How Do I Choose the Right Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplement?

There are three main points to consider when deciding which fish oil to take:

1) A Brand Free of Contaminants: Quality and Purity
It is imperative that you choose a brand of Omega-3 supplement that tests their oils for contaminants such as PCB's, dioxins, mercury and other heavy metals. At Rockwell Nutrition, we only recommend Omega-3 supplements from companies who routinely perform contamination testing. Pharmax, Genestra, DFH, and Nordic Naturals are all excellent brands of Fish Oils.

2) Liquid, Capsules or Emulsified Liquid?
You will make your best decision by considering who will be taking the fish oil.

Liquids: Best price for quantity, and most EPA and DHA per serving. Easy to take higher doses with ease since 1 tsp equals 4 capsules. Thus, liquid is ideal for those with arthritis and inflammatory conditions of the gut or skin. It mixes easily into smoothies, applesauce, or yogurt with no noticeable taste (slight orange or lemon essence). Liquids like Finest Pure Liquid Fish Oil can also be taken right off the spoon.

Capsules: Finest Pure Fish Oil Capsules are Ideal for those who travel or do not like taking the liquid by the spoonful or in their smoothie. The gel capsules are large, but slide down easily. It is harder to get larger therapeutic doses when taking capsules since you will need to take such large quantities (4+ caps 3x daily), but they sure are practical!

Emulsified Liquids: Ideal for those who have digestive issues or tend to burp up the oils. Emulsified liquids like Emulsified Finest Pure Fish Oil taste like candy due to added fruit sugar, so perfect for those with taste aversions. The key benefit is that emulsified oils are 50% better absorbed than regular liquid or capsules, so taking 1/2 the dose of EPA/DHA is perfectly fine.

3) Fish oil or Cod Liver Oil?
The big difference between the two is that Fish Oil contains just the Omega-3s EPA and DHA while Cod Liver Oil contains smaller quantities of EPA per serving plus has Vitamin A and D. Remember-Vitamin A and D are ideal for brain and immune system development of toddlers and kids (not to mention adults!). If you're looking for more Omega-3s per serving, go for fish oils. If you want to boost your Vitamin A&D levels along with getting higher levels of DHA per serving, go for the Ultimate Cod Liver Oil.

Client Question
Q: Why do I burp after taking the oils?
A: It's a sign that your digestion needs help to digest the oil. Try taking your fish oil with or after meals to see if this helps. Or take it with a lipase enzyme (Lipase #5) which helps it break down in your gut. Improving your digestion will improve your absorption of all nutrients including Omega-3s!

Client Feedback on Liquid Fish Oil by Pharmax

"I ordered Finest Pure Liquid Fish Oil Liquid because I hate taking lots of pills. My sister warned me to be careful because these types of oils have strong aftertastes. This product has only a pleasant orange taste and no fishy taste at all. I love it and I have noticed an improvement in my well-being since I started taking it. Will be back for more."  -U.I. from Mineola, NY

Cured my Depression!
"I am a customer of yours and take the Pharmax Finest Pure Liquid Fish Oil oil that cured my depression. I think I was lacking the Omega 3's since I had been on anti-depressants for 6+ years. It took 9 months of taking 1-2 TBS/day but I haven't needed anti depressants for 3 years now, YEAH!" - Brittany from Coral Gables, FL

We're Here For YOU!

Need help finding the best fish oil for your needs? Check out our Consultation Page for information on scheduling a consultation with our Licensed Nutritionist to answer your questions.