Health-Fitness

11 Best Fish Oil Supplements, Reviewed by Registered Dietitians

No fish burps included.
Best fish oil supplements collage featuring products
Courtesy of brands / Gabrielle Langdon

If you open up the medicine cabinet at your friend’s house (we know you’ve done it), odds are pretty high that you’ll find a fish oil supplement on the shelf. It’s about as much of a staple as probiotics or magnesium.

ICYMI, fish oil is made from the tissues of oily fish—think salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies, says Melanie Murphy Richter, RD, dietitian and founder of Wholistic Ritual. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which offer lots of potential health benefits. “People typically take fish oil supplements to improve their cardiovascular health, enhance cognitive function, and manage inflammation,” says Lauren Manaker, RDN, LD, CLEC, CPT.

However, there’s some debate in the scientific community about whether fish oil supplements truly offer the full benefits that some supplement companies promise. And these supplements come with some downsides, including literal fishy burps (ugh) and potential heart issues. (Ironic, since so many folks take fish oil supplements for the sake of their hearts.)

To help you sift through all of the options out there—and determine which products, if any, are worth your hard-earned cash—we spoke with registered dietitians. Here are the best fish oil supplements, as well as some critical FAQs to help you make an informed decision for your health and wallet.

The best fish oil supplements, at a glance

Your fish oil supplement questions, answered

What is the benefit of taking fish oil supplements?
Are there any risks or side effects to taking fish oil supplements?
Which is better: omega-3 or fish oil?
Should I take fish oil or krill oil?
Are there vegan alternatives to fish oil supplements?
Should you take fish oil pills every day?
What to look for in a fish oil supplement

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

  • Best Overall: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega

    Courtesy of brand
    1/18

    Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega

    $45

    Amazon

    $76

    GNC

    $30

    Nordic

    • What we like: This popular fish oil supplement comes with 41K five-star reviews on Amazon, as well as the endorsement of multiple RDs, including Richter, Steph Grasso, RD, and Amy Shapiro, RD, CDN, founder of Real Nutrition NYC. Two pills offer an impressive 1,280 mg total of omega-3s sourced from smaller fish like anchovies, sardines, and herring. To note: Experts recommend 500 to 2,000 mg of omega-3s per serving (more on serving amount below). The lemon flavor reduces fishy aftertaste too. All Nordic Naturals products are third-party tested to ensure purity and freshness, and you can find the Certificate of Analysis (a summary result of that testing) for your individual bottle on the company’s website.
    • What to consider: “It is on the higher end in terms of price, but it is a worthwhile investment for those seeking high eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content and exceptional quality,” says Grasso. (More on EPA and DHA below.)

    Form: Softgels | Serving size: 2 softgel capsules | Omega-3 per serving: 1,280 mg (650 mg EPA, 450 mg DHA)

  • Best Liquid Fish Oil Supplement: Carlson Labs Very Finest Fish Oil

    Courtesy of brand
    2/18

    Carlson Labs Very Finest Fish Oil

    $66

    Amazon

    $55 $47

    Target

    $24

    Walmart

    $57

    The Vitamin Shoppe

    • What we like: “I’ve tried many liquid supplements that were third-party tested and met the EPA and DHA concentrations, but they were too fishy for me,” says Grasso. She finally landed on Carlson Labs’ liquid formulation and highly recommends it due to its subtle flavor (she likes lemon, but there’s also orange, mixed berry, or peach flavors if you’re picky). Vitamin E and other antioxidants help keep it fresh for longer. Shapiro also likes that the omega-3s are in triglyceride form, which she says will help your body absorb them better.
    • What to consider: Some customer reviewers found that this product gave them an upset stomach.

    Form: Liquid | Serving size: 1 tsp. | Omega-3 per serving: 1,600 mg (800 mg EPA, 500 mg DHA)

  • Best for Inflammation: OmegaVia Ultra Concentrated Omega-3

    Courtesy of brand
    3/18

    OmegaVia Ultra Concentrated Omega-3

    $40 $32

    Amazon

    $40

    Walmart

    $40

    iHerb

    • What we like: Shapiro says this lab-tested brand has some of the highest amounts of EPA available over the counter—great if you’re looking for anti-inflammatory or mental-health benefits. “It’s third-party tested and available in a burp-less formula, making it a good option for those who experience fishy aftertaste,” adds Grasso. Plus, a dose is just one pill, not two—ideal for people who just want to get it over already.
    • What to consider: This has significantly less DHA than many other products on this list, so if that’s a nutrient you’re prioritizing, look for a different option. Some customer reviewers found the capsule to be pretty large too.

    Form: Softgel | Serving size: 1 softgel | Omega-3 per serving: 1,135 mg (780 mg EPA, 260 mg DHA)

  • Best Affordable Option: NOW Molecularly Distilled Omega-3 Fish Oil

    Courtesy of brand
    4/18

    Now Molecularly Distilled Omega-3 Fish Oil

    $12

    Amazon

    • What we like: Fish oil supplements tend to be on the pricey side—which is why we like this very affordable offering from NOW. Yet affordability doesn’t come at the cost of quality—Maya Feller, RD, CDN, founder of Maya Feller Nutrition, says that these pills are still third-party tested for contaminants, and don’t have a fishy aftertaste.
    • What to consider: You’ll get less EPA and DHA per serving than other brands, although still well within the recommended range of at least 500 mg combined omega-3s.

    Form: Softgel | Serving size: 2 softgels | Omega-3 per serving: 360 mg EPA, 240 mg DHA

  • Best Burp-less Formula: Nature Made Burpless Ultra Omega Fish Oil

    Courtesy of brand
    5/18

    Nature Made Burpless Ultra Omega Fish Oil

    $30

    Amazon

    $26

    Target

    • What we like: If you’re really sensitive about the taste of fish (or even the thought of tasting it), testers agree that Nature Made’s burp-less fish oil supplement is right for you. “I’ve been taking it on the recommendation of my ob-gym while pregnant and breastfeeding for both my kids,” says Glamour tester Heather W. “It’s flavorless. I’ve had to buy the non-burp-less ones before and they are fishier.” Grasso also likes that this product offers a decent amount of omega-3s per serving and is more affordable than some other options on this list. And if that doesn’t sway you, maybe 15.8K five-star reviews on Amazon will.
    • What to consider: While other Nature Made fish oil products have a seal from USP, the burp-less formulas do not. And Glamour tester Yun Q. warns that it’s a “big pill,” so it might be hard to swallow. (She recommends taking it with food.)

    Form: Softgel | Serving size: 1 softgel | Omega-3 per serving: 1,000 mg (683 mg EPA, 252 mg DHA)

    More from Glamour

  • Best Krill Oil Supplement: NOW Krill Oil

    Courtesy of brand
    6/18

    Now Krill Oil 500 Mg

    $65 $34

    Amazon

    $36

    Walmart

    • What we like: Krill oil supplements can be extremely expensive (like, almost $90 a bottle). Thankfully, Shapiro recommends this quality option from NOW at a fraction of the price. In addition to 250 mg total of omega-3s, you’ll also get a nice dose of krill’s antioxidants. The krill is sustainability harvested, and third-party testing has certified this product is free of GMOs and contaminants.
    • What to consider: It contains way less omega-3 than other products on this list. Krill oil is apparently better absorbed by the body, but it’s still something to keep in mind—particularly if your doctor or dietitian has recommended you get a specific amount of EPA or DHA.

    Form: Softgel | Serving size: 2 softgels | Omega-3 per serving: 250 mg (135 mg EPA, 60 mg DHA)

  • Best Vegan Fish Oil: Orlo Active DHA Dietary Supplement

    Courtesy of brand
    7/18

    Orlo Active DHA Dietary Supplement

    $49 $37

    Amazon

    $45

    Orlo

    • What we like: Algae oil supplements are a great alternative for folks who are plant-based or allergic to fish. Shapiro recommends this option from Orlo, citing it as a reliable brand that does third-party testing (although it’s unclear what lab does the testing, and there’s no seal on the packaging) and having a transparent label. The EPA and DHA come from Icelandic marine algae. The pills are also smaller than your standard fish oil capsule, making it easier to swallow.
    • What to consider: It’s a bit pricey—$45 for a month’s supply—and contains lower amounts of EPA and DHA than other products on this list.

    Form: Softgel | Serving size: 2 softgels | Omega-3 per serving: 350 mg (15 mg EPA, 335 mg DHA)

  • Best Gummy: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Gummy Chews

    Courtesy of brand
    8/18

    Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Gummy Chews

    $38 $29

    Amazon

    $38

    Walmart

    • What we like: If the only way you will stick with supplements is with gummies (*raises hand*), then Feller recommends Nordic Naturals’s gummy version. A hefty amount of EPA and DHA are packed into each gummy chew, and reviewers say that there is no fishy taste. We also like that this option has no sugar—a rarity in the gummy supplement space.
    • What to consider: Some reviewers said the chews’ texture is a bit off-putting. Each bottle only contains 27 servings—making it quite a bit more expensive than the softgel version of this product. Also note that this product contains sugar alcohols, which might upset some people’s stomachs.

    Form: Gummy chews | Serving size: 2 gummies | Omega-3 per serving: 1,200 mg (600 mg EPA, 450 mg DHA)

  • Best for DHA: Enzymedica Aqua Biome Fish Oil Omega-3 Maximum Strength

    Courtesy of brand
    9/18

    Enzymedica Aqua Biome Fish Oil Omega-3 Maximum Strength

    $27

    Amazon

    $62

    The Vitamin Shoppe

    • What we like: If you’re prioritizing DHA, this supplement has a whopping 1,000 mg of it per serving—great for brain and cardiovascular health. It’s also fairly affordable compared to other brands on this list, and its participation with the Clean Label Project ensures that it is free of contaminants and heavy metals. Glamour tester Brianne M. says that it doesn’t have much flavor, either.
    • What to consider: The pills are on the large side, so might be hard for some to swallow.

    Form: Softgels | Serving size: 2 softgels | Omega-3 per serving: 2,000 mg (200 mg EPA, 1,000 mg DHA)

  • Best Taste: Puori O3 Fish Oil Capsules

    Courtesy of brand
    10/18

    Puori O3 Fish Oil Capsules

    $53 $40

    Amazon

    • What we like: Feller says that these pills are easy to swallow with no fishy aftertaste. Puori also does a ton of third-party testing to ensure every product is free of contaminants like mercury, and all the results for each batch of products is published online for anyone to check out. We also like how easy it is to read the label and understand everything that’s in this product—a plus in a very crowded, under-regulated supplements market.
    • What to consider: Each serving is three capsules—a lot of pills, particularly if you already take other supplements. It’s also a little pricey.

    Form: Softgel | Serving size: 3 softgels | Omega-3 per serving: 2,000 mg (1,250 mg EPA, 500 mg DHA)

  • Best for Heart Health: LifeExtension Super Omega-3

    Courtesy of brand
    11/18

    LifeExtension Super Omega-3

    $33 $28

    Amazon

    $47

    The Vitamin Shoppe

    • What we like: Megan Hilbert, RDN, a dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching, and Manaker both recommend this option from LifeExtension. (Feller also calls LifeExtension a “go-to” brand.) Not only do you get a hefty dose of omega-3s, but each serving also has polyphenols—beneficial plant compounds with antioxidant properties—sourced from olives and sesame, says Manaker. (Sesame lignans have been linked to reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels, while compounds from olives and olive leaves are associated with improved hypertension and other health benefits.) It’s third-party tested and has a seal from IFOS (for fish oil purity and freshness).
    • What to consider: Pills are smaller (hence the easy-to-swallow label) but a serving is four pills, which many reviewers felt was excessive.

    Form: Softgel | Serving size: 4 softgels | Omega-3 per serving: 700 mg EPA, 500 mg DHA

  • 12/18

    What is the benefit of taking fish oil supplements?

    As mentioned, fish oil supplements contain concentrated amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Since our bodies don’t naturally make it, we have to source it from fatty fish like tuna and salmon, nuts and seeds like walnuts, and leafy vegetables. These compounds are linked with a whole host of benefits, says Amy Shapiro, RD, CDN, founder of Real Nutrition NYC, including lowering triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and risk of heart attack and stroke; improved mental health and cognitive function; reduced inflammation; joint and bone health; and immune system support. (Try saying all that three times fast!)

    Some people also gravitate toward omega-3s because the fatty acids can support skin health by strengthening the skin barrier and reducing inflammation that can trigger acne and eczema, says Erum Ilyas, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

    Fish oil in particular contains two types of omega-3s, says Steph Grasso, RD: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Both fatty acids have been shown to be beneficial for cardiovascular health, but each also has its own unique properties. “DHA is crucial for cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health because it serves as a structural component of the brain and is highly concentrated there,” says Grasso. Meanwhile, EPA has been linked to reduced inflammation and potentially improved depression symptoms.

    Here’s the catch: It’s unclear whether fish oil capsules, however, can confer these benefits effectively. “There are conflicting findings, with some studies noting that there is not sufficient evidence to support over-the-counter fish oil supplementation,” says Maya Feller, RD, CDN, founder of Maya Feller Nutrition. Multiple studies have shown that taking a daily fish oil supplement may not do anything for cardiovascular health, despite most supplements being marked as heart healthy. Nor do omega-3 supplements slow the progression of macular degeneration. Another 2023 observational study found omega-3 supplementation could be helpful for mild to moderate depression symptoms but primarily when combined with an antidepressant. And research shows that prescription omega-3 supplements can help lower triglycerides, but only at a dose of 3 g (or 3,000 mg), which is far higher than anything you can find OTC.

    Despite the mixed (or outright lack of evidence), many fish oil supplements use misleading claims about their health benefits, per a 2023 study published in JAMA Cardiology. Keep in mind that supplements also aren’t FDA-regulated, so we don’t have clear understanding of the quality control of regulation of manufacturers. This is why a whole food source like the ones we mention above are recommended over powders, pills, capsules, or liquids.

    “Fish oil supplements aren’t for everyone,” says Lauren Manaker, RDN, LD, CLEC, CPT. “People should take them under the guidance of their health care provider.”

  • 13/18

    Are there any risks or side effects to taking fish oil supplements?

    There are definitely some side effects to taking fish oil supplements, experts say. Most common (and benign) is digestive discomfort, including bloating, indigestion, or “fish burps,” says Shapiro. Other potential side effects, per the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, include bad breath, funky-smelling sweat, and headaches.

    Fish oil supplements can also interact poorly with certain health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or pancreas disorders, says Manaker. They’re also not recommended if you’re on blood thinners, blood pressure medication, or diabetes meds, adds Shapiro.

    Unfortunately, there’s also some evidence that fish oil supplements might contribute to heart problems rather than prevent them in healthy individuals. “New data suggests that fish oil supplements may be linked to an increased risk of stroke and other heart health concerns among certain populations,” says Manaker, citing a new study from the British Journal of Medicine. The study looked at data for 415,000 adults over the course of 12 years, and found that people without heart issues who took fish oil supplements were more likely to experience atrial fibrillation and stroke. (The same study found that fish oil supplements were linked with cardioprotective effects in people with existing heart disease.)

    For all of those reasons, “it is always important to talk with your doctor first before incorporating any supplement,” Manaker says.

    More from Glamour
  • 14/18

    Which is better, omega-3 or fish oil?

    Because of the potential side effects of fish oil supplements, as well as mixed evidence of their efficacy, most experts prefer that people get omega-3 from whole food sources rather than from fish oil.

    Grasso recommends people eat fatty fish—which is rich in omega-3s—at least twice a week. “However, many of us might not have the time or budget for that, which is where supplements come in handy,” she says. She personally aims for 500 mg combined of EPA and DHA per day, which she achieves by eating fish at least once a week as well as taking a lower-dose fish oil supplement.

    Shapiro says salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, and anchovies are all great sources of omega-3s. If you don’t eat fish, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends reaching for nuts and seeds like chia, flax, and walnuts, or opting for foods fortified with omega-3s (like certain brands of milk, eggs, and juice).

  • 15/18

    Should I take fish oil or krill oil?

    Fish oil and krill oil both offer up EPA and DHA, but they have some differences in their source and potential benefits, Manaker says. “Fish oil is derived from the tissues of oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, while krill oil comes from tiny crustaceans called krill,” she says. Your body may absorb the omega-3s from krill more easily than those from fish oil, Shapiro adds.

    In addition to the EPA and DHA, krill oil has a naturally occurring antioxidant known as astaxanthin, which gives it a red color (plus potential additional benefits for health), Manaker says. However, she says krill oil products tend to be more expensive than fish oil, so it might not be as accessible an option.

  • 16/18

    Are there vegan alternatives to fish oil supplements?

    Just like vegan collagen, there are vegan subs for fish oil supplements. “These supplements are typically made from marine algae, which is actually where fish get their omega-3 fatty acids in the first place,” says Manaker, and they can be a great alternative for folks who don’t like or cannot eat fish. You can get DHA and EPA from these supplements just like you can from fish oil. A small, older study found that the DHA in algae oil supplements was about as bioavailable as cooked fish.

  • 17/18

    Should you take fish oil pills every day?

    If you take fish oil supplements, you should take them every day at the same time to maintain consistent levels of omega-3s in your system, says Shapiro. “It’s generally recommended to take with meals in order to enhance absorption and reduce any potential GI discomfort,” she adds. “Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to also aid in digestion and absorption.”

  • 18/18

    What to look for in a fish oil supplement

    If you and your health care provider decide that a fish oil supplement is right and safe for you, there are a few things to look out for to ensure you’re taking a quality option. Experts say that the best fish oil supplements have 500 to 2,000 mg of omega-3s per serving—with specific, clearly labeled amounts of EPA and DHA—and have been independently tested by a third party for purity and quality. Here are some more features to look for on the label of your fish oil of choice:

    • Amount of omega-3s: Shapiro says that you should look for fish oil supplements that disclose specific amounts of DHA and EPA (or ALAs if you are going the plant-based route) as well as the total amount of omega-3s per serving. “Some products might list the total fish oil content, which is misleading because this includes other fatty acids that aren’t omega-3s,” she says. Depending on your health goals, you may want a higher proportion of EPA or DHA, she adds. “Higher DHA is often for brain health and higher EPA is for anti-inflammatory benefits.”
    • Format: Fish oil supplements are typically available either as soft-gel capsules, chewable gummies, or as a liquid. Grasso recommends the liquid format if you struggle to swallow pills, since fish oil supplements can be fairly large. Meanwhile gummy vitamins can be easy (and delicious) to take, although they tend to have added sugar—so check the label.
    • Third-party testing: The supplement industry has fairly limited regulations, so look for a seal that shows your product was tested for purity and efficacy by an independent lab. “Reputable organizations to look for on the label include the International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS) and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP),” she says. Megan Hilbert, RDN, a dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching, adds that Consumer Lab and NSF International do excellent lab testing. If you value sustainability, Melanie Murphy Richter, RD, dietitian and founder of Wholistic Ritual, recommends looking for a GOED standard for purity or a label from the Environmental Defense Fund “to ensure you are supporting sustainable fishing practices that encourage the longevity of our marine life.”
    • Source of omega-3s: As mentioned earlier, you can choose supplements made of fish oil or krill oil. Krill oil may be easier for your body to absorb than fish oil (meaning more omega-3 bang for your buck), says Manaker, and it tends to come with fewer fish burps. But krill oil is typically more expensive than fish oil—and ultimately, both are great sources of DHA and EPAs. If you’re going the plant-based route, look for a supplement made with marine algae. “Choose a supplement that derives its omega-3 fatty acids from small fish sources like mackerel, sardines or krill,” recommends Richter. “This will ensure you are getting the most pure form of EPA or DHA possible with less contamination from heavy metals like mercury.”
    • Freshness: Grasso says that fish oil can oxidize and become rancid over time (ick!), so she suggests looking for supplements with vitamin E or rosemary extract to maintain freshness. Checking for “burp-less” or “fresh” on the label can help, too, she says. And always smell them before use.
    • Flavor: Fish oil can be, well, fishy. You’ll likely want some kind of flavor to help things go down smoothly (and avoid the dreaded fish burp).
Jessie Van Amburg is a health journalist with over a decade of experience working for some of the top media brands in the country. She covers mental and reproductive health for publications including Well+Good, What to Expect, Babycenter, Wondermind, and Peloton. She previously held staff roles at Well+Good as the... Read more
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