[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats essential for various biological functions, including heart health and brain function.
Unfortunately, most people don’t eat enough food sources of omega-3 to get their recommended daily intake from their diet alone.
This means that the best source of omega-3s for many people is dietary supplements, so we’ll be looking at the best omega 3 fish oil capsules to help you get the nutrition you need.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that support various biological processes and may provide health benefits when taken in higher doses. Because your body can’t produce omega-3s, they are classed as essential nutrients, and you need to get them from external sources like food or dietary supplements.
While foods with omega-3 are relatively common, most Americans do not eat enough to meet their Recommended Daily Intake (RDI), meaning that many people could benefit from omega-3 supplements. However, not all omega-3 supplements are created equal: They may use different omega-3s or contain low amounts of active omega-3 fatty acids, so you should look carefully for the best omega 3 fish oil capsules before buying a supplement.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The three most important types of omega-3 fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). EPA and DHA are mainly found in animal foods, while ALA is most common in plants, making it possible to get your omega-3s from a plant-based diet.
However, ALA must be converted into DHA and EPA before your body can use it, so you would probably see more noticeable health benefits by cutting out the middle man and taking DHA and EPA-based supplements. If you don’t regularly eat food sources of omega-3s, supplements are a cheap and effective way of ensuring you get enough, especially if you can find a good deal on the best omega 3 fish oil capsules.
Why Do Our Bodies Need Omega-3?
Omega-3s are vital for various biological processes – like decreasing inflammation, immune function and brain health – and supporting heart health and fetal development. In addition to supporting essential biological processes, supplementing with omega-3s can have powerful health benefits for adults, like improving your immune response and cognitive performance.
For example, omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and may help to manage diseases like heart disease that are linked to chronic inflammation, supporting your long-term health. Furthermore, supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids has many benefits for your heart, brain and mental health, so even otherwise healthy adults could benefit from the best omega 3 fish oil capsules.
RELATED: We’ve previously written about the benefits of omega-3 supplements for general health, and you can read our recommendations here.
Omega-3 Health Benefits
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for many biological processes, like managing inflammation and supporting the immune system, and have many beneficial effects backed by science. In fact, omega-3s are some of the most widely studied nutrients and have many health benefits for conditions such as:
Depression and Anxiety
Studies show that supplementing with omega-3s helps improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. One study even found that EPA was as effective as a common antidepressant, meaning the best omega 3 fish oil capsules may help you get peace of mind.
RELATED: Like omega-3 fatty acids, 5htp supplements are a promising alternative medicine for anxiety and depression – read more about them here.
Eye Health
Getting healthy amounts of omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce your risk of macular degeneration, one of the most common causes of permanent vision loss. This is linked to the fact that the retina of your eye is partly made from DHA – a type of omega-3 – so low levels of DHA may cause vision problems.
Brain Health
Maintaining your omega-3 levels is key for brain health, as DHA accounts for 40% of the polyunsaturated fatty acids in your brain by volume, so the best omega 3 fish oil capsules may enhance your cognitive performance. Omega-3 levels are especially important during pregnancy and early life, as higher levels of omega-3s during pregnancy are associated with higher intelligence and improved mental development.
RELATED: If you’re looking to improve your cognitive performance, read our article on brain booster supplements and techniques to improve your concentration.
Heart Disease
Omega-3 fatty acids have many benefits for heart health, as they lower triglycerides, reduce inflammation and prevent blood clots, among other things. However, there is no evidence that omega-3 supplements can prevent heart attacks or strokes, so we strongly recommend healthy lifestyle choices to improve your long-term heart health.
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is linked to low blood levels of omega-3s, so supplements like the best omega 3 fish oil capsules may help treat this behavioral disorder: According to a recent study, Omega-3 supplements are one of the most promising treatments for ADHD, as they can reduce hyperactivity, aggression and inattention symptoms.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a collection of conditions – like central obesity (belly fat), high blood pressure and high blood sugar – associated with higher risks of diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Fortunately, omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation, improve insulin resistance and other risk factors for heart disease, and manage metabolic syndrome.
Inflammation
Short-term inflammation is a natural response to infections and physical damage vital for healing, but chronic or long-term inflammation contributes to chronic illnesses like heart disease and cancer. Omega-3 fatty acids have well-known anti-inflammatory benefits, so you could help reduce your chance of various chronic diseases by supplementing the best omega-3 fish oil capsules.
Age-Related Mental Decline and Alzheimer’s
Declining brain function is one of the unavoidable facts of getting old, but there are many ways to slow or even reverse this trend. Several studies have found a link between higher omega-3 intake and decreased risk of mental decline and Alzheimer’s disease, so supplementing with fish oil or omega-3 fatty acids may help slow or delay age-related mental decline.
Cancer
Omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce your risk of certain cancers – like liver, lung and prostate cancer – by reducing inflammation. Studies show that people who consume high amounts of omega-3s have up to a 55% lower risk of colon cancer, but more research is needed to confirm this link, so even the best omega 3 fish oil capsules have nowhere near the evidence of conventional medical treatments.
Bone and Joint Health
Studies show that omega-3s can increase the amount of calcium in your bones and improve bone strength, reducing your risk of osteoporosis. Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids may help to treat arthritis by reducing inflammation in your joints.
RELATED: If you’re concerned about your bone health, read our article on the best joint supplements for athletes for recommendations on how to keep your joints working smoothly.
Menstrual Pain
Repeated studies have shown that women who consume the most omega-3 fatty acids tend to have milder period pain, meaning that the best omega 3 fish oil capsules may help you cope during that time of the month.
Quality of Sleep
Good sleep is one of the most important factors for mental and physical health, and supplementing with omega-3 may help you get more quality rest. Studies show that low levels of omega-3 fatty acids are associated with sleep problems in children, sleep apnea in adults and low levels of melatonin (the ‘sleep hormone’), so maintaining your omega-3 levels is key for healthy sleep.
RELATED: Read our blog on the best melatonin gummies to learn more about the effects of the neurohormone melatonin and how to sleep soundly.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”icon-box-styles icon-yellow-unaligned-br-style-1 icon-yellow-unaligned-br-style-2″][vc_column][vc_column_text]
What’s the Difference Between Omega-3 Oil and Capsules?
When researching the pros and cons of different omega-3 supplements, many people get confused by all the different terms – like DHA, DPA, and fish oil – which are often used interchangeably. To help you find the best the best omega 3 fish oil capsules or omega-3 supplements for your needs, we’ll break down the differences between fish oil and omega-3:[/vc_column_text][icon_box icon_position=”left” border=”0″ title=”Omega-3 Fatty Acids”]These essential fatty acids support various biological processes and are naturally occurring in many foods like oily fish, flaxseeds and walnuts.[/icon_box][icon_box border=”0″ title=”Fish Oil”]Oils produced from the fat and tissues of oily fish like salmon, sardines or mackerel which contain high levels of omega-3s and are a great source of these fatty acids in dietary supplements.[/icon_box][icon_box icon_position=”left” border=”0″ title=”Cod Liver Oil”]A specific sub-type of fish oil produced from cod livers. While cod liver oil is high in vitamins A and D, it has lower concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids than the best omega 3 fish oil capsules.[/icon_box][icon_box border=”0″ title=”ALA”]Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) is one of the most common types of omega-3 which can be converted into EPA and DHA and is found in many plant sources like soybeans, hemp seeds and canola oil.[/icon_box][icon_box icon_position=”left” border=”0″ title=”EPA”]Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has many functions in your body and is mainly found in animal products like fatty fish as well as certain microalgae.[/icon_box][icon_box border=”0″ title=”DHA”]Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the most important omega-3, as it makes up significant portions of your brain and retina and is vital for brain and eye health, so you should look for high DHA levels in the best omega 3 fish oil capsules.[/icon_box][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Can Heart Patients Take Omega-3 Capsules?
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to improve your overall health and lower your risk of many chronic conditions like heart disease, but these benefits are mainly preventative. It is less clear if omega-3 supplements are as beneficial for people who are already suffering from a heart condition or recovering from a heart attack, even if they’re the best omega 3 fish oil capsules.
The American Heart Association (AHA) has long recommended omega-3 fatty acids to people with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), but recent studies have cast doubts on the purported benefits of omega-3 supplements for heart disease: A 2018 meta-analysis of 10 medical trials found no clear benefit of omega-3 supplements for heart disease, but a 2019 re-review found that fish oil omega-3 supplements lowered the risk of heart attack and fatal CHD events.
Based on these recent studies, omega-3 supplements derived from fish oil appear to be healthy and have a protective effect on some types of heart disease. But it’s important to remember that prevention is better than a cure when it comes to heart disease, and a healthy lifestyle is better for you than the best omega 3 fish oil capsules.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Best Omega 3 Fish Oil Capsules
Omega-3 fatty acids are an incredibly important group of nutrients with many health benefits ranging from immune support to anti-inflammatory effects. However, most people in the US do not get enough omega-3s from food sources, so dietary supplements are a quick and convenient way to enjoy the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.
Keep reading to see our recommendations for the best fish oil capsules to boost your omega-3 intake:[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” el_class=”product-styles”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4094″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Sports Research Triple Strength Omega 3 Fish Oil
These softgel capsules from Sports Research contain a hefty 1040mg of omega-3s in each softgel, made of 690mg EPA, 260 DHA and 90mg other omega-3s, sourced from sustainbable wild-caught fish.. The manufacturer recommends you take one capsule a day, making them some of the best omega 3 fish oil capsules for potency and convenience.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”View on Amazon” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3FsgZGc|target:_blank|rel:nofollow” el_class=”btn-1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator border_width=”3″][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” el_class=”product-styles”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4096″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Dr. Tobias Omega-3 Fish Oil
These supplements are packed with 2,000mg of fish oil (roughly 800mg of EPA and 600mg of DHA) in each softgel capsule, making them a strong source of omega-3 fatty acids. However, these supplements are not suitable for vegetarians or pescatarians because they use beef gelatin in the enteric coating.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”View on Amazon” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3P0Y34s|target:_blank|rel:nofollow” el_class=”btn-1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator border_width=”3″][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” el_class=”product-styles”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4097″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
MAV Nutrition Omega-3 Fish Oil
MAV Nutrition’s omega-3 capsules contain a blend of ‘sea-harvested pelagic fish oil’ high in EPA and DHA purified by low-temperature molecular distillation. Additionally, these supplements claim to be burpless and free of fishy aftertaste, thanks to the purification process and natural lemon extracts, making them some of the best omega 3 fish oil capsules for people who hate the taste of fish oil.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”View on Amazon” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3h6nMMh|target:_blank|rel:nofollow” el_class=”btn-1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator border_width=”3″][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” el_class=”product-styles”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4098″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Bio Schwartz Omega 3 Fish Oil
Proudly manufactured in the USA from sustainably caught Icelandic fish and flavored with lemon extracts, Bio Schwartz’ fish oil capsules promise 2250mg of omega-3s in each serving (or 750mg per capsule). These supplements are GMP certified, 3rd-party tested and free of GMOs, soy, gluten and milk, so they’re great for people with allergies or dietary restrictions.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”View on Amazon” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3gUVaWt|target:_blank|rel:nofollow” el_class=”btn-1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” disable_element=”yes” el_class=”product-styles”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4099″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Viva Naturals Triple-Strength Omega 3 Fish Oil
Made from a blend of wild and sustainably caught fish, Viva Naturals’ fish oil supplements contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in triglyceride form, which improves bioavailability. Furthermore, these supplements are certified by the IFOL (International Fish Oil Standards) and multiple 3rd party organisations, making them some of the best omega 3 fish oil capsules for 3rd party certification.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”View on Amazon” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3VNSfNW|target:_blank|rel:nofollow” el_class=”btn-1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” disable_element=”yes” el_class=”product-styles”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4100″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Nature’s Branch Triple Strength Omega 3 Fish Oil Pills
These fish oil capsules from Nature’s Branch are some of the strongest supplements on this list, containing a whopping 1,400mg of fish oil in each capsule. Furthermore, these fish oil pills are molecularly distilled and flavored with lemon to make maxing out your omega-3 intake as simple and pleasant as possible.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”View on Amazon” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3UCgb5L|target:_blank|rel:nofollow” el_class=”btn-1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” disable_element=”yes” el_class=”product-styles”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4101″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Carlson Elite Omega-3 Gems
Carlson’s omega-3 supplements come in 1-inch large softgel ‘gems’ and contain 800mg each, harvested from wild-caught anchovy, sardine and mackerel. While these supplements are GMO free and 3rd-party tested, the large size makes them harder to swallow, so they’re not the best omega 3 fish oil capsules for people who struggle to swallow pills.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”View on Amazon” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3XU9IGm|target:_blank|rel:nofollow” el_class=”btn-1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” disable_element=”yes” el_class=”product-styles”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4102″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
PRN DE Omega Benefits
These softgel capsules use a carefully refined form of omega-3 fatty acids called Re-esterified Tryglycicerides (RTG) which is beneficial for eye health, especially in reducing dry eye symptoms. Additionally, the recipe includes natural mixed berry/orange flavors, making them a lot more pleasant to take than some fish oil supplements.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”View on Amazon” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3h1GZyE|target:_blank|rel:nofollow” el_class=”btn-1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Conclusion
Most people in the US don’t eat enough food sources of omega-3 fatty acids to meet the recommended daily intake, so dietary supplements are a great way to ensure you get a healthy amount of omega-3s in your lifestyle. Based on existing research, the two forms of omega-3 with the most health benefits are EPA and DHA, so the best omega 3 fish oil capsules should have a higher ratio of DHA and EPA to ALA.
In addition to supporting proper nutrition and overall health, omega-3 supplements have targeted benefits for brain, eye and heart health whilst tackling inflammation throughout the body. Based on the available studies, omega-3 fatty acids may be one of the best supplements you can take, as long as you choose a trustworthy brand with high-quality ingredients.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
