SOURCE — 5 min
Top Tips for Choosing a High Quality Omega-3 Oil
There’s no doubt about it – omega-3 essential fatty acids play critical roles in your health and well-being. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are key nutrients for supporting concentration and learning potential in children. In addition, to a balanced diet, they help support healthy blood lipid levels and overall heart health as well as cognitive function and emotional well-being later in life. [1][2]
They also support cardiovascular health by lowering blood triglycerides and increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In addition to a balanced diet, they help support healthy blood lipid levels and overall heart health. [3][4][5]
If you’re like most people in the United States and do not consume enough omega-3s through your diet to fulfill your body’s needs, supplementation may be helpful. [6] But remember, omega-3 oils can greatly vary in their source and quality. Follow these top tips to choose a high-quality omega-3 formula with effective absorption, purity, sustainability, and potency, purity, sustainability, and potency.
Bioavailability
Omega-3s come in many forms and from different sources. Most plant-based sources are in the form of a shorter chain omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). In order to provide full benefit, the body must convert ALA into the long-chain essential fatty acids EPA and DHA. This process is not very efficient and results in a lower amount of EPA and DHA per serving. [7]
The oil from cold water fish, such as mackerel, salmon, sardines, and anchovies, contains a direct and more concentrated source of EPA and DHA that does not need to be converted. As a result, these fatty acids are readily available for the body to use.
When selecting an EPA/DHA formula, look for one that contains the triglyceride forms of essential fatty acids. These have shown greater effectiveness when compared to ethyl ester forms because they are more stable and easier for the body to absorb and use. [8]
Top tip: Look for an omega-3 oil that contains EPA and DHA in triglyceride form.
Purity
Ocean-borne pollution, such as heavy metals, pesticides, PCBs, and other toxins, is a big concern when choosing a fish oil because it can lead to high levels of contaminants in fish. By sourcing fish oil from short-lived species that are low on the food chain, including anchovies, sardines, and mackerel, manufacturers can help lower the risk of contaminants in their oil. [9]
For extra assurance that fish oils are pure and safe to use, they should be tested by a credible third party. Certification by ISURA® and International Fish Oil Standards™ (IFOS®) guarantees that omega-3 fish oils are of the highest quality, rigorously tested for purity, and meet international standards for freedom from heavy metals, PCBs, dioxins, and other contaminants.
Top tip: Look for the ISURA and IFOS seals of approval on product labels and check that the omega-3 oil is sourced from short-lived fish, such as anchovies, sardines, and/or mackerel.
Sustainability
Quality means much more than the types of ingredients found in a product. It also includes whether those ingredients are harvested sustainably with a low environmental impact. Without proper care, fish harvesting can have a negative effect on the livelihood of other creatures and mammals that depend on healthy fish stocks to survive.
With the added pressures that rising ocean temperatures and marine pollutants place on fish, sustainability has become a critical factor when choosing food and supplements.
By choosing a sustainably harvested fish oil, you’re helping to ensure that an ample supply of quality ingredients will also be available for future generations.
Top tip: Look for an omega-3 oil that contains sustainably sourced ingredients.
Potency
Whether you want to supplement with a moderate-strength or high-strength omega-3 formula, the dosage needs to be reliable. By choosing a fish oil with standardized EPA and DHA concentrations, you can count on getting the right amount of essential fatty acids that you need to support your health.
Top tip: Look for an omega-3 oil with standardized levels of EPA and DHA.
Delicious Goodness from the Sea
When it comes to quality, SeaRich™ Omega-3 products from Natural Factors go above and beyond. They are sustainably sourced from sardines, anchovies, and/or mackerel, rigorously tested for purity, and certified by ISURA® and IFOS®.
SeaRich Omega-3 comes in these standardized potencies for reliable cognitive and cardiovascular support: [10] [11]
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Omega-3: 750 mg EPA, 500 mg DHA
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Omega-3 with Vitamin D3: 750 mg EPA, 500 mg DHA, 1000 IU D3
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Omega-3 with Vitamin D3: 1500 mg EPA, 750 mg DHA, 1000 IU D3
The oils are available in natural citrus and/or coconut flavors and have no fishy taste or odor. Blended with natural, non-GMO flavors and monk fruit as a near-zero calorie sweetener, SeaRich Omega-3 can be taken directly from the spoon or added to smoothies. The lemon meringue, grapefruit punch, and coconut-lime flavors provide options for the whole family.
Just like choosing fresh fish to eat, there are many different omega-3 fish oils on the market – with varying levels of quality. Choose the best quality omega-3 formula by looking for one with effective absorption, purity, sustainability, and potency. Because omega-3s play such an important role in your health, make sure to supplement it with a high-quality fish oil.
