How to Read a Fish Oil Label: EPA, DHA and Freshness

"1,000 mg fish oil" on the front. A smaller EPA and DHA number on the back. Which one counts?

The back. Here's how to read a fish oil label so you can compare bottles fairly.

The quick answer

• Look for EPA + DHA per serving, not just "fish oil" mg.
• Know the serving size. Many products need 2 softgels for the listed amount.
• Ours lists 800 mg EPA + 800 mg DHA per 2 softgels (1:1). Refrigerate after opening.

See Fish Oil High Potency Omega-3 →

Total oil vs. EPA and DHA

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are the long-chain omega-3s found in fish and fish oil [1]. A softgel's total oil weight includes other fats, so the EPA and DHA lines are the numbers to compare.

There's no official daily recommendation specifically for EPA and DHA in the U.S.; the Adequate Intakes are for total omega-3s [1].

Forms: triglyceride, ethyl ester and more

Supplements may contain natural triglycerides, ethyl esters, re-esterified triglycerides, free fatty acids or phospholipids [1]. Natural triglycerides are the form that occurs in fish; ethyl esters are made from them during processing [1]. A good label tells you which form is inside, or the brand will tell you if you ask.

Freshness and storage

Omega-3 oils are fragile. The industry group GOED publishes a voluntary quality monograph that member brands use as a benchmark [3]. At home, keep the cap tight and follow the storage line. Ours says to refrigerate after opening.

Who should check first

Fish oil can have antiplatelet effects at high doses, so people on warfarin or similar anticoagulants should talk with their doctor [1][2]. If you have a fish allergy, check the source fish on the label.

Fish oil label checklist

• EPA and DHA in mg per serving, plus the serving size.
• Source fish (for example anchovy, sardine, mackerel).
• Form if listed (triglyceride, ethyl ester and so on) [1].
• Shell and other ingredients (gelatin type, flavor, antioxidants).
• Storage directions and a best-by date.

Why we made our fish oil this way

Here's how ours reads against that checklist: - 800 mg EPA + 800 mg DHA per serving of 2 softgels, a 1:1 ratio; 30 servings. - Source: anchovy, sardine and mackerel. - Extras: lipase for digestibility support and DeltaGold® tocotrienols for oil stability. - Shell: bovine gelatin, natural lemon flavor. Refrigerate after opening.

Shop the products mentioned:

• Fish Oil High Potency Omega-3 | 1:1 EPA-DHA: 800 mg EPA + 800 mg DHA per serving.
• ADK Evail | Vitamins A, D & K: vitamins A, D3 and K1/K2; take with a fat-containing meal.
• Ultimate Essentials Pack: fish oil with NAC, zinc, B-complex and ADK.

For more on our softgels, see our fish oil EPA/DHA softgels guide.

Free shipping on orders $49+.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FAQ

What matters more, fish oil mg or EPA and DHA mg? EPA and DHA. Total fish oil includes other fats, so compare the EPA and DHA lines [1].

What does 1:1 EPA to DHA mean? Equal amounts of each per serving. Ours provides 800 mg EPA and 800 mg DHA per 2 softgels.

Is triglyceride or ethyl ester fish oil better? Both are used in supplements. Natural triglycerides occur in fish; ethyl esters are made from them during processing [1].

Should I refrigerate fish oil? Follow your label. Ours says to refrigerate after opening.

Can I take fish oil with blood thinners? Talk with your doctor first. Fish oil can have antiplatelet effects at high doses [1].

References

1. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Health Professional Fact Sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/
2. NCCIH. Omega-3 Supplements: What You Need To Know. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/omega3-supplements-what-you-need-to-know
3. GOED (Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s). The GOED Monograph. https://goedomega3.com/goed-monograph