The 7 Best Omega-3 Supplements for a Healthy Heart – CNET

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Omega-3s play essential roles in the body, like decreasing inflammation, keeping our brain healthy and immune system functioning. And don’t forget about the role they play in heart health and fetal development. Unlike other nutrients, our bodies can’t naturally produce omega-3s. 

If you’re an avid fish eater, you likely get enough omega-3s from your diet. But if you don’t eat fish, have a history of heart attacks or have elevated levels of triglycerides, a supplement can be a good addition to your daily routine. We pulled together a list of the top brands on the market so it’s easy to find the best omega-3 supplement for your needs.

Before taking an omega-3 supplement, talk to your doctor about the dosage, especially if you take an anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication. 

GNC Triple Strength Fish Oil Mini

Best overall omega-3 supplementOmega-3 supplements commonly have fairly large pills, generally measuring from half an inch to an inch. For some, that poses a problem. GNC offers an alternative with its mini fish oil softgels. The GNC Triple Strength Fish Oil Mini wins the best overall omega-3 supplement for its size and concentration of omega-3s. The small softgels are enteric-coated, which means there’s a polymer applied to the outside of the softgel to keep it from dissolving in the stomach. The softgels then move to the small intestine, where they are digested and released. It also means there isn’t a fishy aftertaste.GNC Triple Strength Fish Oil Mini has a good concentration of omega-3s EPA (734 mg) and DHA (266 mg).Cost: $35.59 for 240 mini softgelsOmega-3 content per serving: 1,065 mg of omega-3 per two softgelsThe GNC Mini softgels are smaller than the average size of omega-3 supplements, which is good for people who have trouble swallowing large pills. This fish oil supplement is ConsumerLab tested and approved. This shows that the product is free of heavy metals. The dosage of this GNC fish oil supplement is two softgels. It’s somewhat of a trade-off — they are smaller pills, but you have to take two of them.You’re receiving price alerts for GNC Triple Strength Fish Oil Mini

Barlean’s Ideal Omega-3 Softgels

Best tasting omega-3 supplementWhen it comes to fish oil and omega-3 supplements, taste matters, Barlean’sIdeal Omega-3 Softgels are great for those who want to avoid the fishy taste that some omega-3 supplements have. It features an orange flavor that covers the smell and taste of fish oil so that you can get the benefits without the unpleasant side effects — fishy burps and aftertaste. User reviews say these orange omega-3 supplements don’t leave a fishy aftertaste in their mouth. The dosage for this omega-3 supplement is one softgel, which users point out is rather large. However, the softgel form makes them easy to swallow. You get 750mg of EPA and 250mg of DHA omega-3s with one softgel. Cost: $35.09 for 60 softgelsOmega-3 content per serving: 1,000mg of omega-3 per softgelBarlean’s Omega-3 supplement has an orange flavor that doesn’t leave a fishy taste. This omega-3 supplement has a five-star rating from International Fish Oil Standards.You only get a 60-day supply for $35. It’s slightly more expensive than other options on the list. You’re receiving price alerts for Barlean’s Ideal Omega-3 Softgels

Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies

Best gummy omega-3 supplementThere’s a gummy supplement for everything — omega-3s included. Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies are a great option for people looking for a yummy way to intake a low dose of omega-3s. The two-serving dose only includes 47.5mg of DHA and 9.5mg of EPA omega-3s. Because of the low dose, it’s not the best choice if you’re deficient in omega-3s; it’s better suited for people who already get most of it from their diet but are looking for a little boost. Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies are free of any synthetic flavors or colors. The fish sources are wild, deep ocean water fish, not from raised farms. These fish oil gummies are also USP certified for quality and purity. Cost: $14.30 for 90 gummiesOmega-3 content per serving: 57mg of omega-3s per two gummies.User reviews say these fish oil gummies are delicious and don’t have a fishy taste. Flavors are strawberry, lemon and orange. Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies have 3 grams of added sugar per serving. These fish oil gummies have a significantly lower omega-3 content than other brands. You’re receiving price alerts for Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies

Life Extension Super Omega-3 Supplement

Best omega-3 supplement for heart healthFor those looking to add an omega-3 supplement for heart health, consider the Life Extension Super Omega-3 Supplement. It features a formula of DHA, EPA, olive extract and sesame lignans for an antioxidant and antimicrobial supplement. Research shows that olive leaf extract and sesame can help prevent heart disease. Life Extension’s omega-3 supplement carries a five-star certification from IFOS. It’s also gluten-free and non-GMO. This omega-3 supplement delivers a solid dose of both DHA (500mg) and EPA (700mg). However, that is a trade-off of serving size. Instead of the standard one or two capsules a day, Life Extension requires two capsules twice a day with food. Cost: $25.51 for 240 softgelsOmega-3 content per serving: 1,200mg of Omega-3s per four softgelsLife Extension’s omega-3 softgel supplement is gluten- and GMO-free and has earned a five-star certification from IFOS.The source of the fish in this product is sustainably-caught anchovies from off the coast of Chile. The packaging on the bottle says “small” softgels; however, some customer reviewspoint out that while they may be smaller than other brands, they are not truly small. Life Extension’s omega-3 supplement has a serving size of two capsules twice daily with meals. You’re receiving price alerts for Life Extension Super Omega-3 Supplement

Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Liquid

Best liquid fish oil supplementMost fish oil supplement pills are large, significantly larger than other capsules. This poses a problem for people who have a hard time swallowing pills. Liquid omega-3 offers a way to boost your intake without having to worry about large capsules. Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Liquid omega-3 supplement is free from artificial additives and fillers. Nordic Natural is a well-known brand that offers the best liquid fish oil supplement. The serving size is one teaspoon, with the highest concentration of omega-3s on the list. Each serving contains 1,470mg of EPA and 1,010mg of DHA in triglyceride form. Research suggests that the triglyceride form may be better absorbed in the body. Cost: $33.88 for a 4 fl. oz. bottleOmega-3 content per serving: 2,470mg of omega-3 per one teaspoon Nordic Naturals products are third-party tested and approved by ConsumerLab.This product has a subtle lemon flavor that can mix easily into drinks or food.Nordic Naturals Liquid Fish Oil has a very high concentration of omega-3s, which may be too much for some. Always speak with your doctor before taking such a high dose. You’re receiving price alerts for Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Liquid

How we chose the best omega-3 supplements

When choosing the best omega-3 supplements, we considered factors like cost, dosage, form and quality. We also researched each product’s customer reviews to compare the capsules’ texture, taste and size. We didn’t test these products in-house. We relied on third-party certifications to determine the quality and purity of the products. 

Things to consider when buying the best omega-3 supplements

The market is flooded with brands offering omega-3 supplements. Knowing which is the best fit for you can be difficult. When shopping, keep these things in mind:

Best omega-3 supplement FAQ

What are the side effects of omega-3?

As with any supplement, there are side effects to be aware of. Side effects associated with omega-3s are upset stomach, nausea and diarrhea. A fishy taste or breath is also commonly reported after taking fish oil supplements. More severely, taking too many omega-3s in conjunction with certain medications can increase your risk of bleeding and decrease clotting. You must speak with your doctor before taking any fish oil supplements if you are taking any medication that affects your blood. 

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.