Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids in supplements primarily consist of two compounds: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In this category, we have gathered fish oils, oils from microalgae, and krill oil in capsules, drops, and liquid form, as well as products combining omega-3 with vitamins. Below, we explain the differences between sources and forms and how to compare labels.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fish, Microalgae, or Krill

Fish oil is the most common source in this category. Aura Herbals specifies the species: the liquid is derived from mackerel, anchovies, and sardines, while the Omega+ capsules with vitamin D3 come from anchovy oil. Fish oil is also included in Navigator capsules, Body Omega 3+ from LABIFY, and Omega 3 with vitamin E.

Aura Care bases its products on microalgae oil from the Schizochytrium genus, standardized to 40% DHA. This is a plant-based source, and the Omega-3 drops, Omega-3 Fresh, and Synergy Power have a vegan formula. OMegaKrill from Aura Herbals is oil from Antarctic krill, which, alongside EPA and DHA, contains phospholipids, choline, and astaxanthin.

EPA and DHA Instead of Just Oil Mass

A large number on the front of the packaging often describes the mass of oil, not the acids themselves. Body Omega 3+ contains 1000 mg of fish oil per capsule, including 500 mg of EPA and 250 mg of DHA. The Omega 3 capsule with vitamin E has the same amount of oil but 330 mg of EPA and 220 mg of DHA.

Therefore, compare EPA and DHA separately per serving. Navigator provides 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA per capsule, while the liquid from Aura Herbals contains 700 mg of EPA and 370 mg of DHA in a 5 ml serving. The algae oil in drops from Aura Care has 552 mg of DHA in the daily serving.

Serving: One Capsule or Several

A daily serving does not always mean one capsule. In Omega-3 1200 mg from Aura Herbals, 612 mg of EPA and 412 mg of DHA are contained in 4 capsules, in OMegaKrill 1180 mg of krill oil in 2 capsules, and in Aura Care Omega-3 in capsules, the serving is 2 capsules. Navigator and Body Omega 3+ have a serving in one capsule.

For drops and liquid, the serving is measured in milliliters or drops. Aura Care Omega-3 in a 50 ml bottle has a serving of 1.5 ml, which is about 40 drops, while the liquid from Aura Herbals in a 200 ml bottle has a serving of 5 ml. The number of servings indicates how long the package will last: 60 capsules of Body Omega 3+ is enough for 60 days.

Chemical Form, Freshness, and Additives

Some manufacturers specify the chemical form of the acids. Body Omega 3+ contains them in the form of ethyl ester, marked as EE, in which the acids are concentrated. Krill oil additionally contains phospholipids.

The freshness of the oil is indicated by the oxidation index TOTOX. Aura Herbals states a value of 10 for Omega-3 1200 mg, and LABIFY declares a low TOTOX for Body Omega 3+. In Body Omega 3+, vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that protects the oil.

Some products combine omega-3 with other ingredients. Aura Care Synergy Power contains DHA from algae, coenzyme Q10, and vitamins A, D3, E, and K2, while Aura Herbals offers versions with vitamins D3 and K2 in liquid and drop forms.

What to Check on the Label

• amount of EPA and DHA per serving, listed separately
• mass of oil and whether the number on the front refers to oil or acids
• size of the serving: number of capsules, drops, or milliliters
• source of oil: species of fish, microalgae, or krill
• chemical form, such as ethyl ester
• TOTOX index and addition of vitamin E
• material of the capsule shell, such as bovine or fish gelatin

How to read the rest of the ingredient list is described in the text how to read a dietary supplement label. You can find other products in the Supplements category.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between EPA and DHA?

These are two different fatty acids from the omega-3 family: eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. In fish oils with a specified composition, EPA is more abundant than DHA, while the microalgae oil from Aura Care mainly provides DHA. Therefore, labels list both acids separately. Navigator contains 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA per capsule.

Are there vegan omega-3 fatty acids?

Yes, from microalgae oil. Aura Care Omega-3, Omega-3 Fresh, and Synergy Power in drops have a vegan formula. Fish oils and krill oil are of animal origin, and the shells of many capsules are made from gelatin. The microalgae oil from Aura Care comes from the Schizochytrium genus and is standardized to 40% DHA.

Capsules or Drops?

A capsule is a ready portion that does not need to be measured. Drops and liquid are measured with a dropper or in drops, and manufacturers often add flavor, such as mint in Aura Care Omega-3 Fresh or citrus flavor in Synergy Power. Aura Care Omega-3 in a 50 ml bottle has a serving of 1.5 ml, which is about 40 drops, while in capsules, the serving is 2 capsules.

What does TOTOX mean?

This is the oxidation index of the oil. The lower the value, the fresher the oil, which is why some manufacturers list it on the label, as Aura Herbals does for Omega-3 1200 mg with a value of 10. LABIFY declares a low TOTOX for Body Omega 3+, in which vitamin E acts as an antioxidant protecting the oil.

How to store omega-3 oil?

In a closed, original package, away from light, at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C and out of reach of children. The algae oil from Aura Care should be used within 12 months after opening the bottle. You can assess the freshness of the oil by the TOTOX oxidation index, which some manufacturers provide on the label.