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The Best DHA/EPA Supplements for 2022! 

Learn What We Discovered On Our Quest for the Top Choices For Heart Health, Everyday Joint Pain, & More!

Benefits What To Look For Top 5

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DHA and EPA are having a moment! Search the hashtag "hot girl food" and you'll see what we mean. Online fads aside, one thing is clear -- more Americans than ever are turning to fish oil supplements with omega-3s like DHA and EPA to help with joint movement, cholesterol levels, and even mental health! 

Good thing that DHA/EPA-rich fish oil is the most researched of supplements with over 16,000 published studies to date. But with so much info at your fingertips and so many subpar options on the market, where can you turn to find out which DHA/EPA products are best for the way we live today?

You turn right here, of course! To help you find the perfect DHA/EPA supplement, Smarter Reviews compiled months of research into this quick guide. We'll show you what to look for, what to avoid, and even reveal the top 5 DHA/EPA supplements on the market today.

Studies Show DHA/EPA in Fish Oil Can Help:

Promote Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Omega-3 fatty acids are rich in heart-healthy HDL cholesterol, the "good" kind. HDL helps dislodge bad cholesterol from your arterial walls, supporting cardiovascular health and reduced risk of heart health issues.1

Relieve Everyday Joint Discomfort

Fish oil omega-3s are shown to ease strained muscles around the joints. This gives your joints more room to move, helping increase mobility while combating one of the biggest causes of joint discomfort.2

Support Brain Function

Omega-3s are a key building block for brain cell membranes. Studies show that by giving your body a consistent supply of high-quality omega-3s, supplements help support optimal brain function and memory.7

Decrease Daily Stress

In numerous studies, researchers have found links between omega-3 supplements and decreased anxiety levels.7

Ease Occasional Aches & Pains

By helping combat muscular stress, omega-3s support relaxed, ache-free muscles. On top of promoting your overall comfort, this helps sustain an active lifestyle.19

Maintain Vision & Eye Health

Omega-3s make up a large portion of the macula, a part of the eye that focuses our vision. Supplements help give your body the resources it needs to keep your macula healthy long-term.4

Why We Need DHA & EPA

What makes DHA and EPA so special anyway? And are they the best omega-3s? Even though the human body produces most of its own essential fats and amino acids, such is not the case with omega-3s. And since we can't make them from scratch, we have to get them elsewhere--our food! 

Foods high in omega-3s include vegetable oils, nuts (especially walnuts), flax seeds, flaxseed oil, and leafy vegetables. But the most effective omega-3s--DHA and EPA--come from fatty, cold-water fish like anchovies, sardines, mackerel, and salmon.

DHA/EPA Supplement Essentials

DHA & EPA Dosage

EPA and DHA are the most potent types of omega-3 fatty acids. When it comes to health benefits -- heart, brain, immune function, etc. -- these two do the heavy lifting.

Most health experts recommend taking a minimum of 250-500mg of EPA and DHA each day for healthy adults, and sometimes more depending on the individual's health conditions.

 Third-Party Testing

Check to make sure the fish oil you selected has been third-party tested. Supplements that undergo third-party testing are independently vetted for purity and potency to ensure that consumers aren't being duped by false advertising.

 Lemon Oil

Lemon oil helps neutralize the strong odor that comes from fish oil, the culprit behind the infamous "fish burp." Avoid the fishy aftertaste by finding a product that includes lemon flavoring or lemon oil in its formula.

How Much DHA/EPA Should I Take?

Clinical studies link higher dosages of omega-3s (EPA and DHA) with better improvements in joint, cardiovascular, and mental health.19,20,21 That means, while a supplement should have a high fish oil dosage, it's important to look for a ratio of DHA and EPA, as well.

For best results, we recommend at least 150 mg of EPA and at least 120 mg of DHA daily for adults.

Ingredients to Avoid

As our oceans become more polluted, certain heavy metals are starting to contaminate our fish supply. When larger fish eat other, smaller fish, they accumulate higher levels of contamination. Since small, fatty fish like anchovies and sardines are lower on the marine food chain, they don't contain the following pollutants often found in larger fish like salmon.20

Mercury

Experts warn that long-term exposure to this highly reactive metal may cause health concerns.18

PCBs

PCBs—or polychlorinated biphenyls—are a group of manufactured organic chemicals. PCBs account for 209 individually chlorinated chemicals.19 PCBs typically have a higher concentration in fish.

Your Quality Checklist

Picking any fish oil off the shelf may not give you the results you were hoping for. That's why it’s important to keep these additional tips in mind when shopping for the best fish oil supplement for you.

Clinically Recommended Dosages 

Some brands will use quality ingredients, but skimp out on dosages in order to save money. So even if you’re getting the right ingredients, if they’re not in their recommended dosages, you won’t experience the full benefits. We recommend looking for a supplement that lists at least 500-1000 mg serving size of pure, effective fish oil. 

Prioritize Quality 

It's vital to prioritize quality when searching for a fish oil supplement, even if that means paying a little more for a high-quality, safe, and clinically-tested formula. Your health is far too valuable to take such a gamble.

Money-back Guarantee  

It’s always a good idea to invest in a fish oil supplement that offers a generous money-back guarantee that shows the company's faith in its product. Look for brands that offer at least a 90-day money-back guarantee.

2022's Top 5 DHA/EPA Supplements 

We tested dozens of different omega-3 DHA/EPA supplements, and based on our extensive research, we've arrived at our Top 5 DHA/EPA Supplements of 2022.

1. OmegaWell

by Live Conscious

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packaged goods

Total Ranking

9.5/10

A+

Overall Grade

PROS

  • 2000 mg of Fish Oil from anchovies per serving
  • 800 mg of EPA
  • 600 mg of DHA
  • 100% natural with zero synthetic ingredients
  • Lemon oil coated, easy-to-swallow pills
  • 365-day return policy

CONS

  • Due to popular demand, frequently out of stock
The Bottom Line

OmegaWell by Live Conscious is Smarter Review's number one choice thanks to its high-quality, powerhouse formulation.

OmegaWell contains 2,000 mg of fish oil from anchovies per serving, including 800 mg of EPA and 600 mg of DHA. Honestly, it's one of the best ratios of omega-3s we've seen, and would be a real plus for anyone keeping an eye on their cholesterol, mobility, or heart health. 

Additionally, it's third-party tested for purity and potency, and is sustainably sourced. The subtle, lemon flavor also stood out as favorable amongst the competitors.

Live Conscious seems to truly believe in their products, and offers a generous 365-day, money-back guarantee.

And with that, OmegaWell takes a well-deserved spot at the top.

*Results are based on users' personal experiences collected on this page and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using these products. Please see product website for more information.

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2. Omega-3

by Essential Elements

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packaged goods

Total Ranking

9.1/10

A-

Overall Grade

PROS

  • 2000 mg of fish oil per serving
  • 800 mg EPA & 600 mg DHA
  • Natural Lemon oil
  • Made in USA
  • Sustainably Sourced & G.M.P. certified
  • 365-day money-back guarantee

CONS

  • Sold exclusively online
The Bottom Line

Omega-3 by Essential Elements is another example of fish oil supplements done right. Each serving offers a high quality, heart-healthy dose of omega-3s, including potent amounts of both DHA and EPA which are critical for cardiovascular health.

Plus, the ingredients are packaged into easy-to-swallow, lemon-flavored softgels which fared well with customers.

Essential Elements' Omega-3 uses sustainably sourced anchovy oil in its products, which are manufactured in the USA under Good Manufacturing Practices. This gave reviewers confidence in the product, its purity, and its production.

We also found that Essential Elements stands behind a robust return policy that gives customers a solid, 365-day money-back guarantee. And with that, Omega-3 secured the number two spot on our list.  

*Results are based on users' personal experiences collected on this page and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using these products. Please see product website for more information.

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3. Omega-3 Fish Oil

by Arazo Nutrition

number
Oma white bottle of cleaning product

Total Ranking

8.4/10

B

Overall Grade

PROS

  • G.M.P. Certified & 3rd Party Tested
  • 1200mg EPA & 900mg DHA 
  • Sustainably Sourced

CONS

  • Large capsule size
  • Unclear return policy
The Bottom Line

Wow! Arazo's Omega-3 Fish Oil really makes a splash with a truly impressive dose of DHA & EPA -- one of the best we've seen in our research. 

Their commitment to sustainability and purity are also worthy of praise, being one of the few brands we've found to be dolphin-friendly.

Perhaps because of the robust dosage, however, many customers found the Arazo gel caps difficult to swallow, sometimes noting indigestion and mild discomfort, especially while following the 3 capsule a day recommendation.

For these reasons, Arazo's Omega-3 Fish Oil takes the #3 spot on our DHA/EPA top 5.

*Results are based on users' personal experiences collected on this page and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using these products. Please see product website for more information.

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4. DHA-500

by NOW

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text

Total Ranking

7.7/10

C+

Overall Grade

PROS

  • High concentration of DHA
  • GMO-free, Keto-friendly 
  • Kosher and Halal Certified

CONS

  • Fish aftertaste
  • Large capsule size 

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The Bottom Line

We love NOW DHA-500’s direct approach. Just like the name says, you’ll receive a potent dose of 500mg of DHA as well as an acceptable dose of EPA at 250mg.

The brand is also easily available, and thanks to numerous designations, it’s GMO-free, Kosher and Hahal certified, and Keto-friendly. So for those with dietary restrictions, NOW DHA-500 is a terrific option.

Some customers do note “the fish burps” and large capsule size as drawbacks.

Still, a fair showing by NOW DHA-500. One impressive enough to land the #4 spot on our Top 5.

*Results are based on users' personal experiences collected on this page and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using these products. Please see product website for more information.

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5. Super EPA

by Thorne Nutrition

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packaged goods

Total Ranking

7.0/10

C-

Overall Grade


PROS

  • Sustainably sourced
  • G.M.P. certified

CONS

  • Low EPA & DHA quantities 
  • Unpleasant aftertaste
The Bottom Line

This popular supplement brand, a favorite among pro athletes, receives accolades for its promises of purity from sustainable sources of cold-water fish. And its G.M.P. certification instills confidence in the product.

Despite its popularity, however, we’ve found much higher doses of DHA and EPA in competitors’ formulations with Thorne offering only 270mg DHA and 425mg EPA per dose.

And while the company promotes its easy-to-swallow gelcaps, many customers noticed fish burps and an unpleasant aftertaste due to the lack of any kind of natural flavoring.

In spite of these reservations, we feel that Super EPA deserved a spot near the top and rounded out the list at #5.

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Disclaimer:

We may receive compensation from certain of the companies whose products are featured on this website. As a result, we receive payment when you purchase a product using the links on this website. This website is owned and operated by the same company that has ownership interest in certain products featured on this website. This compensation and our ownership interest may affect how and where products appear on the site, including the order in which they appear. This site does not include and rate all products in each category.

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Our Main Sources

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Sources used for research purposes. Smarter-Reviews.com are not officially affiliated with these sites.

What You Will Learn:

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Estimated Read Time 5 Minutes

DHA/EPA Benefits

What To Look For

What To Avoid

Top 5 DHA/EPA Supplements

CITATIONS

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  2. Rajaei, Elham et al. “The Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Receiving DMARDs Therapy: Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.” Global journal of health science vol. 8,7 18-25. 3 Nov. 2015, doi:10.5539/gjhs.v8n7p18
  3. "Omega-3 Supplements: In Depth." National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. N.p., Aug. 2015. Web. 24 June 2018. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/omega3/introduction.htm
  4. Hodge W, Barnes D, Schachter HM, et al. Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Eye Health: Summary. 2005 Jul. In: AHRQ Evidence Report Summaries. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 1998-2005. 117.
  5. "Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An Essential Contribution." Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. N.p., n.d. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/omega-3-fats/
  6. "Essential Fatty Acids: The Work of George and Mildred Burr." The Journal of Biological Chemistry. N.p., 2012. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/omega-3-fats/
  7. "Avoiding omega-3 deficiency." Igennus Healthcare Nutrition. N.p., n.d. https://igennus.com/nutrition/omega-3-science/omega-3-deficiences/
  8. Kidd, Parris M. "Omega-3 DHA and EPA for cognition, behavior, and mood: clinical findings and structural-functional synergies with cell membrane phospholipids." Alternative medicine review 12.3 (2007): 207
  9. DeFilippis, Andrew Paul, Michael J. Blaha, and Terry A. Jacobson. "Omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular disease prevention." Current treatment options in cardiovascular medicine 12.4 (2010): 365-380.
  10. Dietary Supplementation of Krill Oil Attenuates Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Experimental Ulcerative Colitis in Rats, Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, November 30, 2011: 47(1); 49-58, T. Grimstad, et al.
  11. Omega-3 Supplementation Lowers Inflammation and Anxiety in Medical Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, November 2011: 25(8); 1725-34, J. K. Kiecolt-Glaser, et al.
  12. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2015 Oct 14;3(1):e000107. doi: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2015-000107. eCollection 2015. PMID: 26504524
  13. Fontani, G., et al. "Cognitive and physiological effects of Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in healthy subjects." European journal of clinical investigation 35.11 (2005): 691-699.
  14. Papanikolaou, Yanni, et al. "US adults are not meeting recommended levels for fish and omega-3 fatty acid intake: results of an analysis using observational data from NHANES 2003-2008." Nutrition journal 13.1 (2014): 1
  15. Takaichi, Shinichi, et al. "Fatty acids of astaxanthin esters in krill determined by mild mass spectrometry." Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 136.2 (2003): 317-322.
  16. Tominaga, K., Hongo, N., Karato, M., & Yamashita, E. (2012). Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects. Acta Biochimica Polonica, 59(1), 43.
  17. Kidd, Parris. "Astaxanthin, cell membrane nutrient with diverse clinical benefits and anti-aging potential." Altern Med Rev 16.4 (2011): 355-64.
  18. Yoshida, Hiroshi, et al. "Administration of natural astaxanthin increases serum HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin in subjects with mild hyperlipidemia. "Atherosclerosis 209.2 (2010): 520-523.
  19. "Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Your Health." Wisconsin Department of Health Services. N.p., n.d. https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/environmental/pcb-fish.htm
  20. Schuchardt JP, Schneider I, Meyer H, Neubronner J, von Schacky C, Hahn A. Incorporation of EPA and DHA into plasma phospholipids in response to different omega-3 fatty acid formulations - a comparative bioavailability study of fish oil vs. krill oil. Lipids in Health and Disease. 2011;10:145. doi:10.1186/1476-511X-10-145

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