How much EPA is in Nature Made fish oil versus natural, wild fish oil?

December 18, 2025 •

3 min read

Natural fish oil typically contains only 30% or less combined EPA and DHA, meaning the EPA content in concentrated supplements like Nature Made fish oil is significantly higher per gram of oil. This disparity arises from the manufacturing process that refines and concentrates the fatty acids.

Quick Summary

Concentrated supplements like Nature Made have significantly higher EPA levels compared to natural, unrefined fish oil. Processing enhances potency and purity, but label transparency is key to understanding the dosage.

Key Points

Concentration Difference: Natural fish oil has a much lower EPA concentration (typically less than 30% total omega-3s) compared to refined supplements, which are concentrated to increase potency.
Nature Made Potency: Concentrated supplements like Nature Made contain significantly more EPA per serving, often 2-3 times more than unrefined oil, allowing for higher therapeutic dosages in fewer capsules.
Label Clarity: You must read the Supplement Facts panel on any fish oil product, not just the front label, to determine the actual milligram amount of EPA and DHA per serving.
Sourcing and Purification: Reputable supplement brands purify their oil to remove contaminants like mercury, making them safer than relying solely on high-consumption of some wild fish.
Absorption Varies: The chemical form of omega-3 (natural triglyceride vs. concentrated ethyl ester) can affect bioavailability, with many high-quality brands converting back to a bioavailable rTG form.
Tailored Dosage: Concentrated supplements offer more precise and potent dosing, which is often necessary to achieve specific health outcomes for conditions like high triglycerides or inflammation.

Understanding the EPA Content in Natural Fish Oil

In its natural state, fish oil is sourced directly from the tissues of oily fish like salmon, sardines, and anchovies. The EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) content within this oil is not highly concentrated. A typical 1,000 mg serving of natural fish oil often contains about 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which means the total omega-3 content is roughly 30%. The remaining 70% is composed of other fats and nutrients naturally present in the fish.

It's important to understand that the specific EPA levels can vary widely based on several factors, including the fish species, its diet, and the specific tissues from which the oil is extracted. For example, studies have shown that levels can differ significantly between marine and freshwater fish. Additionally, larger, predatory fish higher up the food chain, while potentially having high omega-3s, can also accumulate higher levels of contaminants like mercury, a risk mitigated by the purification process used for supplements.

Concentrating for Potency: How Nature Made Differs

Unlike raw, natural fish oil, products from brands like Nature Made undergo a process of refining and concentration. This manufacturing process purifies the oil and increases the percentage of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, allowing for a much higher EPA and DHA content per capsule. For example, while a standard 1,000 mg softgel of natural oil might offer only 300 mg of total omega-3s, a concentrated supplement can deliver significantly more.

Examples from Nature Made Products

Nature Made Omega 3 Fish Oil 1200 mg softgels (two-softgel serving): Provides 720 mg of total Omega-3s, including 600 mg of EPA and DHA combined.
Nature Made Omega-3 1400 mg (one-softgel serving): A higher-potency formula delivering 1,000 mg of total Omega-3s, including 935 mg of combined EPA and DHA.

These examples show that concentrated supplements offer a predictable and much more potent dose of EPA compared to the lower, variable amounts found in unrefined fish oil. This concentration is a key reason many healthcare professionals recommend supplements to ensure patients meet specific daily omega-3 targets, especially for managing conditions like high triglycerides.

The Forms of Fish Oil: Triglycerides vs. Ethyl Esters

Fish oil comes in different chemical forms, which affects its bioavailability and the way the body absorbs it. Natural fish oil is found in the triglyceride form. The concentration process can sometimes convert this to an ethyl ester form, which is less bioavailable. However, many high-quality supplements reformulate the oil back into a more absorbable re-esterified triglyceride (rTG) form. When shopping, paying attention to the form listed on the label can help you choose a more effectively absorbed product.

The Crucial Role of Label Transparency

It is essential to look beyond the total 'fish oil' amount listed on the front of a bottle and examine the 'Supplement Facts' panel. Here, you will find the specific milligram amounts for EPA and DHA per serving. This distinction is critical because two different 1,000 mg fish oil capsules could have dramatically different amounts of the key active ingredients. Independent testing and certifications from third parties further ensure the product contains what it claims and is free of harmful contaminants.

Natural vs. Concentrated Supplement Comparison


Feature	Natural (Unrefined) Fish Oil	Concentrated Supplement (e.g., Nature Made)
EPA/DHA Concentration	Low, typically <30% combined	High, can be >80% combined
Form of Omega-3	Triglyceride	Ethyl Ester or Re-esterified Triglyceride (rTG)
Absorption Rate	Good	Varies, high in rTG form
Purification	Minimal or none; may contain contaminants	Highly purified to remove heavy metals and pollutants
Contaminant Risk	Variable, higher in larger predatory fish	Low, due to rigorous purification processes
Dosage Control	Inconsistent	Precise, based on label information

The Bottom Line on EPA in Fish Oil

For those seeking a higher, more predictable dose of EPA for targeted health benefits, a concentrated fish oil supplement from a reputable brand like Nature Made is the more effective option. While natural, unrefined fish oil contains omega-3s, its lower concentration means you would need to consume a much larger volume to achieve the same therapeutic dosage as a purified and concentrated supplement. The refining process also provides the added benefit of removing potential contaminants found in wild fish. Always consult the supplement facts label to ensure you are getting the specific dosage of EPA and DHA you are looking for.

For more information on Omega-3 fatty acids, visit the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements at https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 1,000 mg of unrefined fish oil typically contains around 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA, making the total omega-3 content approximately 30% of the oil.

The EPA content in Nature Made varies by product. For example, some formulas provide 360 mg of EPA per 1200 mg softgel (two-softgel serving), while high-potency versions can offer even more concentrated amounts.

Supplement manufacturers refine and concentrate the oil, a process that removes unwanted fats and increases the percentage of beneficial omega-3s like EPA and DHA, leading to a much higher concentration per dose.

Natural fish oil contains a full spectrum of fats, but its EPA content is low and inconsistent. Concentrated supplements offer a higher, more consistent dosage of EPA for targeted health goals, and they are purified to remove environmental contaminants.

Always check the 'Supplement Facts' panel on the product's label. It will clearly list the specific milligram amounts of EPA and DHA per serving, which is more important than the total 'fish oil' weight.

Reputable supplement brands, including Nature Made, purify their fish oil to remove mercury and other contaminants. This process makes the supplement safer than some fish high on the food chain.

Triglyceride is the natural form of fat in fish. The concentration process can produce an ethyl ester form, which has lower bioavailability. Some high-quality brands convert it back to a more absorbable re-esterified triglyceride (rTG) form.