Omega-3 supplement types compared
Factual, non-medical comparison of common omega-3 supplement sources. The effective dose is EPA + DHA content, and prices below are ranked by EUR per 1g EPA+DHA regardless of source. Different sources carry different fatty acid profiles and phospholipid vs triglyceride forms.
What you should know about omega-3 sources
Omega-3 supplements come from different biological sources. The key active compounds are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). The ranking standardizes on these regardless of source:
| Source | Typical EPA+DHA per serving | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fish oil | 300–1000mg | Triglyceride / ethyl ester | Most common and studied. Concentrate options push higher EPA+DHA per softgel, often the best value per effective dose. |
| Krill oil | 100–250mg | Phospholipid | Lower EPA+DHA per softgel, typically more expensive per effective gram. Phospholipid form is different from fish oil triglycerides. |
| Algal oil | 200–450mg | Triglyceride | Plant-based, vegan DHA+EPA source. Often higher DHA:EPA ratio. Grown from microalgae. |
| Cod liver oil | 80–200mg | Triglyceride | Traditional source. Also provides vitamins A and D. Lower EPA+DHA concentration per gram. |
DosePrice does not provide medical advice. The rankings reflect price per effective gram of EPA+DHA only. Triglyceride and ethyl ester forms are treated as equivalent in the normalization. Which source is right for you depends on your individual needs.
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