Tests Reveal Best Fish Oil Supplements and How They Compare to Prescription Fish Oil

White Plains, New York, November 19, 2018 — Fish and marine oil supplements containing the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA offer a range of potential benefits for improving mental health, reducing inflammation, and even cancer prevention. But which fish oil supplements provide the best quality and value — and how do they compare with prescription fish oils like Vascepa and Lovaza?

To find out, ConsumerLab tested 28 popular fish and marine oil supplements (made from fish oil, krill oil, algal oil, calamari oil, and sea buckthorn oil) for EPA and DHA, as well as DPA and omega-7s and for contaminants such as lead, mercury, cadmium or arsenic. The tests revealed problems with the quality or labeling of three supplements.

Among the products that passed all tests and review, ConsumerLab selected its Top Picks for regular softgels, enteric-coated softgels, and liquids. In addition, ConsumerLab found that some supplements contained levels of EPA and/or DHA comparable to more expensive prescription omega-3 drugs, such as Vascepa and Lovaza.

The review also summarizes the clinical evidence for and against fish oil supplementation, indicates the dosage for specific uses, and explains potential side effects and drug interactions for fish and marine oil supplements. It also describes that pros and cons of different forms of fish oil such as ethyl ester, natural triglyceride, re-esterified triglyceride, and phospholipid, and provides tips for consumers on the best way to take fish oil and how to store supplements to keep them fresh.

The findings are available online in ConsumerLab's Fish Oil and Omega-3 and -7 Supplements Review which includes test results and comparisons for 28 products. Seventeen of the products (including prenatal and children's products, and two products for pets) were selected for testing by ConsumerLab and 11 others underwent the same testing through CL's voluntary Quality Certification Program. Products covered in the report are: ChildLife Pure DHA, Coromega Max, CVS Health 100% Pure Omega-3 Krill Oil, Designs for Health OmegAvail, Deva Vegan Omega-3 DHA, Dr. Sinatra Omega Q Plus, Dr. Sinatra Omega Q Plus, Dr. Tobias Triple Strength Omega-3, GNC Triple Strength Fish Oil, InnovixLabs Pharma-Grade Omega-3, InnovixLabs Pharma-Grade Omega-3, Kirkland Signature [Costco] Fish Oil, Life Extension Super Omega-3 EPA/DHA, Minami Garden of Life Platinum Omega-3, New Chapter Sea Buckthorn Force, Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega, Nutrifi Omega-Q, OmegaBrite, Ortho Molecular Products OrthOmega, Ovega-3, Schiff MegaRed Superior Omega-3 Krill Oil, Solgar Triple Strength Omega 3, Spring Valley [Walmart] Fish Oil, Sundown Naturals Omega 3-6-9, USANA Biomega, Vital Pet Life Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, Webber Naturals Triple Strength Omega-3, Whole Foods Market Prenatal DHA, Wiley's Finest Wild Alaskan Fish Oil Prenatal DHA, and Zesty Paws Omega Bites With AlaskOmega.

Founded in 1999, ConsumerLab.com is a leading provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. Membership to ConsumerLab.com is available online and provides immediate access to reviews of more than 1,000 products from over 400 brands. The company is privately held and based in Westchester, New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products.



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