Research-Based

Best Omega-3 Supplements

Photo of author

By Leslie Waterson

Reviewed by Juliana Tamayo, MS, RDN - Last Updated

Best Omega 3 Supplements

When it comes to omega-3 fatty acids, their importance goes far beyond heart health. Inflammation regulation, brain health, and supporting every cell in the body are just a few of the benefits from implementing an omega-3 supplement into your daily routine when you are unable to get those fats through diet. So, what are the best omega-3 supplements that you can take? Let’s take a look!

What are Omega-3’s?

Omega-3’s are a type of fatty acid that comprises the building blocks of fat in the body. We are unable to produce omega-3 fats in the body, and they must, therefore, be consumed in the diet.

There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids: ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). EPA and DHA are some of the most researched and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids for health and are typically found in fish, while ALA is found in plants such as chia seeds, flax seeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds.

Benefits Of Omega-3 Supplements

Omega-3 fatty acids are just one of the important omega fatty acids needed in the human body. Omega-6 fatty acids also play an important role primarily in inflammation. Inflammation is a necessary and essential component for maintaining health and healing in the body. Omega-6’s promote inflammation, while omega-3’s reduce inflammation. We need both in balance to produce inflammation when needed, but avoid living in a chronically inflamed state.

Traditional, omega-3 fatty acids have been lacking in the diet and body, creating a ratio of between 10:1 and 50:1 omega-6’s to omega-3’s due to a high volume of canola and vegetable oil in the diet. This ratio is ideally closer to 4:1 to promote inflammation only on an as-needed basis.

Higher levels of omega-6’s in the diet have been historically linked to growing heart disease levels, as well as deteriorating brain health, especially in old age. Skin, joint, and bone health are also promoted by omega-3 fatty acids as these cells require high volumes of fatty acids to lubricate and hydrate the body.

Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial for improving insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome by aiding in the regulation of blood sugar levels.

Forms Of Omega-3

The two main forms of omega-3 fatty acids with these benefits are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These are the two omega-3 fatty acids that are related to inflammation levels and are important to consume at high levels.

Does Omega-3 Supplements Really Work?

Omega-3 fatty acids have been extensively researched for promoting heart health, including lowering triglyceride levels, as well as improving HDL levels, blood pressure, and inflammation. While many believe that omega-3 fatty acids can help lower the level of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream, research produces mixed results for this outcome.

Omega-3’s have been continuously shown to reduce inflammation in the body at global levels, as well as reducing metabolic diseases, including obesity. Research also shows that omega-3’s can improve bone strength by improving calcium absorption, and many users report reduced joint pain as well.

Are Omega-3 Supplements Right For Me?

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may be beneficial for anyone struggling with:

  • Heart health concerns, high triglycerides, LDL and/or high blood pressure
  • Brain health concerns
  • Painful joints
  • Metabolic syndrome and/or insulin resistance
  • Dry skin and acne
  • Those who are concerned about their level of omega-3 intake through foods such as fatty fish and flax seed

Best Omega-3 Supplements

When looking for a quality omega-3 fatty acid supplement, look for high quality and dosage of EPA and DHA listed on the supplement facts. This will help ensure that several capsules do not need to be taken to achieve the recommended dosage of 3,000 mg.

Stronger Faster Healthier: Super Omega Fish Oil

Stronger Faster Healthier Super Omega Fish Oil

Stronger Faster Healthier offers both capsules and liquid omega-3 fatty acids in their Super Omega Fish Oil products. They also offer flavored options to avoid the fishy flavor of the oil.

Biotics Research: Biomega-1000

Biotics Research Biomega-1000

Biotics Research also offers high dose omega-3 supplements in both capsules and liquids, sourced from the South Pacific Ocean off the coast of Chile. Their Biomega-1000 gives a strong dose of omega-3 fatty acids. Biotics is a long-standing company with a reputation for providing high-quality, freshly sources, and executing rigorous testing on their products

Alternatives To Omega-3 Supplements

There are, unfortunately, no alternatives for omega-3 fatty acids due to their role in reducing inflammation in the body. Omega-3 fatty acids can be consumed from natural sources of fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, cod, herring, lake trout, and tuna, as well as flax seed.

Can I Stack Omega-3’s with Anything?

In addition to omega-3 fatty acids, one of the best things to combine is fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, and vitamin K. These vitamins work together synergistically and are unable to be absorbed properly without adequate fat in the diet as they require fat to serve as a carrier to be delivered to cells of the body.

Final Thoughts: Best Omega-3 Supplements

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for everyone to consume at adequate levels, but are especially important for those concerned with heart, brain, skin, joint, and bone health, as well as those struggling with insulin resistance and metabolic syndromes such as obesity. Through the consumption of omega-3’s, inflammation can be successfully managed in the body.

 

Photo of author

Leslie Waterson

Leslie has been passionately involved in the health and fitness industries for over a decade. She is constantly reviewing the latest scientific research and studies in order to take a research-backed approach to lifestyle optimization. Her main areas of interest include nutrition and supplementation. Leslie shares her findings on Fitness Clone to help other health enthusiasts choose the products and routines that will help them achieve their goals.