A 2023 study found that higher blood levels of CoQ10 could be linked to improved cognitive function.
Meanwhile, a 12-month study from 2020 involving older adults showed that vitamin D supplementation could enhance brain function by reducing oxidative stress.
Is it better to take omega-3 or fish oil?
In addition to providing omega-3 fatty acids, some types of fish oil (like cod liver oil) may also contain other nutrients like vitamins A and D. This may be appealing if you’re taking these vitamins separately and looking for a simple way to streamline your supplement routine.
But while fish oil is one type of omega-3 supplement, there are several other varieties that may be a better fit, depending on your preferences.
For example, a plant-based omega-3 supplement might be a better option for those who prefer to avoid fish. In fact, research suggests that algae-based omega-3 supplements may be as effective at increasing levels of DHA as fish oil.
What is the best fish oil for eye health?
HUM Nutrition OMG! Omega-3 Softgels is one of the best fish oil supplements for maintaining healthy vision, as it provides 1,400 mg of omega-3s and 13.4 mg of vitamin E per serving.
A 2015 study found that vitamin E supplementation could be linked to a lower risk of cataracts. On the other hand, a 2021 review notes that further research is needed on the benefits of vitamin E for cataract and glaucoma.
What is the best fish oil for PCOS?
If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), consider opting for a fish oil supplement that pairs omega-3s with CoQ10.
Thorne Omega-3 with CoQ10, for example, provides 630 mg of combined EPA and DHA with 30 mg of CoQ10, making it one of the best omega-3 supplements for PCOS on our list.
Research from 2022 suggests that CoQ10 may be beneficial for the treatment of PCOS by improving insulin resistance, balancing hormone levels, and improving lipid levels.
The bottom line
There are many types of fish oil supplements, each from a different source and with varying amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.
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, try taking the supplement alongside a balanced diet to help maximize its potential benefits.
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