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Best Fish Oil Supplements: Top 10 List For 2024 (With Krill Oil and 12 studies)

by Nader Qudimat
Updated December 21, 2023
  • Best Overall
    Krill Oil by Transparent Labs
    High choline content
    Best quality with krill oil
    Transparent label and reputable company
  • BEST BUDGET CHOICE
    Fish Oil by Optimum Nutrition
    Affordable and uses basic dosages
    Good company with high quality supplements
    Enteric coated capsules
    CHECK IT OUT

If there's any supplement that belongs in any stack, its fish oil.

You're unlikely to get all the omega 3's you need from your diet.

Unless of course, you're lucky enough to consume fish on a regular basis.

Considering omega-3 fatty acid deficiency is among the top 10 causes of death in the U.S

It's time to consider fish oil supplements to decrease the risk.

Where and what do you get?

We've done the research and collected the best fish oil supplements we could find. 

Here they are…

Top 10 Fish Oil Supplements

BEST OVERALL

Krill Oil by Transparent Labs

$29.00
transparentlabs.com
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INGREDIENTS:

​1,000mg Superba Krill Oil, ​400mg Phospholipids, ​220mg Omega-3 Fatty Acids, ​120mg EPA, ​55mg DHA, ​80mcg Astaxanthin

Pure and high quality natural ingredients
High level of purity

No weird or fishy aftertaste
Only available at one source

​It should come as no surprise that our pick for number one is Krill Oil by Transparent Labs.

Here’s a company that’s always in the top 1-2 on any Top 10 list and for good reason – they use extremely transparent labeling, the best ingredients and at least clinical dosing.

Krill Oil is no exception.

This is a premium quality product using krill sourced from the Antarctic that has a high concentration of the omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), plus phospholipids, choline and astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant.

Krill Oil comes in a 60 softgel size bottle and with 2 softgels per serving, it’s priced at the higher end, but you are paying for premium quality.

You won’t find a better fish oil/krill oil product!

 

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ENTERIC COATED

Omega 3 by Revive MD

$44.95
nutricartel.com
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INGREDIENTS:

1.7g Omega 3 (800mg EPA, 600mg DHA, 300mg Additional Omega 3's)

Enteric coated, no fishy afterpurps
Pure and natural ingredients
Budget choice
None

Revive MD is a big name in the industry that’s recently been on a roll with several very good new products.

Of course, they’re well known for potent health products.

They take general good health seriously and make several products that prove they are sparing no expense when formulating.

Omega 3's is one of them.

This is a high quality fish oil with 905mg of omega 3's, and 700mg fish oil.

This is an excellent product. 

Revive MD puts health back in supplements with proper formulations and the perfect dosages- and they’re not just for bodybuilders and athletes – anyone can use them.

Use discount code FITFREK.

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MULTIPLE OMEGA SOURCES

Animal Omega by Universal Nutrition

$29.99
https://muscleplayers.com/
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INGREDIENTS:
 
Uses a range of EFA sources
Includes Omega 6
Well dosed and mostly disclosed
Some prop blends

​This is the most unique product on this list because it’s not just a fish oil – it’s a complete EFA (essential fatty acid) product.

In keeping with the hardcore attitude of the “Animal” line, Universal Nutrition markets this for bodybuilders, and other athletes (especially strength athletes) but it can be used by anyone looking for a complete EFA formula.

There are 3 prop blends, which is unfortunately one of the things Universal is known for, but you are getting a 4 gram Omega 3 complex that includes flaxseed as a source as well as various fish oils – but we don’t know how much of each.

We also don’t know the EPA/DHA content.

There’s also an Omega 6 complex that’s non-fish oils, coming from such sources as borage, sunflower, evening primrose and sesamin – but we don’t know how much of each.

Finally, there’s an absorption complex that is, again, a prop blend.

While Universal makes some great products, and the thinking behind Animal Omega sets it apart in the marketplace, what’s with all the prop blends?

Why are they there?

There’s no good reason.

This product is a good idea – tell us how much we’re getting!

Fitting with the Animal line, this comes in a 30 packet size and it’s a decent value – great product idea, good company, but why do we still use prop blends?

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DECENT CHOICE 

Ultra Omega 3 by NOW

$29.90
amazon.com
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INGREDIENTS:
​Features the GMP seal on the website and on the bottle 
​Well dosed - no blends
​No artificial ingredients
​Good value for both the 90 and 180 softgel sizes
None

When it comes to making high quality products that cover a wide range of nutritional needs, NOW is hard to beat.

After all, they make sports nutrition products, various types of nutritional foods, as well as a huge line of general good-health products.

Ultra Omega 3 is one of those good-health products.

This is a simple, gets-straight-to-the-point type of product with 1 gram of total fish oil per serving breaking down to 500 mg of EPA and 250 mg of DHA – no prop blends, nothing else added, just a simple, fully disclosed formula.

One of the great things about this product and NOW in general is that they go out of their way to list the purity of their formulas – case in point, Ultra Omega 3 has the GMP seal stamped on its website description and on the bottle itself, along with tags for non-GMO and the fact it contains gelatin.

That’s great quality control!

NOW is always a great value – if you’re looking for a no BS product that’s priced right and offers excellent quality, look no further than Ultra Omega 3.

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WELL TRUSTED 

Omega-3 Fish Oil by NutraBio

$7.99
suppz.com
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INGREDIENTS:
​Great value for 250 softgels
​No fishy aftertaste
None

NutraBio is a name that’s been around forever and they have some serious history as being one of the first companies to sell a fully disclosed line of supplements.

Omega-3 Fish Oil is part of a series of products that consists of a versatile line of products designed to be stand-alone formulas or stacked with any other product you’re using.

Omega-3 is a simple 2 gram fish oil formula supplying 388 mg of EPA/ 240mg DHA.

This is properly dosed, which isn't surprising to see from NutraBio.

It's loaded with servings, with 500 capsules, but at 250 if you use 2 capsules, serving 2g fish oil.

But the downside is that there’s a lot of fillers in their softgels – good thing there’s also some MCTs.

Fish oil has become a standard supplement for many bodybuilders and athletes, and Fish Oil DNA is marketed for them but this can be used by anyone looking for a decent fish oil at a very good price.

With 100 capsules per bottle, it’s hard to beat!

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GOOD CHOICE 

Fish Oil by Optimum Nutrition

$12.99-19.99
muscleplayers.com/
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INGREDIENTS:
​No fishy aftertaste
​Only 1 softgel per serving
​Only 1 softgel per serving
Prop blends
Uses smaller doses compared to other supplements
Lots of fillers used

Here we have Optimum Nutrition, probably the world leader in protein powders and beyond any doubt one of the most trusted brands in the business – and they give us a 1 gram fish oil with an underdosed prop blend!

Wow.

All we see on this label is 300 mg total Omega 3 EFAs – that’s it!

No EPA/DHA breakdown, nothing.

It is an enteric coated tablet, but the irony here is that the ads for this product touts Optimum’s dedication to quality, history, brand strength etc. 

It’s a good thing it’s a good value with a 100 and 200 count size – however, they made it this high on the list more for the strength of their name then for the strength of their product.

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AFFORDABLE 

Pure Krill Oil Softgels by Bulk Supplements

INGREDIENTS:
High quality natural ingredients
High level of purity
No fish aftertaste
Various sizes available
A bit expensive

Bulk Supplements is exactly what the name suggests, supplements of all types in bulk.

Imagine, you can get 100 softgels, 300 softgels or, wait for it, 10,000 softgels – that’s not a typo, that really is 10,000!

In this case, it’s not a 1 gram fish oil but a 1 gram krill oil, however, it’s also a 2 softgel serving size.

There’s less total EPA and DHA in Pure Krill Oil, but the advantage is that the EFAs in krill oil are supposed to be better absorbed, which means your body can get as much benefit out of a lower dose.

Krill oil also contains phospholipids, here it’s 200 mg, and astaxanthin (400 mcg), which acts as an antioxidant.

There’s no fillers in the softgels either, making this a high quality product.

Overall, then, we have a premium product that’s also a great value and available in some very exclusive sizes.

CHECK IT OUT

What To Look For In Fish Oil Supplements

Since our list includes both Krill Oil and Fish Oil supplements, now’s a great time to look at the differences of each one.

Fish oil comes from fatty fish like anchovies, mackerel and salmon and provides the two main types of omega-3 fatty acids — EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).

Krill oil comes from tiny crustaceans called Antarctic krill, which are also high in EPA and DHA.

The fatty acids in fish oil are in the form of triglycerides while the fatty acids in krill oil are in the form of phospholipids, which some authorities believe helps increase their absorption and effectiveness.

Both fish oil and krill oil are excellent sources of EPA and DHA.

The primary difference is that the body may absorb and use the fatty acids in krill oil more efficiently than those in fish oil.

Purity

When it comes to choosing a good fish oil or krill oil supplement, one of the main considerations is purity.

There are quite a few toxins that fish naturally absorb from their food as well as their environment, such as mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and dioxins.

When it comes to quality, very high quality fish oil/krill oil comes from European labs, which means that you should check the label for EuroFins- or IFOS-compliance.

For those products manufactured in the US, look for the GMP Seal (United States Food and Drug Administration Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) regulations and voluntary Natural Products Association (NPA) Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) regulations).

It’s also important to look for 3rd party testing to insure purity and potency.

Fish Oil Impurities

Unfortunately, not all fish oil/ krill oil products are as pure as they could be, with several brands selling products that have an unacceptable level of impurities, such as mercury and PCBs.

The best way to avoid impurities is to look for products that meet the highest international standards of quality and purity.

One of the best guarantees that a product has had as many impurities removed as possible is if the company can provide a certificate of analysis.

Additionally, many companies post a quality seal right on their website and on the bottle itself.

Potency

When it comes to potency, it’s not so much the total fish  oil content, but the content of EPA and DHA.

Both the World Health Organization and Consumer Lab suggest 500 mg combined EPA and DHA for a minimum daily dose, with some sources suggesting up to 1-2 grams per day.

Typically, the best fish oil products will have up to twice the EPA content over the DHA content and the combined total will make up most of the total gram listing of the typical product: for example, a 1 gram fish oil serving should contain at least 500 mg EPA to 250 mg DHA.

Others may contain less but may have additional nutrients included, which is primarily true of our Top 10 krill oil products.

Freshness

A high-quality, fresh fish oil or krill oil should be reasonably free of any fishy tastes or smells, in as much as that’s possible.

The oil, whether in a softgel or liquid form, should also be reasonably free of cloudiness or “floaters.”

Fish oil and krill oil should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight because excessive exposure to light or heat will make smell and taste bad.

Form

When choosing the form of fish oil supplement, you should look for the one that absorbs the best.

There are 4 main types or forms of Omega-3s available as a supplement.

Since Omega-3s occur naturally in the triglyceride form, making this form a great choice.

There are cheaper versions, but absorption is not as good, despite what the ads may claim.

These less expensive versions include: ethyl ester, which is a partially synthetic form, and may be listed on the bottle as “marine oil concentrate”, phospholipids, (which absorb well but may be low dosed, this is a common form used with krill oil products) and monoglycerides (they are expensive, lack human clinical studies).

Krill Oil vs Fish Oil

While both fish-oil and krill-oil supplements provide the Omega-3 EFAs known as DHA and EPA,  there are differences between the two.

Fish oil comes from fatty fish while krill oil comes from small crustaceans and typically contains more EPA.

Also, they are bound to astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant.

Typically speaking, many authorities feel that krill is superior because the EPA and DHA found in krill oil are phospholipids, which are absorbed faster than the EPA and DHA found in fish oil, which are triglycerides and have to undergo a longer period of digestion.

Some authorities do not believe that krill is better because they feel more research is needed and while that may be true.

When you get down to it, both forms provide the Omega 3’s, but it comes down to absorption.

For us, if we an get better absorption from one product over another, we’ll go with it, all other things being equal.

Let’s be real – any supplement, no matter how good it’s supposed to be, comes down to one key thing – how well is it absorbed?

After all, if it does not absorb well, what’s the point?

However, when it comes to fish oil and krill oil, the jury is still out on which one is better, even if many authorities lean towards krill oil.

That means that, for now, it’s ultimately a matter of personal preference.

Who Benefits From Fish Oil / Krill Oil

Fish oil has become a cornerstone supplement among bodybuilders and other athletes to Mr and Mrs Joe Average.

What are the benefits?

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) are essential nutrients that,  generally speaking, support heart health, joint health and cognitive function.

Additionally, bodybuilders and athletes use them because, they speed recovery, help burn body fat, and support  testosterone production.

It goes without saying that with benefits like these, the addition of a good fish or krill oil to anyone’s program can help improve overall good health and well-being.

Side Effects

While the side effects of taking a fish oil supplement are minor, they do exist: bad breath, belching (the “fish burps”), heartburn and mild nausea.

These are effects that can be reduced by talking your fish oil with a meal.

How To Take Fish Oil / Krill Oil

As mentioned above, the best way to take a fish or krill oil supplement is with a meal, preferably one that contains some fats.

The best time is early in the day with a optional second dose at dinnertime.

Top 10 Benefits of Omega 3 Supplements

1. Cardiovascular Health

One of the most well-known benefits of taking omega 3 supplements like fish or krill oil is the positive effect they can have on cardiovascular health.

In fact, clinical studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory properties of the omega 3 EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) can help enhance cardiovascular health. (1)

It's been shown that the omega 3’s can improve heart health. . (2)

2. Joint Health

For many people, dealing with the pain of joint pain is a major problem. EFAs from fish oil or krill oil can help and there’s clinical studies that back up their effectiveness.

One study was conducted for 18-months and compared the effects of fish oil and borage seed oil as a treatment for test subjects to improve joint health.

There were three groups (one taking fish oil, one taking borage oil and one taking both), at the end of the study it was shown that all three groups experienced significant improvements in joint health.(3)

In another study, it was shown that omega-3 fish oil supplements work as good as NSAIDs in reducing joint paint. (4)

This is good news for people that do not want to rely on drugs and prefer a natural approach.

3. Cognitive Benefits
Most people have heard of the importance of fish oil for brain health, in fact the omega’s are often included in cognitive enhancement or brain health formulas.

There’s a good reason for that: Supplementing with a good fish oil product can help promote well being and anxiety (5) as well as help improve memory (6) and overall cognitive function.

As you can see from these studies, if you want to be at your best mentally, taking a fish or krill oil supplement is the way to go.

4. Mental Health
Piggy-backing off of the cognitive benefits, many in the medical profession think that a lack of omega’s is at least partially the reason children (and some adults) suffer from lowered mental functions.

This is one reason you will see DHA, one of the omega 3s, often included in various infant formulas.

Studies have shown that in children ranging from 6 to 12 years old, adding in an omega 3 supplement can make a difference in areas such as aggressiveness, restlessness, ability to complete work and overall academic performance (7).

These types of studies support the idea that some behavioral issues can be linked to poor eating habits as children and as an adult.

5. Blood Sugar
For people who want to improve their insulin, following a well thought out diabetic diet plan is essential.

Studies have shown that consuming fish oil can help with blood sugar and that fish oil sources should make up part of their diet.

In a study that was published in Brain Research, it was found that fish oil can support cognitive function by preventing the hippocampus cells from being destroyed, as well as lowering oxidative stress. (8)

6. Eye Health
You might not think of fish oil or krill oil when you think of supplements that are good for your eyes, but recent studies have shown that they can help enhance eye health.

In a 2014 study conducted by French researchers, 290 patients with age-related macular degeneration were discovered to have a low intake of dietary fish and seafood.

Based on this, it was determined that fish oil (and krill oil) could help those individuals with a high risk for age-related macular degeneration. (9)

It’s also believed that the EFAs in fish and krill oil can help the eyes drain properly.

This is important because it help promote eye health.

7. Immune System Health
As important as good immune system health is, it’s good to know that your daily serving of fish or krill oil supports overall immune system health and function.

In one study conducted on animals, it was determined that astaxanthin, the antioxidant found in krill oil, promotes the effectiveness of krill oil (or when combined with fish oil).

The researchers concluded that the study can apply to humans and that it reinforces the health-promoting effects of krill and fish oil. (10)

8. Fat Loss Support
Helping you lose fat is not something you would think fish or krill oil could do, right?

Well, the fact is, it can.

In a clinical study that was American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2007, Australian researchers demonstrated that a combination of fish oil supplements and regular exercise can help decrease body fat while at the same time improving metabolic efficiency.

Additionally, test subjects using fish oil had lower triglycerides, increased HDL cholesterol and improved blood flow. (11)

9. Healthy Skin
Fish oil and krill oil promotes healthy skin because the fat in fish or krill oil improves skin texture.

Additionally, fish or krill oil can help slow the typical signs of aging, such as lines and wrinkles. (12)

10. Skin Health
The EFAs in fish and krill oil not only improve skin appearance, they can help improve skin health.

In a 12 week study conducted at California State Polytechnic University Pomona, it was determined that 60% of those test subjects taking 3 grams of fish oil per day (this amount contained 930 mg of EPA, one of the EFAs) showed improved skin health.

by Nader Qudimat

Forged by iron and cold steel, I'm Nader, a mid-30s natural bodybuilder. Once a 100lb skinny guy, I've transformed into a 200lb muscular athlete with over 15 years of lifting experience. Today, I leverage my transformation and extensive experience to guide countless individuals on their fitness journeys.

Click here to check out my 12 year transformation: Natural 12 Year Transformation

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