Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil and algae, are backed by decades of clinical research. Over 50,000 laboratory and clinical studies link omega-3 consumption to a variety of significant health benefits. Despite their vital importance, more than 80% of Americans are not getting enough omega-3s from their diet.◊ Omega-3s, which are rich in the fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are considered conditionally essential nutrients since our bodies cannot produce them; therefore, they must be obtained through diet or supplementation. These profound fats are crucial for supporting and maintaining the structure and function of the approximately 37 trillion cells in the body, ultimately contributing to overall health.

A strong body of evidence demonstrates that omega-3 fatty acids offer substantial cardiovascular health benefits, including the reduction of triglycerides and blood pressure within normal ranges—both key indicators of heart health. Additionally, omega-3s play a vital role in supporting healthy brain function and cognitive development in infants and children. They help support cognitive function,overall brain health, and neurological functioning well into older adulthood.*

Furthermore, omega-3 supplements have been shown to support eye health by supporting visual development in children, providing support for healthy vision during exposure to blue light, and maintaining healthy moisture levels and tear production.*

Whether you're looking to support your heart, brain, eye, mood, joint, or prenatal health, omega-3 supplements from fish oil or algae can be a valuable ally in your wellness journey.*

◊ Murphy RA, et al. BMJ Open. 2021.11

All individuals, regardless of age or health status, are encouraged to undergo omega-3 blood testing and work with a physician who can make personalized recommendations based on their unique dietary needs. However, in the absence of personalized testing, we have provided general daily recommendations for guidance.

These recommendations are informed by careful review of 1) omega-3 and human physiology literature, 2) the many factors impeding omega-3 synthesis and absorption, 3) clinical evidence demonstrating that higher doses of omega-3s result in higher omega-3 levels, and 4) research indicating that daily doses as high as 5000 mg per day for healthy adults are safe when used as intended.¹

• Healthy Children (ages 1-8): up to 1500 mg EPA+DHA per day
• Healthy Children (ages 9-13): up to 2000 mg EPA+DHA per day
• Healthy Adolescents (ages 14-17): up to 2500 mg EPA+DHA per day
• Healthy Adults (ages 18+): 3000-4000 mg EPA+DHA per day

Notably, these intake recommendations are substantially higher than other health organizations, who generally recommend healthy adults consume a minimum of 500 mg of EPA+DHA daily. It is important to recognize that these more modest intake recommendations are suggested minimums, rather than recommendations for a broad range of health benefits, including healthy cellular structure and function.

In summary, several factors contribute to an individual’s omega-3 status and how much omega-3 intake they require for general maintenance of good health, including cellular health. Although the only conclusive way to ensure you are meeting your daily needs is through blood testing, supplementing with 2000 to 3000 mg of EPA+DHA daily should provide sufficient support for most healthy adults, and importantly, buffer against the competitive effects of factors impeding omega-3 metabolism.

1 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal. 2012. 10(7): p. 2815.

Omega-3 supplements and fish oil are related but not exactly the same. Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are conditionally essential fats the body needs but cannot produce on its own. Therefore, they must be consumed via diet or supplementation.

Omega-3s can be found in various forms, including:

• Fish Oil: Extracted from cold water, fatty fish like cod, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and herring. It contains two primary types of omega-3s (in their direct form): EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
• Algal Oil: A marine plant-based source of omega-3s, primarily DHA, derived from algae. It's an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans, as it is a direct source of omega-3s.
• Other Sources: Omega-3s can also be found in flaxseed oil, chia seeds, walnuts, and certain fortified foods, which mainly provide ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), another form of omega-3. However, the conversion rate of ALA to EPA and DHA (the direct forms) is extremely low—only 5–8% for EPA and 0.5% for DHA.

Yes, vegetarians and vegans can consume omega-3 supplements that do not come from fish. They can take algal oil supplements derived from sustainably-sourced microalgae, the original, direct source of marine omega-3s EPA & DHA.

The timeline for seeing results from fish oil can differ from person to person. Many individuals report experiencing benefits within 3 to 12 weeks of daily use, though some may take longer. Factors like quality, dosage, overall diet, and individual health can all play a role. To get the most accurate guidance tailored to your needs, it's best to consult with your healthcare provider. They can help you set realistic expectations and ensure you're taking the right amount for your specific goals.

While generally safe when used as intended, omega-3 supplements can cause mild side effects like a fishy taste, bad breath, or gastrointestinal issues for some consumers, and may interact with certain medications, especially blood thinners. If you have a known medical condition, or are taking medications, it is advisable to first consult with your healthcare provider, as they can provide personalized guidance based on your health history and current medications.

Although omega-3s EPA and DHA are frequently studied together, as we always need both, and are naturally found together in nature, there are some significant differences between these two nutrients, specifically regarding the unique roles they play in our cells. Please note that specific health benefits of EPA and DHA are dose-dependent.

EPA
The primary function of EPA is to reduce cellular stress by modulating normal inflammation^Δ throughout the body. For this reason, EPA is often touted for its benefits to heart health, joint health, mood, and the immune system.*

In the cardiovascular system, EPA helps support healthy triglyceride, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels within the normal ranges by supporting a healthy response to normal inflammation^Δ in artery walls and other cardiovascular cells.* In addition to supporting heart health, research indicates that EPA supports both the innate and adaptive immune systems by supporting their ability to address common cellular stressors associated with unfriendly microorganisms.* Additionally, EPA has been shown to support comfort, flexibility, and overall joint function.* EPA also plays a role in mood regulation; studies suggest it may be more effective than DHA in supporting mood and alleviating occasional feelings of low mood.*

DHA
DHA is a major building block for cells in the brain, eyes, and nervous system. It is the most abundant fatty acid in the membrane of our neurons, making up about 20-25% of all the fatty acids in the human brain. Additionally, in the body, DHA is the most concentrated in the retina of the eye, accounting for about 60% of total fats in photoreceptor cells. Photoreceptors are specialized cells in the eye’s retina that turn light into signals, which are then sent to the brain.

Due to its high concentration in the brain and eyes, a substantial amount of research links DHA with visual, language, and psychomotor development in infants.* A developing fetus accumulates DHA throughout the pregnancy, but especially during the last trimester. From week 35 to week 40, a fetus gains 45% more weight on average. Over the same period, DHA accumulates as much as 840%! This is a crucial time for an expectant mom to supplement with DHA to ensure that both she and her baby receive adequate amounts. There is also scientific evidence that DHA can help support learning during childhood and brain health and cognitive function in older adults.*

Lastly, DHA has been shown to support eye health by contributing to visual function and healthy retinal cells. DHA promotes efficient transmission of electrical signals from the retina into the brain’s optic nerve by keeping retinal cell membranes fluid and flexible. In fact, adequate levels of DHA in eye cells supports communication between the eye and the brain, allowing us to process visual information quickly and effectively.

^ΔSupports inflammation modulation and physiological balance in tissues affected by lifestyle and other health factors.*

Cold-water, fatty fish (such as cod, anchovies, sardines, salmon, mackerel, and herring) are the primary sources of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. However, most Americans do not regularly consume enough of these types of fish. Additionally, growing concerns about environmental toxins—like mercury, dioxins, and PCBs—are leading many people to avoid fish altogether.

In addition to insufficient consumption of omega-3 rich fish, several other factors may also contribute to reduced absorption of omega-3s EPA and DHA including age, poor diet, alcohol consumption, low levels of certain vitamins and minerals, some prescription medications, a compromised immune system, and diets high in omega-6 fats found in processed seed and vegetable oils, nuts and nut butters, processed foods, and commercially fed chicken and beef. Furthermore, individuals facing health challenges or nutritional insufficiencies often need higher daily amounts of EPA and DHA, which can be hard to achieve through diet alone. This underscores the importance of supplementation and seeking dose guidance from healthcare providers.

• Third-party test results for purity and freshness. A third-party certificate of analysis indicates the levels of purity from environmental toxins, dose efficacy, and the oxidation level (or freshness) of the oil. To view your product’s third-party, independent test results, simply scan the QR code on the box or bottle, or visit Nordic.com/Nordic-promise. Enter the Lot# on the bottle, hit “enter,” and the results will populate.
• Manufacturing standards. Is the fish oil manufactured according to strict international quality standards, which ensure purity and freshness?
• Trusted, reputable, and leading manufacturer in the fish oil industry.
• Smell and taste. Does the fish oil smell or taste fishy? If so, the fish oil has most likely been exposed to oxygen and is becoming rancid. Rancid (oxidized) oils should be avoided, as they yield less-than-healthy effects. Avoid fish oils that have really strong flavorings added to them because they are most likely trying to hide the fishy flavor of rancid oil.
• Triglyceride molecular form. Research has shown that triglyceride-form omega-3s are better absorbed than ethyl ester-form omega-3s.+
• Formulations backed by valid scientific research.
• Sustainably certified fishing practices. Environmentally responsible fish oil manufacturers should offer transparency into their fishing practices.

Omega-3 fatty acids fall into two major categories: plant-derived (flaxseed) and marine-derived (fish). This is often confusing for physicians and patients, and many think the two are interchangeable. Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which can be partially converted to EPA and DHA, but that conversion is somewhat slow and can be inhibited by lifestyle and health factors. The conversion rate of ALA to EPA and DHA (the direct forms) is extremely low—only 5 - 8% for EPA and 0.5% for DHA. While flaxseed and flaxseed oil may contain many health-promoting benefits, they do not provide the necessary amounts of EPA and DHA.

All of our fish-based omega-3s include anchovies, sardines, mackerel, herring, or cod. Our plant-based algae omega-3s contain no fish.

Nordic Naturals recognizes the severity that allergens present for individuals. Nordic Naturals facilities are NSF GMP certified and adhere to strict procedures in order to prevent cross contamination. We use FDA-compliant allergen labeling, and disclose any warnings relating to allergen exposure beneath the supplement facts in the ingredients listing on the product label.

Nordic Naturals always recommends that consumers check each individual product for any allergen concerns and also discuss them with their healthcare professional to determine which products are appropriate for their nutritional needs.