The Best Omega 3 Supplement - Vitamin Guide
Expert's Choice
Pro Omega 3 by Swallow
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ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER: This website is funded by its audience. The content provided is neither a news article nor an independent review but is a sponsored comparison by theswallowco & vitabright. See advertising disclosure.

12 Min Read

The Best Omega 3 Supplement

Our expert in-house nutritionist here at Vitamin Guide, Ariel Kaur Maan, breaks down the benefits of Omega 3 fish oil, how to choose the best supplements, and reviews the top 5 products currently available.

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Heart Health Brain Function Joint Flexibility Mood Stability Mental Health Eye Health Skin Health

Why Omega 3?

Omega 3 fish oil is one of the world’s best selling supplements, and for good reason. Omega 3 fatty acids make up 12% of our brain matter, affect our ability to think, and lower triglycerides to help keep hardened arteries at bay. Yet most of us know we don’t eat enough fish - so a high-quality Omega 3 supplement can help bridge this gap.

Omega 3 fish oil and heart health

The benefits of Omega 3

Supports heart health

Omega 3 supplements support heart health by reducing inflammation, improving cholesterol levels and promoting better circulation. [1] [2] [3]

May cut heart attack risk

Studies have found regular Omega 3 intake can reduce the risk of heart attacks by as much as 90%. [2]

Boosts brain function

Omega 3s are vital for brain function, making up a substantial portion of brain matter and aiding in memory and cognitive performance. [1]

Maintains healthy joints

Omega 3 can help maintain healthy joints by reducing stiffness and swelling. [5] [6]

Reduces anxiety

Omega 3 has been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms, and improve mental health and concentration. [7] [8]

Supports eye health

Omega 3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, are a major structural component of the retina and help support long-term eye health. [8]

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All omega 3 supplements are NOT created equal

Before you run off to the local chemist for some omega 3, there are some key things you need to know. Make the right choice so you don’t waste your money.

What To Look For in An Omega 3 Supplement

Choose
High dose Omega 3 - at least 600mg EPA and 400mg DHA

Almost every brand of Omega 3 supplement claims to be “high strength” on the label, but most fall below the level that’s proven to be effective. EPA supports heart health and mood, whilst DHA keeps your brain and eyes healthy - so you need enough of both. Lower doses just don’t deliver any measurable benefits. [8] [9]

Certified ‘Friend of the Sea’ fish oil

The “Friend of the Sea” certification is awarded to products that meet sustainability standards for marine resources, ensuring the fish used are harvested from sustainable, well-managed fisheries that protect marine biodiversity and control overfishing.

A brand with a solid returns policy

Always check a supplement brand’s returns policy. It reveals their level of confidence in their own product and their attitude towards customer satisfaction - a good gauge of how trustworthy a company really is.

Third-party lab tested and certified

Third-party labs check for purity (contaminants like mercury, dioxins and other toxins), verify the true EPA and DHA concentration against the label, test oxidation levels for freshness, and double-check sustainability claims.

Added antioxidant (Vitamin E / tocopherols)

Fish oil that’s reacted with oxygen turns rancid, which tastes bitter and is bad for your health. Choose a product with added tocopherols (vitamin E) as an antioxidant to keep the oil fresh.

Avoid
Rancid (oxidised) oil

A bitter or fishy aftertaste is often the giveaway that a fish oil capsule has oxidised. Rancid oil isn’t just unpleasant, it’s a health hazard too.

Unnecessary additives

Look for a clean formula. The only additive you want to see is a natural antioxidant like tocopherols (vitamin E) to keep the oil fresh.

SwallowVitaBrightOmvitsHolland & BarrettSeven Seas
High strength EPA (over 600mg)
High strength DHA (over 400mg)
Third party tested & certified
Certified Friend of the Sea
Vitamin E antioxidant
Money-back guarantee6 months35 days90 days30 daysNo returns policy
Full reviewFull reviewFull reviewFull reviewFull review
Ranked number 1
Swallow Pro Omega 3 bottle

Pro Omega 3*

by Swallow

PROS

  • ✅ Full effective dose (2000mg)
  • ✅ Added antioxidant (vitamin E) to prevent going rancid
  • ✅ Third party lab tested/certified
  • ✅ No artificial additives
  • ✅ Certified as ‘Friend of the Sea’

CONS

  • ❌ Only available online
Our Expert’s Conclusion

We are highly impressed by the quality and formulation of Swallow Nutraceuticals Omega 3 Fish Oil. Each serving provides a powerful 2000mg of pure fish oil, including 660mg EPA and 440mg DHA. These levels are significant and provide therapeutic doses needed to provide benefits for heart health, reducing inflammation, mood support, brain health for memory and learning, and to support vision and eye health.

The product’s purity is confirmed through third-party lab testing, which is crucial for avoiding contaminants such as heavy metals commonly found in fish oil supplements. The only additive is tocopherols (a natural form of vitamin E) used to preserve the oil’s freshness, ensuring the omega 3 fatty acids remain effective over time.

Swallow’s returns policy - with a 6-month guarantee - is industry-leading, showing the brand’s confidence in its own quality and its commitment to customer satisfaction. Swallow Nutraceuticals Omega 3 Fish Oil delivers in all areas, making it our top recommendation in this category.

Ranked number 2
VitaBright Omega 3 bottle

Omega 3*

by VitaBright

PROS

  • ✅ Full effective dose (2000mg)
  • ✅ Added antioxidant (vitamin E) to prevent going rancid
  • ✅ Third party lab tested/certified
  • ✅ No artificial additives
  • ✅ Certified as ‘Friend of the Sea’

CONS

  • ❌ Only available online
  • ❌ Due to popularity, sometimes runs out of stock
Read Our Expert's Conclusion +
Ranked number 3
Omvits Vegan Omega 3 bottle

Vegan Omega 3

by Omvits

PROS

  • ✅ Added antioxidant (vitamin E) to prevent going rancid
  • ✅ Sustainably farmed algae
  • ✅ Third party lab tested/certified
  • ✅ Strong 90-day returns policy

CONS

  • ❌ Below recommended effective dose
  • ❌ No EPA content
  • ❌ Not certified as ‘Friend of the Sea’
Read Our Expert's Conclusion +
Ranked number 4
Holland and Barrett Omega 3 Fish Oil bottle

Omega 3 Fish Oil

by Holland and Barrett

PROS

  • ✅ Added antioxidant (vitamin E) to prevent going rancid
  • ✅ Reasonable 30-day returns policy

CONS

  • ❌ Below recommended effective dose
  • ❌ Not third-party tested/certified
Read Our Expert's Conclusion +
Ranked number 5
Seven Seas Omega 3 Max Strength bottle

Omega 3 Max Strength

by Seven Seas

PROS

  • ✅ Contains a full added dose of vitamin D
  • ✅ Flavoured with orange oil for people prone to burping/aftertaste

CONS

  • ❌ Below recommended effective dose
  • ❌ No returns policy
Read Our Expert's Conclusion +

Our Expert’s Choice

Our number 1 pick
Swallow Pro Omega 3

Pro Omega 3*

by Swallow
Five star rating
  • Made in the UK
  • Effective doses of EPA and DHA
  • Added antioxidant to prevent going rancid
  • Third-party lab tested and certified free from mercury
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References

  1. 1 - Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Health Benefits, Fereidoon Shahidi and Priyatharini Ambigaipalan
  2. 2 - Cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, Clemens von Schacky, William S. Harris
  3. 3 - Impact of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on vascular function and blood pressure: Relevance for cardiovascular outcomes, G Colussi, C Catena, M Novello, N Bertin, L A Sechi
  4. 4 - Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Management of Hypertriglyceridemia: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association
  5. 5 - Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Inflammatory Processes, Philip C. Calder
  6. 6 - Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases, Artemis P. Simopoulos
  7. 7 - Omega-3 supplementation lowers inflammation and anxiety in medical students: A randomized controlled trial, Janice K. Kiecolt-Glaser, Martha A. Belury, Rebecca Andridge, William B. Malarkey, Ronald Glaser
  8. 8 - Neurological Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, S. C. Dyall & A. T. Michael-Titus
  9. 9 - Dose-related meta-analysis for Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on major adverse cardiovascular events, Evangelia E. Ntzani, Apostolos Tsapas, Christos S. Mantzoros, Stavroula Tsiara, Theodoros Xanthos, Nikos Karpettas, Ioannis Patrikios, Evangelos C. Rizos

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