Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that are vital to human health. The human body needs 3 types of omega-3 fatty acids to function properly. These are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [*].
Omega-3s are an important structural component of the retina and brain. These compounds also fuel the body with energy, and play a vital role in cardiovascular, pulmonary, immune, and endocrine systems [*].
Omega-3 deficiency can cause rough scaly skin and dermatitis [*], and it can also negatively affect visual [*], brain [**], and immune function [**].
ALA is abundant in plant based oils such as flaxseed, soybean, and canola oils. Chia seeds and walnuts also contain ALA. Although ALA can be converted to DHA and EPA in the liver, the conversion rate is low [*].
DHA and EPA are abundant in microalgae, fish, fish oil, and krill oil. Fish including salmon, sardines, mackerel, and tuna are very rich in EPA and DHA [*].
The typical American diet consisting of beef, corn oil, and potatoes is deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. A diet consisting of fish and seafood is recommended to increase omega-3 intakes [*].
There are a wide variety of Omega-3 dietary supplements available in the market. Formulas may contain fish oil, krill oil, and/or cod liver oil. There are also vegetarian omega-3 supplements that contain omega-3s from algal oil.
Omega-3 supplements are typically marketed for vision, heart, and brain health.
The popularity of omega-3 has led to hundreds of brands flooding the marketplace; however not all omega-3 supplements are created equal! Unfortunately, more than 90% of omega-3 supplements in the market simply DON’T WORK!
We understand the challenges in finding the right supplement for your health needs. That’s why we gathered years of research and made this guide to help you find the top-rated formulas that work for you.
Things To Be Cautious About
Has your brand been third-party tested? You should never buy supplements that don’t have Certificate of Analysis. The studies should be conducted in labs that are not affiliated with the manufacturer. These labs verify the product for safety and potency.
Does your omega-3 supplement contain cheap synthetic fillers? Some brands add artificial fillers to cut cost to offer cheap products. Some of these cheap fillers we found were titanium dioxide and artificial coloring. You should never purchase cheap products when it comes to supplements.
No return policy or customer service – A reputable supplement company will offer 100% money-back guarantee policy and provide customer support through phone number and email. We noticed many formulas out there are just copies of the top-rated brands. They don’t offer an easy refund policy or don’t even have a phone number to prove they are real.
Top 5 Omega-3 Supplements
The result: we reviewed over 100+ brands of Omega-3 Supplements in the market and complied a list of top 5 formulas based on effectiveness, safety, pricing, return policy, and overall customer satisfaction.
1. PureNature Omega3000
- Shipping & Return Policy 100%
- Customer Service 98%
- Essential Ingredients 100%
- Effectiveness 99%
Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.
*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.
2. Garden of Life Advance Omega
- Shipping & Return Policy 97%
- Customer Service 97%
- Essential Ingredients 96%
- Effectiveness 97%
Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.
*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.
3. Solgar Omega-3
- Shipping & Return Policy 95%
- Customer Service 97%
- Essential Ingredients 96%
- Effectiveness 96%
Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.
*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.
4. Now Omega-3
- Shipping & Return Policy 95%
- Customer Service 95%
- Essential Ingredients 96%
- Effectiveness 96%
Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.
*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.
5. Purity Products Omega-3
- Shipping & Return Policy 95%
- Customer Service 95%
- Essential Ingredients 94%
- Effectiveness 94%
Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.
*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.
Ranking Factors
Shipping & Return Policy: we check the shipping and return policy of each recommended product to make sure these brands stand behind their products.
Customer Service: we contact the top rated brands through email, chat or phone to make sure they are responsive and can answer potential questions customers might have.
Essential Ingredients: we verify the ingredients in every top rated brands, their safety and dosage amount in comparison with the latest scientific studies.
Overall Effectiveness: we check with real customers through their reviews and testimonials to make sure the top brands are as effective as they claim to be. We recommend the top 5 formulas based on their average score.
We highly recommend our reader to do their own research, read real reviews and contact any brands directly to make sure they can provide the products and services based on their needs.
1. PureNature Omega3000
- Shipping & Return Policy 100%
- Customer Service 98%
- Essential Ingredients 100%
- Effectiveness 99%
*This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available information and our independent research and customer feedback. Results may vary based on individual.
Disclosure of Material Connection: we only recommend products and services which we believe will add value to the users. However, you should assume the owner of this website and/or blog has an affiliate relationship and/or another material connection, to any suppliers of goods and services that may be discussed here and may be compensated for showing ads or recommending products or services or linking to the supplier’s website.
Sources and Citations
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/
2. Retina and Omega-3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3206354/
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Nutrient Deficits in Adverse… https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4175558/
4. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Deficiency and… https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6411441/