It's no secret that the Omega-3's in fish oil are vital to better overall health. Unfortunately, with so many fish oil options out there, it can be difficult to determine which one is best...especially when the companies selling them care more about making a profit than creating a quality product.
On the outside, these supplements might all seem the same, but when you look closely at their labels... you'll discover some startling differences. So we've compiled a list of the top 4 things to watch out for when choosing a fish oil supplement, so you can avoid the scams and start reaping the benefits.
1. They Leave Out the EPA/DHA
Many companies will try to trick consumers by only listing their fish oil content and completely leaving out the EPA and DHA. This is critical because these are the fatty acids within fish oil that are responsible for all of those amazing benefits and a quality supplement will have at least 500 milligrams of each.
If a supplement has any less than 500 milligrams of each or doesn't specify the amount at all then that's indicative of a lower quality product. As always, if they're not willing to put it on their label, then you shouldn't put it in your body.
2. They Include Harmful Fillers & Additives
You should also be aware of fish oil supplements that include a laundry list of ingredients, as many companies will supplement their fish oil with dangerous fillers and additives. Not only are these not at all effective, they could also be potentially harmful to your health.
This includes mercury, PCBs, and any artificial colors, flavors, or ingredients. When it comes to fish oil it's best to keep it pure, simple, and completely natural.
3. They Don't Source Responsibly
With any supplement, it's important that the company not only has good manufacturing practices, but that they're also sourcing their oil in a respectable way. That's why it's important to check for a seal that ensures it's certified sustainable and has positive practicing standards.
If your label doesn't indicate this in some way then it's best to avoid that product entirely, as it's not worth your time or your money.
4. They Use "Fishy" Substitutes
Finally, it's important that your fish oil is just that... fish. Too many times a company will use lower-quality oils and try to conceal it with a generic "fish" label. However, the type of fish is crucial -- you don't want just anything from the sea.
So if you're not sure where your fish oil comes from or if it's not a predatory fish, but rather "mussel" or some other type of shellfish, then it's best to avoid it. The best fish oils will come from shark, tuna, mackerel, or something else of that variety.
The Bottom Line
There are so many benefits to making fish oil a part of your daily routine -- so don’t be fooled by subpar products and misleading labels. In order to start seeing and feeling results, you want to make sure you’re only buying the very best.
That's why we did the hard work for you -- after extensive research, we narrowed down the most popular fish oil options currently on the market to the top 5. Check them out by clicking the link below.