How to Get Rid of Fish Oil Burps Permanently

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Examine.com, approximately 20% of people who take fish oil supplements experience unpleasant, fishy-tasting burps. For many, this side effect is so off-putting that it deters them from getting their daily dose of beneficial omega-3s. However, you can learn how to get rid of fish oil burps with a few simple, science-backed strategies.

Quick Summary

Fish oil burps result from oil rising in the stomach, often from poor quality supplements or improper intake. Resolving the issue involves selecting higher quality, fresher oil and adjusting how and when the supplement is taken.

Key Points

Take with Food: Consuming fish oil with a meal, especially one containing fat, significantly improves digestion and reduces reflux.
Prioritize Quality: Choose high-quality, molecularly distilled, and independently certified (e.g., IFOS) products to avoid rancidity, which is a major cause of burps.
Chill or Freeze Capsules: Storing fish oil in the refrigerator or freezer can slow the capsule's breakdown in the stomach, minimizing aftertaste.
Consider Enteric-Coated Capsules: These capsules are designed to bypass the stomach and dissolve in the small intestine, directly preventing fish oil burps.
Explore Alternatives: Krill oil or algae oil are excellent alternatives for those with sensitive digestion, as they are often better absorbed and do not cause fishy burps.
Adjust Your Timing: If other methods fail, try taking your fish oil supplement right before bed to sleep through any potential discomfort.

Understanding the Cause of Fish Oil Burps

Before tackling the problem, it helps to know why it occurs. When you swallow a fish oil capsule, it begins a journey through your digestive system. The capsule shell dissolves, releasing the oil. Since oil is less dense than the watery contents of your stomach, it floats to the top. If your stomach is relatively empty or your digestion is slow, the oil can linger near the esophageal sphincter, the valve separating the stomach and esophagus. When you burp, a small amount of this floating oil travels upward, causing the fishy flavor.

The Role of Rancidity

Another major culprit behind fishy-tasting burps is rancidity. Just like any oil, fish oil can oxidize when exposed to air, heat, or light, causing it to go bad. Rancid oil tastes and smells much stronger, and your body may reject it more readily. A rancid supplement can often be identified by a strong, unpleasant fishy smell when a capsule is broken open, a contrast to the fresh, mild scent of high-quality oil. To prevent rancidity, always store fish oil in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight or heat.

Immediate Strategies for Relief

If you are experiencing fish oil burps, several easy-to-implement tactics can provide immediate relief.

Timing is Everything

Taking your supplement with a meal is one of the most effective solutions. Food helps your body produce digestive enzymes, like lipase, which are necessary for breaking down fats. The meal also helps to mix the oil with other stomach contents, preventing it from floating to the top. The Arthritis Foundation suggests splitting your daily dose into two smaller portions and taking them with different meals throughout the day. This reduces the amount of oil your stomach has to process at one time.

Freeze Your Capsules

For a simple fix, try freezing your fish oil capsules. Chilling the capsules slows the breakdown of the gelatin shell, allowing the supplement to travel further down your digestive tract before the oil is released. This can significantly reduce the chances of experiencing fishy reflux. While some manufacturers advise against freezing due to potential moisture issues, many users find it an effective method.

Optimize Your Posture

Your body position immediately after taking a supplement can also play a role. Lying down or bending over can cause the oil to drift toward the esophagus. Try to remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking your fish oil to let gravity assist the capsule's movement into the intestines. If you find this inconvenient, consider taking your supplement just before bed, allowing you to sleep through any potential aftertaste.

Long-Term Solutions: Choosing the Right Supplement

For a permanent solution, you may need to re-evaluate your choice of supplement. Not all fish oils are created equal.

The Enteric-Coated Advantage

Enteric-coated fish oil capsules are designed with a special shell that prevents the capsule from dissolving until it reaches the small intestine. This entirely bypasses the stomach, where fish oil burps originate. Studies have shown that enteric-coated supplements can reduce burping by a significant margin.

Prioritizing Purity and Quality

A high-quality, molecularly distilled fish oil is less likely to cause burps because it contains fewer impurities and oxidized fats. Look for third-party certifications, such as a 5-Star IFOS™ rating, which confirms the product's purity and potency. Higher concentration products also deliver more omega-3s with fewer capsules, reducing the overall volume of oil your stomach processes.

Consider Alternative Omega-3 Sources

If fish oil continues to be a problem, alternatives exist.

Krill Oil: Krill oil contains omega-3s in a phospholipid form, which is more easily digested and better tolerated by some individuals. It also contains the antioxidant astaxanthin, which helps maintain freshness.
Algae Oil: A vegetarian and vegan-friendly option, algae oil is a direct source of DHA (and sometimes EPA) without any fishy taste. It is also sustainably produced.

Comparison of Omega-3 Supplements


Feature	Standard Fish Oil	Enteric-Coated Fish Oil	Krill Oil	Algae Oil
Burp Potential	High (if low quality)	Low	Low	None (plant-based)
Cost	Low to Moderate	Moderate	High	High
Omega-3 Form	Triglyceride or Ethyl Ester	Triglyceride or Ethyl Ester	Phospholipid	Triglyceride
Absorption	Best with fat-containing meal	Delayed until small intestine	Highly bioavailable	Good, but conversion varies
Added Benefits	None beyond omega-3s	Burp prevention	Astaxanthin (antioxidant)	Vegan-friendly

Making the Right Choice for Your Digestive Health

To solve your fish oil burp problem, start with the simplest solutions. First, ensure you are taking your supplement with a solid, fat-containing meal. If this doesn't help, try chilling your capsules. For a more permanent solution, invest in a higher-quality, molecularly distilled product or one that is enteric-coated. Don't be afraid to experiment with alternatives like krill oil or algae oil if fish oil proves persistently irritating. Consistency is key, and finding a tolerable option will help you reap the long-term health benefits of omega-3s without the unpleasant aftertaste. For more detailed information on supplement comparisons, consult a reputable source like Examine.com, a research-backed resource for nutritional information.

Conclusion

Fish oil burps can be a frustrating and discouraging side effect, but they are not an unavoidable part of supplementation. By addressing the root causes—poor quality, rancidity, or digestive timing—you can take simple, effective steps to eliminate them entirely. Choosing a high-quality product, taking it with a meal, and exploring alternative supplement types offer a comprehensive approach to enjoying the health benefits of omega-3s without the dreaded fishy aftertaste. With a little experimentation, you can find a regimen that works for you, ensuring a consistent and comfortable supplement routine.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Freezing fish oil capsules does not affect their potency. It simply slows down the digestion of the gelatin casing, preventing the oil from being released in the stomach too quickly and causing burps.

Taking fish oil on an empty stomach is not recommended, as it is more likely to cause reflux and burping. Taking it with a meal, especially one containing fat, helps with absorption and digestion.

Enteric coating is a special shell on capsules that prevents them from dissolving in the stomach's acidic environment. The capsule remains intact until it reaches the small intestine, where it dissolves, thereby preventing the oil from floating up and causing burps.

Lemon-flavored fish oil often contains masking agents that hide the fishy aftertaste. However, if the underlying issue is rancidity or poor digestion, flavoring alone may not solve the problem and could simply cover up a low-quality product.

While a strong, persistent fishy aftertaste can be a sign of rancid oil, burping can also occur with fresh fish oil. A simple test for rancidity is to break open a capsule and check for a foul or overly strong fishy odor.

Yes, algae oil is a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA and sometimes EPA, that is completely fish-free and does not cause fishy burps.

Taking a digestive enzyme, particularly lipase which breaks down fat, can aid in the digestion of fish oil and further minimize the chance of experiencing burps. This is often an effective strategy for sensitive stomachs.