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November 9, 2022

How many times have you found yourself confused about the use of dietary supplements? If we put all the supplement products found in the market together in the same room with you, you certainly feel lost to find the exit door. 

Dietary supplements are used when people don’t have the capacity to meet the recommended dose by food only.  In addition to that, some people consume supplements as a way to get extra protection and prevention from future diseases. 

Is it safe? Is it effective? How much should I take? Which brand should I use? What is the best time to take it? are there any contraindications? And more and more questions you ask yourself when you want to try a new supplement. 

In this article below, let’s talk about the most used supplements among the population: Fish oil omega 3Best 10 Omega 3 fish oil supplements 

Overview

Omega-3 fatty acids, also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids “PUFAs”, are necessary for your health and body function. Your body can’t make them, so you should get them through food; that is why we call them essential fatty acids.

What are the different types of omega-3 fatty acids and their food sources?

You can find omega 3 fatty acids in different types of food, animal and vegetable food sources according to their types:

  • First hand, eicosapentaenoic acid “EPA” and docosahexaenoic acid “DHA” are two omega 3 fatty acids that are found in fish, such as salmon, sardines, tuna, halibut and other seafoods including algae and krill.

 

  • Second hand, you find  a different type of omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid “ALA”. This type is found in certain plant based foods such as  flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and canola oil.
  • Also, you find omega 3 fatty acids in some fortified foods such as certain brands of eggs, yogurt, juices, milk, soy beverages, and infants formula. 

What are the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids offer you a bouquet of health benefits. They play a crucial role in:

What are the signs of omega 3 deficiency ?

An inappropriate consumption of omega 3 can lead to the development of deficiency that can be presenting in different form of symptoms such as:

What are the different types of supplements that contain omega- 3 fatty acids?

Once you find yourself unable to take the sufficient dose of omega 3 by food only, you can take supplements.

When buying omega 3 supplements, there are several types of dietary supplements in the market that contain omega-3, such as:

What is fish oil?

Fish oil is one of the most common omega-3 supplements. It is considered 100% marine and comes from many types of fish. Due to the high content of essential omega 3 fatty acids – EPA and DHA, it is considered to be beneficial to many aspects of health.

Some fish oil products are approved by the Food and Drug Association as prescription medications to lower triglyceride levels. Fish oil is also available as a supplement form.

The main difference between fish oil supplement and prescription medications is the amount of fish oil content so when your doctor prescribes a fish oil prescription medications, you should not take the fish supplement instead.

What are the forms of fish oil supplements?

Fish oil supplements are available in two main forms: liquids and capsules. It is important to know that not all fish oil supplements are created equally when it comes to quality.

By visiting our online store on the website, you can find different types of fish oil supplement that are suitable for many ages such as:

Carlson Kid’s The Very Finest Fish Oil Orange Norwegian: Liquid form of fish oil supplement, suitable for children more than 1 year old. After opening, should be stored in the  refrigerator.

Puritans Pride Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil: Capsule form of fish oil supplement.

No Artificial Color, No Preservatives, No Sugar, No Starch, No Milk, No Lactose, No Gluten, No Wheat, No Yeast, No Shellfish. Sodium Free.

Ambrosial Omega 3 Fish Oil 1000 mg Capsules: a dietary Supplement for adults , 1-2 capsules a day or as recommended by your Physician. If you are following a gluten free diet it will be suitable for you as it is gluten free. This pure fish oil supplement comes from a cold-water ocean fish that has gone through a molecular distillation process to remove any contaminants that can affect your overall health.

What are the standard measures of storing fish oil supplements?

Based on the form of fish oil supplement that you use, it is important to know the best storage method to preserve their qualities.

According to the degree of oxidation, liquid fish oil that is in direct contact with air can oxidize much faster than fish oil capsules after opening because they don’t have a barrier like capsules to avoid direct contact with air “oxidation”. While fish oil capsules can be stored at room temperature, liquid fish oils should always be stored in the refrigerator once opened because the cool temperature slows down oxidation.

The least amount of oxidation is proved by the least amount of fishy taste and smell  However, some fish oil products can have a lot of flavors to mask the taste and smell, so be attentive when you are choosing the brand.

What are the main benefits of fish oil supplements?

As fish oil supplements contain high amounts of omega 3 supplements. So in addition to the benefits of omega 3,  taking fish oil supplement can offer you many more health benefits such as:

What are the side effects of omega-3 fish oil supplements?

Like all drugs and supplements, if you take fish oil supplements in an inappropriate way or excessive amounts, it can lead to the development of several side effects that are usually mild such as:

What are the contraindications of the use of omega 3 fish oil supplementation?

Fish oil can have a mild anticoagulant effect and should be used with caution in patients taking warfarin (Coumadin®) or clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin. High doses of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding, even in people without a history of bleeding disorders, and even in those who are not taking other medications. That is why many doctors encourage people who are planning surgery to stop taking omega-3 supplements a week or two before the procedure.
Fish oil can increase fasting blood sugar levels. Talk to your doctor if you are taking medications to lower blood sugar, such as glipizide , glyburide , glucophage (Metformin), or insulin.

How much should I consume omega 3 fish oil supplement per day?

The American Heart Association recommends that everyone eats fish (particularly fatty, cold water fish) at least twice a week to get the omega 3 amount required for good health.

Salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, lake trout, and tuna are especially high in omega-3 fatty acids. It recommends 1,000 mg of omega-3s daily for optimal health while the minimum recommended dose should be 500 mg of omega-3 per day.

In case of omega-3 deficiency-related conditions, the recommended dose is 2,000 mg or more omega-3 per day. However, the Food and Drug Association  says it is safe to take up to 3,000 mg of omega-3s per day. So you shouldn’t take more than that unless you discuss it with your doctor first.

But always remember that 1000mg of fish oil does not mean 1000mg of omega 3. A standard 1000 mg fish oil softgel usually provides around 300 mg of omega-3s, and to meet the 500 mg EPA and DHA recommendation, a minimum of two fish oil softgels would be necessary.

Children 18 years old and younger should not take fish oil capsules except under the direction of a health care provider.

What is the best time for taking omega 3 fish oil supplement?

Technically, you can take omega 3 fish oil supplement whatever time you want as long as you take it with a meal. You can take it in the morning or before going to bed. But it is recommended that you take omega 3 fish oil with lunch or dinner or a snack that contains healthy fats as dietary fats increase the absorption of  omega-3s.

If you take them on an empty stomach, they probably won’t be absorbed well.

How to choose the best fish oil supplement?

If you’ve considered taking fish oil but are confused about how to start, here you can find some tips:

Conclusion

When you want to try dietary supplements, remember that they are not candies that you can take whatever you like. Discuss first with your doctor the possibilities to take these supplements and how it can affect your overall health to avoid any complications.

By visiting our online store, you can choose the best one that is suitable for your health between a wide range of brands. We have some brands without gluten, lactose, preservatives, flavors, sodium, sweeteners.

Main ingredients

Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), norwegian fish oil, omega 3 fatty acids, soft gel shell, natural lemon flavor, natural mixed tocopherols.

Free of

Gluten, artificial preservatives,

Key benefits

Carlson Elite Omega-3 Gems Norwegian is a fish oil concentrated formula. A single serving provides 1,600 mg of omega-3s, including the important omega-3s EPA and DHA, which promote heart, brain, vision, and joint health.

Directions

Pros

Cons

Main ingredients

Fish oil, gelatin, vegetable glycerin, natural mixed tocopherols. Contains fish (anchovy, sardine, mackerel).

Free of

Gluten, dairy, wheat, yeast, sugar, salt, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, artificial preservatives, artificial colors

Key benefits

Solgar Omega 3 is a formulation that provides 950 mg of EPA, DHA and other Omega-3 fatty acids that offers multiple health benefits for the body such as healthy heart, brain, vision function…

Directions

Pros

Cons

Main ingredients

Fish oil, gelatin, vegetable glycerin. Contains <2% of: acetylated monoglycerides, food glaze, mixed natural tocopherols, polysorbate 80, potassium sorbate, sodium alginate.

Free of

Artificial color, artificial flavor, artificial sweetener, sugar, starch, milk, lactose, gluten, wheat, yeast, shellfish.

Key benefits

Nature’s bounty fish oil provides 1200 mg of omega 3 per serving (2 softgels), which are considered “good” fats important for cellular, heart and metabolic health and help maintain triglyceride levels already within a normal range.

Directions

Pros

Cons

Main ingredients

Algae oil DHA concentrate, vegetable glycerin, vegetable starch, carrageenan, natural orange flavor, astaxanthin concentrate, silica rosemary extract, natural non-GMO mixed tocopherols, sodium carbonate.

Free of

Gluten, dairy,

Key benefits

Minami Algae Omega-3 is a 100% vegan formulation made from algae oil and delivers 500mg of vegan docosahexaenoic acid per serving. This formula is designed to support brain and eye health.

Directions

Pros

Cons

Main ingredients

Fish oil concentrate, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, softgel capsule, and d-alpha Tocopherol (from non GMO soy). Contains fish (anchovies, sardines, tuna).

Free of

Corn, dairy, egg, gluten.Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens: yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, shellfish or sesame ingredients.

Key benefits

NOW Ultra Omega-3 contains 500 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 250 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Along with the benefits that are provided by omega 3 such as heart support, healthy vision… These enteric coated soft gels are perfect for those who experience nausea or reflux from other fish oils.

Directions

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

When you want to try dietary supplements, remember that they are not candies that you can take whatever you like. Discuss first with your doctor the possibilities to take these supplements and how it can affect your overall health to avoid any complications.By visiting our online store, you can choose the best one that is suitable for your health between a wide range of brands. We have some brands without gluten, lactose, preservatives, flavors, sodium, sweeteners.
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