There are many factors to consider when looking for the best fish oil supplement in Australia. The quality of the fish oil, the price, and the reputation of the company are all important factors to consider. Due to the popularity of dietary supplements, many brands have created and released their fish oil products in Australia. You may be in a difficult situation when trying to choose the best fish oil supplement for yourself.
We have compiled a list of the 11 best fish oil supplements in Australia for 2022 to help you out!
What are Fish Oil Supplements?
Fishes are a rich source of the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The two most important omega-3 fatty acids that can be sourced from animals are EPA and DHA.
In the production of fish oil supplements, oil is extracted from the tissues of fish and purified. The oil is then processed into either capsule, pill, or liquid form for convenience.
Some people may not enjoy fish from the sea. If you don’t enjoy eating seafood, you may want to take fish oil supplements as an alternative that is both inexpensive and convenient.
The 6 Best Fish Oil Supplements of 2022
Best Overall: GNC Triple Strength Fish Oil Mini
Pros
- ConsumerLab tested and approved
- Small pills are coated to reduce aftertaste
- High concentration EPA and DHA
Cons
- Two softgels per dose
What do buyers say? Almost all of the Amazon reviewers who rated this product gave it 4 stars or higher.
This fish oil supplement provides a high concentration of fish oil in two small softgels with no fishy aftertaste. They are designed to release the oils gradually, helping to preserve the neutral flavor.
What we like about GNC fish oil supplements is that they have no aftertaste and come in a smaller size. The average size of a fish oil softgel is half an inch to one inch. Some people may find this size hard to swallow. GNC Triple Strength Fish Oil Mini supplements are smaller in size, making it easy to add these into your daily routine. The recommended dose is two small softgel capsules to be taken with food. The manufacturer of this supplement also produces a large softgel option if you prefer to take only one capsule.
This fish oil supplement provides a high concentration of EPA and DHA omega-3s, with 734 milligrams of EPA and 266 milligrams of DHA per dose. It is advisable to speak to a healthcare provider to work out the best dose for you. The fish oil supplements have been tested by ConsumerLab and they are approved to be fresh and without any heavy metals.
Best High Dose: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Liquid, Lemon Flavor
Pros
- ConsumerLab approved
- Triglyceride form which is possibly better absorbed
- Small serving size
Cons
- Dose may not be appropriate for all consumers
Nordic Naturals is one of the most trusted brands in the world when it comes to fish oil supplements. We appreciate that the company supplies a Certification of Analysis for each product, demonstrating that it has been third party tested to ensure it is free of contaminants and heavy metals. The supplements are approved by ConsumerLab and they have a partnership with Friend of the Sea, an organization that makes sure fishing is sustainable. This product is easy to take, with a serving size of just one liquid teaspoon.
This supplement contains a high level of omega-3 fats, which are beneficial for maintaining health and preventing disease. This supplement includes 1,460 milligrams of EPA and 1,010 milligrams of DHA in the triglyceride form. Some research has shown that the triglyceride form is better absorbed, though other research shows that the different forms are absorbed similarly.
Nordic Naturals fish oil supplements do not contain any artificial additives or fillers. The gummies have a light lemon flavor, so you don’t have to worry about a strong fishy taste. They are also verified non-GMO. You should check with a healthcare provider to make sure that the high concentration of omega-3s is the right dose for you.
Best Liquid: Wild Foods Wild Fish Oil
Pros
- ConsumerLab approved
- Flavored with lemon, rosemary, vanilla
- Friend of the Sea certified
Cons
- Amounts may be too moderate for certain consumers
Wild Fish Oil is a lower concentration liquid fish oil supplement designed for people who don’t like swallowing pills. We appreciate that Wild Fish Oil has been tested by ConsumerLab and is endorsed by Friend of the Sea. We are also pleased that this supplement is flavored with lemon, rosemary and vanilla to prevent a fishy taste.
One teaspoon of Wild Fish Oil contains a moderate amount of omega-3s, with 430 milligrams of EPA and 333 milligrams of DHA. It contains 240 milligrams of DPA, which is unique. The benefits of DPA have not been studied extensively in humans, but initial research suggests it may help reduce inflammation and improve factors connected to cardiovascular and neural health. It also may help store EPA and DHA.
Best Vegan: DEVA Vegan Omega-3 DHA-EPA
Pros
- ConsumerLab tested and approved
- Omega-3s from algal oil
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
Cons
- Lower dose EPA
- Large pill
If you don’t eat meat, it can be difficult to get enough omega-3 fatty acids. The good news is that fish get their omega-3 fats from eating algae. There is the option to take an algal oil supplement instead of other sources.
-This is a vegan softgel containing 300-420 milligrams of plant-based DHA. Its EPA content is lower, at 150-210 milligrams per serving. This pill is on the larger side, at around 1.1 inches. This soda has a light flavor from the orange oil and rosemary extract, and since there’s no fish involved, you don’t have to worry about any fishy aftertaste. This supplement has been tested and approved by ConsumerLab, an independent testing organization.
Best Enteric Coated: Nature Made Burp-Less Fish Oil
Pros
- USP certified
- Enteric-coated softgel
- Only one pill daily
Cons
- Large pill
Some fish oil supplements may cause an unpleasant fishy aftertaste. Both Nature Made fish oil supplements and fish oil supplements from other brands are enteric-coated to help slow the release of the fish oil and reduce reactions such as fishy burps. The pills are larger, but you only need one a day.
Pills containing fish oil supplements from Nature Made have a higher concentration of the omega-3 EPA than others, with 683 milligrams per pill. Check with a healthcare provider to make sure this is the right dose for you. We also appreciate that Nature Made fish oil supplements have been independently tested by USP and ConsumerLab.
Best Budget: Kirkland Signature Natural Fish Oil
Pros
- USP certified
- Inexpensive
- Narrow capsules for easy swallowing
Cons
- Not enteric coated
- Low dose omega-3s
If you are not concerned about the size or number of pills and are looking for an affordable option, Kirkland Signature Natural Fish Oil may be a good choice for you. There are 400 softgels in the bottle, which is only a few cents per dose. The suggested serving is one softgel taken twice daily. The softgels are large, but they are also narrow, which may make them easier to swallow.
Kirkland Signature’s fish oil contains a low dose of omega-3s, with a total of 250 milligrams of EPA and DHA combined. This is one of the lowest ratios of EPA to DHA of any fish oil supplement on the market, and may not be ideal for those who are looking to increase their intake of omega-3s. Without an enteric coating, the supplement may be more likely to cause a fishy aftertaste, but it will also be more quickly absorbed into the system. This supplement has been approved by both USP and ConsumerLab to ensure it is fresh and free of contaminants.
How to Choose a Fish Oil Supplement
Some things you might want to think about when choosing a fish oil supplement include: how much fish oil you need, the type of fish oil, and any potential side effects. These include:
EPA/DHA dose
Make sure to check the EPA/DHA content per serving/capsule when looking for animal-based omega-3s, as these are the most important. A brand might say that they have 1000mg of fish oil. The EPA/DHA content may only be 400mg or lower, but if you check the label closely, you’ll see that it’s still there.
Omega-3 form
There are two main types of fish oil supplements: those in the triglyceride form and those in the ethyl ester form. There is no significant difference in absorption between the ethyl ester and regular forms of fish oil, though some brands claim that ethyl ester is better absorbed.
Cost
Although some brands of fish oil cost less, they generally contain lower amounts of EPA/DHA per capsule. This means that you will need to take more capsules each day.
Source
Make sure the brand you choose uses fish from sustainable sources. Smaller fish that don’t live as long, like anchovies, are usually more sustainable and have less harmful stuff in them than bigger fish like salmon. When looking for sustainable seafood, look for certifications from organizations such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Friend of the Sea.
Formulation
Fish oil supplements are available in pill, capsule, or liquid form. It is easier to swallow liquid forms, but it is more convenient to consume tablets and capsules.
What are prescription omega-3 drugs?
Prescription omega-3 drugs contain higher doses of omega-3 to help manage medical conditions such as high cholesterol. Your doctor may prescribe these if you have a high risk of heart diseases like heart attacks.
When to take fish oil supplements?
Consistency is key! If you want to reap the benefits of taking fish oil products, you should use them long-term. It’s better to take fish oil supplements with a meal. If you take your medication with food, it may help to increase the amount of medication your body absorbs, and reduce the chances of side effects, such as Acid Reflux.
If you have a sensitive stomach, taking fish oil in smaller doses spread out throughout the day may reduce your chances of experiencing side effects after you take it.
Benefits of fish oil?
Fish oil supplements have been shown to potentially lower blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol, increase good cholesterol, and lower blood fat (triglycerides). In addition to that, fish oil supplements may also help reduce arthritis pain and stiffness and relieve joint tenderness.
Some studies suggest that fish oil supplements may improve complexion, reduce acne, boost hair growth and lessen hair loss.
However, more studies are needed to confirm these benefits. There is no conclusive evidence that OTC fish oil supplements will prevent cardiovascular diseases. Please keep in mind that the information provided may not be accurate.
Prescription-strength doses of medication are more likely to prevent heart-related diseases in high-risk individuals than lower doses available over the counter.
Do I need fish oil supplements?
The most efficient way to obtain omega-3 fatty acids is through consuming fish.
The AHA recommends that all adults eat fish, especially fatty fish, at least twice a week. Eating oily fish regularly can help protect your heart by providing you with omega-3 fatty acids.
This means that if you are eating the recommended amount of fish per week, you do not need to take fish oil supplements. If you don’t eat fish, you can still get omega-3s by taking fish oil supplements.
Risks and precautions?
Make sure you take your fish oil supplements every day at the doses recommended by the brand or your health professional.
What are the side effects?
Some people experience side effects such as acid reflux, nausea, stomach discomfort, and loose stools after taking fish oil products. Taking too much fish oil can have negative consequences.
Additionally, anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or a child should speak to their healthcare provider before taking any supplements.
If you have any medical conditions or take any medications, especially blood-thinning medications, you should not take fish oil supplements. Ask your doctor for advice before starting on them.
Lastly, fish oil products can spoil and emit an unpleasant odour. If your fish oil supplements have a strong fishy or rancid smell or taste, get rid of them.
Alternatives for Vegetarians and Vegans
You can get your omega-3 requirements fulfilled by plant-based sources if you are vegan or vegetarian. Some foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids are chia seeds, Brussel sprouts, walnuts, algal oil, and flaxseeds.
This means that they are a good source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid that can only be found in plants.
