Ingredient guide
Omega-3
The largest number on the front of the pack is often the amount of oil, not the amount of the omega-3 fatty acids you are trying to compare.
Compare products ↓What are omega-3 fatty acids?
Omega-3s are a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The three names consumers most often see are EPA, DHA and ALA. EPA and DHA are concentrated in fish and marine oils and can also be produced from microalgae; ALA is the main plant omega-3 found in foods such as flax, chia and rapeseed.
EPA, DHA and ALA are not interchangeable label terms
EPA and DHA are long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found in marine oils and produced directly from microalgae. ALA is a plant omega-3 found in foods such as flax and rapeseed. The body can convert some ALA, but an ALA amount should not be presented as though it were the same amount of EPA or DHA.
What do omega-3 fatty acids support?
EPA and DHA contribute to normal heart function. This beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg EPA and DHA combined. DHA also contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function and normal vision, with beneficial effects obtained from 250 mg DHA daily.
Safety
Follow the local label. People using anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines, preparing for surgery, managing a medical condition, or considering higher-dose omega-3 should seek individual advice. Pregnancy products require particular attention to vitamin A and to product-specific DHA guidance.
Fish oil, cod-liver oil or algae oil?
Fish oil
Usually supplies EPA and DHA from oily fish. Check the named fish source, EPA and DHA amounts, and whether a sustainability or independent-testing statement is documented.
Cod-liver oil
Can naturally provide vitamins A and D as well as EPA and DHA. Those vitamins need to be counted alongside the rest of the diet and any other supplements.
Algae oil
A fish-free and potentially vegan source of DHA and, depending on the product, EPA. Some algae products are mainly DHA, so check both values rather than assuming the same profile as fish oil.
Triglycerides and ethyl esters
Concentrated fish oils may use triglyceride, re-esterified triglyceride or ethyl-ester forms. If a product does not disclose the form, IngredientScope records it as not stated rather than guessing. Form is one characteristic; freshness, oxidation control, actual EPA/DHA dose and tolerability also matter.
What should you compare?
EPA and DHA per daily serving
Do not compare products by fish-oil or algae-oil weight alone.
Number and size of capsules
A strong-looking amount may require several large softgels. Liquid oils can be practical but need careful measuring and storage.
Added nutrients
Cod-liver oils and combination products may add vitamins A, D or E. Include those amounts in your total intake.
Source, oil form and suitability
Compare fish or algae source and, when stated, triglyceride, re-esterified triglyceride or ethyl-ester form. Vegan status and capsule format can also affect the choice; certification or allergen details should be checked on the current label when they are not shown in the comparison.
Product comparison
Compare omega-3 supplements
Compare eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day, source, serving and vegan suitability.
Default order: products by combined labelled EPA+DHA per recommended daily serving from lowest to highest; equal amounts alphabetically. The order is not a ranking.
| Product | EPA + DHA / day | EPA / unit | DHA / unit | Recommended daily serving | Source | Product format | Vegan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MINAMI MorEPA PlatinumView product ↗ | 1,000–3,000 mg | 764 mg | 236 mg | 1–3 softgels daily with a meal | Deep-sea fish oil (anchovy, sardine, mackerel) | Fish-gelatin softgel | No |
| Möller's Cod Liver Oil NaturalView product ↗ | 880 mg | 370 mg | 510 mg | 5 ml daily | Wild-caught Northeast Arctic cod liver oil | Liquid oil | No |
| Puori O3 Fish OilView product ↗ | 1,750 mg | ≈417 mg | ≈167 mg | 3 softgels daily, preferably with a meal | Wild-caught South Pacific anchovies | Bovine-gelatin softgel | No |
| Solgar Triple Strength Omega-3 950 mgView product ↗ | 882 mg | 504 mg | 378 mg | 1 softgel daily, preferably with a meal | Cold-water fish oil (anchovy, herring, mackerel, sardine) | Bovine-gelatin softgel | No |
| Testa DHA & EPA Omega-3 Algae OilView product ↗ | 450 mg | 150 mg | 300 mg | 1 softgel daily with water, preferably with a meal | Microalgae (Schizochytrium sp.) | Vegan softgel | Yes |
| Vegetology Opti3 Omega-3 EPA & DHAView product ↗ | 858 mg | 162 mg | 267 mg | 2 capsules daily with food and water | Microalgal oils | Vegan capsule | Yes |
Cod-liver oil note: Cod-liver oil can also contribute vitamins A and D, so these should be considered separately from EPA and DHA.
EU health claim details
Authorised health claims
The exact wording and intake condition belong together● EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart.Heart · authorised claim
The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA.
● DHA contributes to maintenance of normal brain function.Brain function · authorised claim
The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA.
● DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.Vision · authorised claim
The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA.
“1,000 mg fish oil” describes the oil, not necessarily 1,000 mg EPA plus DHA.