Omega 3 essential fatty acids have become a household name, and everyone knows how critical they are for supporting the heart, brain, joints, skin, and more. 

Unfortunately, there are so many Omega 3 fish oils on the market that it's easy to assume a one-size-fits-all mentality and simply grab any brand off the grocery store shelf. Many of these products, however, won't provide the right nutrients, and in some cases, may hurt more than help. 

We created this guide to help you avoid choosing an ineffective and potentially harmful fish oil. We'll show you what to look for, what to avoid, and the top mistakes buyers make when purchasing their omega-3 supplements. 

Choosing the Best Omega-3 Supplement For You

The best omega-3 fish oil supplements are always processed and manufactured by reputable companies, using natural sources, and tested thoroughly for harmful or undesirable contaminants within the ingredients. 

Unfortunately, many brands don't live up to these standards, and shoppers don't realize they're buying a substandard product. With that in mind, we listed some common mistakes made when purchasing an omega-3 supplement.

Secrets For A Quality Fish Oil

Serving Size Matters

      • The daily recommended fish oil serving size is 500 mg to 1000 mg, but in many cases, taking 1000 mg to 2000 mg of daily fish oil can actually boost and intensify the healthful effects of EPA and DHA. We suggest finding a high-potency, high-concentration formula that packs a powerful punch.

Purity Is Power

      • Try to make sure that the ingredients in your fish oil are unaltered and free of environmental or other undesired toxic elements, so that you are getting the purest, most potent formula possible. Third-party analyses can certify that the supplement passes these tests with flying colors.

Lemon Coated Flavor

      • Look for a fish oil will have a lemon flavor to help prevent any unpleasant taste. Without the lemon coating, you could experience fish burps which are not for you or the people around you.

Must Avoid:

  • EPA & DHA Below 500 mg

    • Many omega-3 fish oil supplements don't specify the exact levels of EPA and DHA that are contained in the fish oil, and that is a huge red flag. The standard for EPA/DHA levels in fish oil should be a minimum of 500 mg each, per serving. Always check the label to ensure that EPA/DHA levels are clearly listed.

    •  Relying on Amazon Reviews

    • Millions of Americans look to Amazon reviews before purchasing their products, but most don’t realize that up to 60% of reviews are paid for, making them untrustworthy.

    •  Prioritizing Price Over Quality

    • We found that many lower-priced and generic fish oil supplements contain hydrogenated, or poor-quality oils that tend to go rancid quicker. Your health is too important to risk. 

    Another way to avoid choosing the wrong fish oil is to read its ingredient label. Fish oil is so popular that many of us already know some of the information above, so we've included some lesser-known tips for even the most omega-3-savvy:

    The 5 Best Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements On The Market

    Based on our own extensive research, combined with the metrics provided by our Smarter Reviews Ranking System, and consideration of numerous reviews by Smarter Shoppers just like you, we've compiled a list of what we've found to be the top five products in this category, on the market today.