Picking the right Omega can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Walk into any pharmacy, and you’re faced with endless options of Omega-3 supplements.
Fish oil, krill oil, algae oil, ultra pure, high potency, high strength, optimal absorption. It’s no wonder choosing a quality Omega-3 has become overwhelming.
To help you, we’ve created this quick guide. Here’s 5 things to look at before you purchase your next Omega-3 supplement.
1. Look at the DHA and EPA content
Only looking at the total amount of oil listed on the label? This is the first mistake we commonly see people make.
What really matters is the amount of active Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA.
These are the forms your body uses to support:
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Brain function
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Heart health
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Healthy vision
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Balanced inflammatory response
Next time you’re comparing products, check how much DHA + EPA you will receive per serving - not just how many mg of ‘fish oil’ or ‘omega oil’ are listed on the front of the bottle.
2. Choose quality over quantity
Omega-3 oils are sensitive and can go rancid when exposed to heat, light or oxygen. Fresh and stable Omega-3s are important as oils that have been exposed to heat, light or oxygen won’t deliver the same quality as those well-manufactured Omega-3 oil products.
Look for brands that prioritise testing, purity and careful manufacturing processes. Reputable companies are usually transparent about how their products are sourced and produced.
3. Know where your Omega-3 comes from
Most people assume fish make omega-3s. In reality, they don’t.
(You can learn more about this in our blog post ‘Fish Don’t Actually Make Omega-3’)
Marine microalgae and phytoplankton are the original producers of DHA and EPA. Fish simply accumulate these nutrients by eating algae or other fish lower in the food chain.
That's why algae-derived omega-3 supplements provide the same essential fatty acids, just straight from the original source.
4. Think About Sustainability
More people are considering not only what's good for their health, but what's good for the planet too.
Algae-derived omega-3s can be cultivated sustainably without relying on wild fish populations, making them an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional fish oil.
If sustainability matters to you, choosing an algae-based omega-3 is a simple way to reduce pressure on our oceans while still enjoying the benefits of DHA and EPA.
5. Choose a supplement you’ll actually enjoy taking
There’s no point buying a supplement if you’re not going to take it. Consistency is key here.
If you've stopped taking fish oil because of the taste or fishy aftertaste, you're not alone, this is actually quite common.
Many algae-derived omega-3 supplements offer a pleasant, plant-based alternative without the strong smell or taste often associated with fish oil, making them easier to take every day.
The Bottom Line
A good omega-3 supplement isn't simply the one with the biggest number on the label.
Instead, look for one that provides meaningful amounts of DHA and EPA, is produced to high quality standards, comes from a trusted source and aligns with your values around sustainability.
At Phytality, we source our omega-3 directly from marine phytoplankton and algae-the original source of DHA and EPA.
It's a clean, plant-based approach that delivers the omega-3s your body needs while supporting healthier oceans for generations to come.
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