Which Company Has the Best Omega-3 Supplement?

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 survey, over one-third of US adults take an omega-3 supplement, yet many are unsure how to assess quality. Determining which company has the best omega-3 requires careful consideration of several key factors beyond just the brand name.

Quick Summary

Answering which company has the best omega-3 depends on analyzing key factors like potency, purity, sustainability, and specific health goals. Top brands like Nordic Naturals consistently rank high due to stringent third-party testing and fresh, high-concentration formulas. Different sources like fish oil, krill oil, and algal oil cater to various needs and dietary preferences.

Key Points

Prioritize Purity and Freshness: Look for third-party certifications like IFOS or USP, which verify the product is free from heavy metals and is not rancid.
Check for High EPA and DHA Concentration: The actual amount of EPA and DHA per serving, not just the total fish oil, determines the supplement's effectiveness. High-potency formulas offer better value.
Choose the Right Form for Absorption: Opt for omega-3s in the triglyceride (TG) or reformed triglyceride (rTG) form, as they are more bioavailable than ethyl esters (EE).
Consider Algal Oil for Plant-Based Options: Vegans and vegetarians can get direct DHA and EPA from algal oil supplements, which are sustainable and highly pure alternatives to fish oil.
Assess Sustainability Practices: Choose brands certified by organizations like Friend of the Sea or the Marine Stewardship Council to ensure ethical and eco-friendly sourcing.
Match the Brand to Your Needs: Top brands like Nordic Naturals offer premium quality, while others like Sports Research provide excellent value. Evaluate your budget, dietary restrictions, and dosage needs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Omega-3

Before we dive into specific companies, it's crucial to understand what makes an omega-3 supplement high-quality. Evaluating these factors will help you make an informed decision based on your personal health goals and values.

Purity and Freshness

Omega-3 fatty acids are susceptible to oxidation, which can cause them to become rancid, lose potency, and develop a strong, unpleasant taste. Top brands use advanced manufacturing techniques like molecular distillation to remove contaminants and heavy metals, such as mercury and PCBs. Look for supplements that contain antioxidants like Vitamin E, which help preserve freshness. Third-party testing certifications are also vital indicators of purity and potency. Noteworthy certifications include:

International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS): Provides five-star ratings for brands that meet strict criteria for purity, potency, and freshness.
NSF International: Certifies that supplements are free from contaminants and contain the ingredients listed on the label.
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA): An Australian government agency that regulates medicines and supplements, recognized for its stringent standards.

Potency and Bioavailability

Don't be fooled by labels that only list total fish oil. The true value lies in the concentration of the bioactive ingredients: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). High-potency supplements will offer a concentrated dose. Additionally, the form of the omega-3 impacts how well your body absorbs it. Triglyceride (TG) and reformed triglyceride (rTG) forms are generally better absorbed than the ethyl ester (EE) form found in some cheaper products.

Source and Sustainability

Omega-3 supplements are sourced from marine life like fish and krill, or from vegetarian sources like algae.

Fish Oil: Sourced from cold-water fatty fish such as anchovies, sardines, and mackerel. Smaller fish are often preferred as they have lower levels of mercury.
Algal Oil: A plant-based, vegan-friendly source that provides EPA and DHA directly from microalgae. This option is highly sustainable and avoids the risks associated with fish contaminants.
Krill Oil: Derived from tiny crustaceans, krill oil contains omega-3s in a phospholipid form, which some research suggests may be more easily absorbed than fish oil.

Comparison Table: Top Omega-3 Brands


Feature	Nordic Naturals	Sports Research	Carlson Labs	Nature Made	Viva Naturals
Key Certifications	IFOS, Friend of the Sea	IFOS 5-Star, non-GMO	IFOS, Friend of the Sea	USP-verified	IFOS 5-Star
Sourcing	Wild-caught anchovies and sardines	Wild-caught Alaskan pollock	Wild-caught Norwegian fish	Wild ocean sources	Wild-caught anchovies, sardines, mackerel
Potency (EPA+DHA)	High potency formulas	High concentration formulas	High potency options	Various potencies, including high-dose options	High concentration formula
Purity	Certificate of Analysis (COA) available online	10-step refinement process	Third-party tested, removes contaminants	Uses molecular distillation to remove impurities	Molecularly distilled
Specialty	Wide range of products, including vegan algal oil	Single-source, budget-friendly option	Best liquid fish oil option	Trusted, widely available, affordable option	High concentration formula in triglyceride form
Typical Cost	$$$	$$	$$	$	$$

The Contenders: A Closer Look at Top Brands

Nordic Naturals

Widely regarded as a leader in the omega-3 market, Nordic Naturals consistently receives top ratings from third-party certifiers like IFOS and Friend of the Sea. They offer exceptional transparency, providing Certificates of Analysis for all products on their website. Their product range includes high-potency fish oil formulas like Ultimate Omega, as well as a popular Algae Omega for vegetarians and vegans. Their patented manufacturing process removes impurities and minimizes aftertaste.

Sports Research

Sports Research offers a compelling combination of quality and value, especially with its Omega-3 Fish Oil made from sustainably caught Alaskan Pollock. This product boasts a 5-star IFOS certification, guaranteeing purity and potency. The brand uses a 10-step refinement process to create an ultra-concentrated oil with no fishy aftertaste, making it a budget-friendly but high-quality choice.

Carlson Labs

Known for its liquid fish oil, Carlson Labs offers exceptionally pure and potent omega-3 supplements. The Very Finest Fish Oil provides a high dose of EPA and DHA and is certified by both IFOS and Friend of the Sea. Their commitment to freshness and quality makes them a favorite, particularly for those who prefer to avoid swallowing large capsules.

Nature Made

As a well-established and widely available brand, Nature Made is a reliable choice for quality omega-3s at a lower price point. The majority of their products are USP-verified, which confirms that they meet stringent standards for purity and potency. They utilize molecular distillation to remove contaminants and offer several formulations, including burpless options.

Viva Naturals

For those seeking maximum potency, Viva Naturals offers a Triple-Strength Omega 3 Fish Oil with an impressive 90% omega-3 concentration in the highly bioavailable triglyceride form. Sourced from wild-caught fish, this formula is 5-star IFOS certified and delivers a significant dose of EPA and DHA per serving.

Conclusion

While there is no single "best" company, Nordic Naturals is a top contender based on its comprehensive product line, commitment to purity, and transparent third-party testing. For those on a budget, Sports Research and Nature Made offer excellent, independently verified options. Vegans should look to brands like Nordic Naturals or Future Kind that specialize in algal oil. The best company for you will depend on your specific needs regarding potency, budget, source, and form. Prioritize third-party certifications like IFOS and USP to ensure you are getting a fresh, pure, and potent supplement.

Visit the IFOS website for full product comparisons and certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most important omega-3 fatty acids are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Most health benefits are linked to these two, which are most readily available from marine sources.

High-quality supplements are verified by third-party organizations like IFOS or USP, which check for purity, potency, and freshness. Reputable brands also typically provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) online.

Both fish oil and algal oil provide effective sources of EPA and DHA. Algal oil is a direct, plant-based source that is ideal for vegans, vegetarians, and those avoiding potential fish contaminants. Fish oil remains a traditional and effective option for many.

Triglyceride (TG) and reformed triglyceride (rTG) forms are the natural structure of omega-3s and are better absorbed by the body. Ethyl ester (EE) is a synthetic form that is cheaper to produce and is not as efficiently utilized by the body.

To avoid a fishy aftertaste, choose high-quality brands that use advanced molecular distillation to deodorize the oil. Some manufacturers also add natural lemon or orange flavorings or use enteric-coated capsules that prevent the softgel from dissolving until it reaches the small intestine.

Determining an appropriate omega-3 dosage depends on individual needs and health goals. It is best to consult with a healthcare professional to receive personalized guidance.

Yes, sustainability is crucial. It ensures that the omega-3 source is responsibly managed and does not harm the marine ecosystem. Look for certifications like Friend of the Sea (FOS) or the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) to confirm ethical sourcing.