Short answer: fish oil is the source; omega-3 is the family of fatty acids in it, chiefly EPA and DHA. Two bottles that both say "1,000 mg fish oil" can differ a lot in EPA and DHA, so compare EPA + DHA per serving.
Examples from our labels
| Product | Serving | EPA | DHA |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOW Omega-3 (180 EPA / 120 DHA) | 2 softgels | 360 mg | 240 mg |
| NOW Ultra Omega-3 | 1 softgel | 500 mg | 250 mg |
| NOW DHA-500 | 1 softgel | 250 mg | 500 mg |
| Solgar Omega-3 Triple Strength | 1 softgel | 504 mg | 378 mg |
| Sports Research Triple Strength (triglyceride form) | 1 softgel | 690 mg | 310 mg |
Cod liver oil and krill oil
Cod liver oil naturally carries vitamins A and D with its omega-3, e.g. Carlson Cod Liver Oil: 1,100 mg omega-3 with 850 IU vitamin A and 400 IU vitamin D per teaspoon, so add up vitamin A and D across all your supplements. Krill oil gives less EPA and DHA per capsule (Carlyle: 80 mg EPA and 40 mg DHA per 2 softgels).
Not every "omega" comes from fish
Plant omega-3-6-9 blends (flaxseed, evening primrose) provide ALA, not EPA or DHA, so they are not listed under Omega-3.
Why people choose it
EPA and DHA are used to support heart health, and DHA is associated with brain and eye function support. Browse Omega-3, Heart health or Brain & memory.
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