Best Omega-3: A Pharmacist’s Opinion (2025)

We analyzed 13 products sold online according to 8 criteria, compared their features, and tested the involved laboratories.

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# Partner Offer
> Omega-3 Krill – Naturavignon
🎁 promo code -10%: OMEGA-DN

# Best Value for Money
> Omega-3 – Nutri&Co

# Excellent Alternative
> Omega-3 EPAX – Novoma

# Highest Concentration
> Omega 3 EPAX – Nutripure

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Best Omega-3 Supplements

Our Selection Criteria

• Composition : this refers to the composition in EPA and DHA of a daily dose recommended by the brand.
• Origin of the Oil : fish, shellfish, or algae, the assimilation and quality of omega-3 depend on its origin. 
• Oil Extraction : the extraction technique influences the quality of the oils. High-temperature extraction degrades the oil.
• Totox Index (total oxidation): this index measures the oxidation of the oil. It should be as low as possible for optimal shelf life.
• Price / Day: this is the price for 1 day of treatment, with the daily dose recommended by the brand.
• Certificate of Analysis and Label : the brand must be able to provide independent analyses showing the absence of contaminants. A label guarantees sustainable fishing and/or good product conservation.
• Customer Reviews: this average of customer reviews on the brand comes from the laboratory’s website or marketplaces like Amazon.
• Our Opinion on the Brand: following tests of food supplement brands we conduct each month and the analysis of 6 criteria such as transparency and expertise.

All the selected supplements are in the form of triglycerides (high bioavailability), manufactured in France, without excipients or additives, and sourced from sustainable fisheries.

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Partner Offer

# WILD KRILL OMEGA-3

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# BEST VALUE FOR MONEY

This omega-3 supplement sourced from sustainable fishing offers a good concentration in EPA and DHA (ANSES recommends 500 mg per day for the sum of EPA + DHA). It is the cheapest in our selection.

Nutri&Co uses small fish at the beginning of the food chain, reducing the risk of contamination by heavy metals.

They are certified “Qualitysilver” and the capsules are patented (“Licaps”): these labels guarantee the quality of the oils and their stability against oxidation.

The Totox index (total oxidation) is 5, for a maximum limit of 26 established by the World Organization for Omega-3s.

We like the Nutri&Co brand because it is reliable and transparent (our full test here). Furthermore, customer reviews are very good.

This brand is based in Aix en Provence and places particular importance on the quality of the active ingredients in its products.

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# EXCELLENT ALTERNATIVE

The omega-3 supplement from the Novoma brand is a quality alternative. It is more concentrated in EPA and DHA, but is more expensive daily.

To date, it has not been shown that a concentration of active ingredients higher than the recommendations is beneficial.

The treatment requires 4 capsules per day, compared to 3 for the other two supplements in our selection.

This supplement is certified Friend of the Sea, and its Totox index is the lowest in our comparison.

The oil extraction is performed at low temperature, and the products are decontaminated according to the standards established by the GOED (Global Organization for EPA and DHA).

Novoma is a quality French brand offering supplements concentrated in active ingredients at controlled prices (read our full test here).

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# HIGHEST CONCENTRATION

This supplement from the Nutripure laboratory is the most concentrated in our selection, but at a higher daily treatment price.

The Totox index and the analysis certificate are compliant, and this product has the Friend of the Sea label (protected fishing, far from polluted areas).

Nutripure is a supplement company founded by two brothers, one of whom is a sports champion, offering a wide range of products (our test here).

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What are omega-3s?

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids known as “polyunsaturated,” belonging to the family of lipids. They are necessary for the proper development and functioning of the human body.

They specifically support and protect the cardiovascular and cerebral systems. They also improve skin beauty.

Among the 11 existing, we distinguish 3 main types of omega-3s:

• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): found mainly in vegetable oils (flax, rapeseed, walnuts…). It is converted into EPA and DHA to be used by the body
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): it is mainly found in fatty fish (sardines, mackerel, herring…) and in cod liver oil
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): also present in fatty fish and in cod liver oil

Omega-3s work in synergy, but they also have their own properties: EPA notably contributes to reducing inflammation and promotes emotional stability.

DHA helps with the normal functioning of the brain, plays a role in vision, and contributes to fetal development.

Omega-3s are referred to as “essential” because they are not synthesized by the body.

On relève cependant que les acides EPA et DHA peuvent être produits par le corps mais uniquement en présence d’acide alpha-linolénique (ALA). Ce dernier est donc le précurseur de tous les autres oméga-3.

They can be supplied through diet by consuming foods rich in omega-3: seeds, nuts, flaxseed oil, fatty fish…

Taking a dietary supplement is also a good solution for supplementation, replenishing, and/or preventing a deficiency.

What are their benefits?

They protect the cardiovascular system

Omega-3 are guarantors of cardiovascular function. They protect the heart and arteries, balance cardiac functions and reduce rhythm disorders.

They prevent cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, atherosclerosis…) and the formation of clots in the blood vessels.

Once in the body, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) transforms into eicosanoids, lipid molecules. These exert an anti-inflammatory action that reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

They also participate in the regulation of blood coagulation, heart function, and blood pressure. EPA works synergistically with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as shown in this study.

In general, all omega-3 improve the lipid profile. This means they lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In excess, these fats contribute to the development of heart diseases.

Finally, omega-3 help to reduce blood pressure by promoting vasodilation as shown in this study. Hypertension is one of the main risk factors for heart diseases.

They support the nervous system

These omega-3 also have beneficial effects on the nervous system. They promote mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety.

Furthermore, they support cognitive functions (memory, concentration), prevent depression, and improve associated symptoms.

During this study, the consumption of cod liver oil, rich in omega-3, helped improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. This is attributed to a decrease in brain inflammation by fatty acids.

They improve skin beauty

Omega-3 contribute to the beauty and health of the skin. Indeed, they are components of the skin cell membrane.

In addition to providing suppleness and elasticity, they protect and hydrate to prevent dryness. For this, they strengthen the skin barrier, thus limiting the evaporation of water through the epidermis.

They also improve skin comfort in case of itching or hives.

Research also shows their benefits on skin diseases such as acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or eczema. During this study, omega-3 supplementation reduced the inflammatory process involved in skin diseases.

They relieve joint pain

A diet sufficiently concentrated in omega-3, or supplementation allows for the reduction of joint inflammation. 

A meta-analysis (study synthesis) indicates that omega-3 supplementation for 3 to 4 months allows for the reduction of intensity and number of joint pains, morning stiffness, and the consumption of anti-inflammatory drugs, especially in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

They prevent chronic inflammation

The inflammatory response is a natural defense system.

However, if it persists over time, it can eventually lead to the appearance of chronic inflammatory diseases (arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, asthma, digestive diseases, etc.). 

This study synthesis shows the beneficial and protective effects of omega-3 on these diseases. 

Another study conducted on 25,000 participants aged 45 to 74 years observed that dietary omega-3 intake was associated with protection against the onset of ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease).

Finally, omega-3s could play a positive role in respiratory diseases : asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive respiratory disease), as shown in this review of studies.

But large-scale studies are lacking and are needed to validate these theories.

They increase our life expectancy

Omega-3s participate in many vital functions of our body. They provide natural cardiovascular prevention but are also believed to protect the health of our brain.

A review comprising 25 trials and 3633 people reports that omega-3 supplementation is associated with a improvement in biological markers (indicators of a patient’s health status).

These omega-3s also seem beneficial for people suffering from or who are about to suffer from neuropsychiatric disorders, hence its interest against neurodegeneration in the elderly. Further research is needed to validate their use for this purpose. 

Where to buy omega-3 supplements?

• Pharmacies and para-pharmacies
• Organic stores
• Specialized shops (sports nutrition, dietary supplements…)
• Specialized e-commerce

What criteria should be considered ?

1. Form

Omega-3 supplements are available in soft gel form or capsules. Since they are fatty substances, they cannot be offered in regular capsules.

They are produced using a complex encapsulation process and oil stabilization technology.

The oils are found in the form of omega-3 triglycerides, or as ethyl-esters.

Triglyceride forms come from fish oils and contain EPA and DHA. It is a natural form of storing fatty acids, allowing for good absorption.

Conversely, ethyl ester forms, found in many supplements, seem to be less well absorbed.

This non-natural form comes from mixing ethanol with an omega-3 rich oil. Cost-effective, the ethyl ester form is more fragile.

We recommend choosing a natural triglyceride form rather than an ethyl ester. Opinions are divided, but the latter seem less stable, more sensitive to oxidation, and less well absorbed by the body, as observed in this trial conducted on 54 adults.

2. Origin

Capsules may contain vegetable-origin oils (camelina oil, hemp oil, etc.) or marine-origin (anchovy oil, sardine oil, mackerel oil, etc.). As shown by this study, the conversion of ALA to DHA is more limited in vegetable oils.

There is also algal oil, derived from the microalgae Schizochytrium sp. It shows a high concentration of DHA, as shown in this study. It is a good alternative for vegetarians and vegans.

If you choose a marine origin, favor supplements based on wild fish oil. Farmed fish are often contaminated with heavy metals such as mercury.

You will also find krill oil, sourced from the crustacean of the same name. This oil has excellent bioavailability, at least equal to fish oil, or even superior as indicated by this review of studies.

The manufacturer should be able to provide a microbiological and heavy metals analysis certificate.

3. Omega-3 Content

Each capsule should contain enough fish oil (at least 500 mg/capsule).

Be sure to check the EPA and DHA content, the most important types of omega-3s. The supplement must absolutely contain them and in balanced quantities.

All different forms contain both EPA and DHA. A fish oil generally contains as much EPA as DHA.

Krill oil also contains the two omega-3s, with a higher EPA content in terms of the EPA/DHA ratio. Finally, the microalga Schizochytrium sp is rich in DHA.

The omega-3 content will depend on the raw material used, as well as the extraction process of the omega-3s. Manufacturers can use a chemical or enzymatic solvent. The latter should be favored as it ensures the quality and stability of the oils.

4. Composition

The composition should be as natural as possible. Avoid products containing preservatives or GMOs. Omega-3s being molecules, they cannot be certified organic.

The capsules should also contain antioxidants such as vitamin E or rosemary extract. Indeed, omega-3s are very sensitive to oxidation and can degrade quickly.

Favor laboratories that provide heavy metal analysis certificates and other toxins that may be present in the products.

This is especially important for omega-3 supplements, as low-quality fish oil can contain a number of toxins. You can find these documents on the brands’ websites. 

Favor products with patents (Friends of the Sea, ASC label, Sustainable Fishing label). Note, the presence of heavy metals can still occur with these labels, as they primarily ensure sustainable fishing rather than the absence of toxins.

Always turn to microalgae or fish at the beginning of the food chain (anchovies, herring, sardines) and avoid predatory fish like tuna. 

If the brand only mentions “fish oils” in its composition, ask for more details from the laboratory or look elsewhere.

5. Price

The price of capsules varies depending on the brand, the omega-3 content, or the manufacturing process.

Generally, expect to pay between 15 and 25€ for 120 capsules.

In summary

To ensure you choose a quality omega-3 supplement, verify:

1. The form : preferably opt for soft gels or capsules. Omega-3s in powder or gummies are generally less concentrated in EPA and DHA.
2. The origin : omega-3s can be of plant or marine origin. In this case, choose wild fish oils.
3. The omega-3 content: the product should contain a sufficient quantity of EPA and DHA.
4. The composition : it should be natural, without preservatives and with antioxidants.
5. A label or certification: they ensure sustainable and as unpolluted as possible fishing.
6. The price : it varies from 15 to 25€ for 120 capsules.

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BEST VALUE FOR MONEY

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EXCELLENT ALTERNATIVE

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HIGHER CONCENTRATION

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