Where to buy omega-3 high quality: store review
Section 1: Omega-3 selection criteria for high quality
Before proceeding with the overview of stores, it is necessary to clearly define the criteria by which the quality of the omega-3 will be evaluated. This will make a conscious and informed choice.
-
EPA and DHA content:
- EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (non-coshegexic acid) are the main active components of omega-3, which determine its health benefits.
- The ideal ratio of EPA and DHA varies depending on the purpose of the reception. For example, to maintain heart health, high EPA is recommended, and to improve cognitive functions – DHA.
- Carefully study the composition of the product and make sure that it contains a sufficient amount of EPA and DHA, indicated in milligrams (mg) per portion.
- The optimal daily dose of Omega-3 depends on individual needs and varies from 250 mg to 3000 mg, depending on the state of health and intake goals.
- Do not focus only on the total content of fish oil, it is the amount of EPA and DHA that is important.
-
Fish source source:
- A wild fish that lives in cold waters, as a rule, contains more omega-3 than a fish grown on farms.
- Preferred sources: wild salmon, sardine, anchovies, mackerel, herring.
- Fish fat from large predatory fish (for example, tuna, sword-fish) should be avoided due to the risk of accumulation of heavy metals.
- Make sure that the manufacturer indicates the source of fish oil on the package.
- The stability of fishing is an important aspect that should be taken into account. Choose products certified by organizations engaged in the protection of marine resources (for example, MSC).
-
Cleaning method:
- Fish oil may contain pollutants, such as heavy metals (mercury, lead, cadmium), dioxins and polychlored biphenils (PHB).
- High -quality fish oil should undergo multi -stage cleaning to remove these impurities.
- Molecular distillation is one of the most effective cleaning methods that allows you to remove pollution and increase the concentration of omega-3.
- Check if the cleaning method is indicated on the packaging of the product. If there is no information, it is worth looking for another option.
-
Omega-3 form:
- There are various forms of omega-3:
- Triglycerides (TG): Natural form, is well absorbed.
- Ethyluster (ee): A synthetic form requiring additional processing to improve absorption.
- Reemeted triglycerides (RTG): The triglycerides obtained from ethyl ethers have high bioavailability.
- Phospholippide: Contained in Cricille oil, are well absorbed.
- It is preferable to choose omega-3 in the form of triglycerides (TG) or reemified triglycerides (RTG) for better absorption.
- Crile oil (in the form of phospholipids) is also a good option, especially for those who have problems with the absorption of fish oil.
- There are various forms of omega-3:
-
Freshness and stability:
- Fish oil is subject to oxidation, which leads to the formation of harmful free radicals and an unpleasant odor and taste.
- Signs of oxidation: runaway smell and taste, muddy color.
- Vitamin E (tocopherol) is often added to fish oil as an antioxidant to prevent oxidation.
- Make sure the product contains antioxidants.
- Keep fish oil in the refrigerator after opening to slow down the oxidation process.
- Pay attention to the expiration date.
-
Certification by third -party organizations:
- Independent organizations are testing fish oil for compliance with quality, purity and safety standards.
- The most famous certifications:
- IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards): One of the most stringent standards, guaranteeing the purity, concentration and stability of omega-3.
- NSF International: Certification confirming compliance with safety and quality standards.
- USP (United States Pharmacopeia): Quality standards developed by the US Pharmacopeia.
- The presence of certification from a third -party organization is a guarantee of the quality and safety of the product.
-
Lack of additives and allergens:
- Carefully study the composition of the product for unwanted additives, such as artificial dyes, flavors and preservatives.
- If you have an allergy to fish or other seafood, make sure that the product does not contain allergens.
-
Price:
- Price is an important factor, but do not save on quality.
- Compare prices for different products, given the EPA and DHA content, fish oil source and cleaning method.
- Cheaper products may contain less EPA and DHA or be less cleaned.
Section 2: Review of stores and brands offering omega-3 high quality
In this section, various stores and brands offering Omega-3 will be considered, taking into account the above criteria.
-
iherb:
- A large online store offering a wide selection of Omega-3 from various manufacturers.
- Advantages:
- Big assortment.
- Competitive prices.
- Customer reviews.
- The possibility of comparing products.
- Popular brands for iHerb:
- California Gold Nutrition: Omega-3 of various concentrations and shapes, including fish oil, kriely oil and vegetarian versions, offers. Many products are certified by iFos.
- Now Foods: A well-known brand offering a wide range of vitamins and additives, including omega-3. Products are characterized by a good ratio of price and quality.
- Nordic Naturals: A brand specializing in the production of high -quality fish oil. Products are certified by ifos and undergo strict quality control.
- Mother Labs: Omega-3 offers at affordable prices.
- Recommendations: When choosing an omega-3 on iHerb, pay attention to the certification of iFos, customer reviews and EPA and DHA content.
-
Pharmacies:
- Pharmacies offer a more limited choice of omega-3 compared to online stores.
- Advantages:
- The opportunity to get a pharmacist consultation.
- Convenience of purchases.
- Popular brands in pharmacies:
- Solgar: The American brand, known for its high-quality vitamins and additives, including Omega-3. SOLGAR products differ in a high degree of cleaning and contain natural ingredients.
- Doppelherz: The German brand offering omega-3 in various forms (capsules, liquid fish oil).
- Omacor (Epanova): Omega-3 preparations containing a high concentration of EPA and DHA, designed to treat cardiovascular diseases. Require a doctor’s appointment.
- Vitrum Omega-3: The budget version of Omega-3.
- Recommendations: When buying omega-3 in a pharmacy, check the pharmacist information about the manufacturer, the EPA and DHA content and the cleaning method.
-
Sports nutrition stores:
- Sports food stores are offered by Omega-3, designed for athletes and people leading an active lifestyle.
- Advantages:
- High dosages EPA and DHA.
- Additional ingredients (for example, vitamin D).
- Popular brands in sports nutrition stores:
- Optimum Nutrition: A well-known brand offering a wide range of sports nutrition, including Omega-3.
- Universal Nutrition: A brand specializing in the production of sports additives.
- Myprotein: The European brand offering affordable and high -quality sports supplements.
- Recommendations: When choosing omega-3 in a sports nutrition store, make sure that the product does not contain undesirable additives and meets your needs.
-
Specialized healthy food stores:
- These stores offer Omega-3 from small manufacturers specializing in the production of natural and organic products.
- Advantages:
- High quality.
- Natural ingredients.
- Unique products (for example, vegetarian variants of Omega-3 from algae).
- Popular brands in specialized stores:
- Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes: Produces omega-3 from algae.
- Garden of Life: Offers organic vitamins and additives, including omega-3.
- Recommendations: When choosing an omega-3 in a specialized store, pay attention to the composition of the product and make sure that it meets your requirements.
-
Online markets (Amazon, Wildberries, Ozon):
- They offer a wide range of omega-3 from various sellers.
- Advantages:
- Large selection.
- Entry convenience.
- The possibility of comparing prices.
- Customer reviews.
- Recommendations:
- Carefully check the reviews about the seller and the product.
- Pay attention to the certification of the product.
- Make sure that the product meets your requirements for the EPA and DHA content, shape and source.
- Beware of fakes and poor -quality goods.
Section 3: Comparison of popular Omega-3 brands
In this section, a detailed comparison of several popular Omega-3 brands will be carried out, available on the market, taking into account the criteria considered in the first section.
-
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega:
- Source: Wild Arctic cod.
- Form: triglycerides (TG).
- Soders EPA/DHA: 650 mg EPA and 450 mg DHA on 2 capsule.
- Cleaning method: molecular distillation.
- Certification: IFOS.
- Features: high concentration EPA and DHA, excellent digestibility, pure taste.
- Price: High.
- Pros: high quality, high concentration, excellent digestibility, certification of ifos.
- Cons: High price.
-
California Gold Nutrition Omega-3 Premium Fish Oil:
- Source: natural fish oil concentrate.
- Form: Ethyluster (EE).
- Soderzine EPA/DHA: 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA on the capsule.
- Cleaning method: molecular distillation.
- Certification: IFOS.
- Features: affordable price, IFOS certification.
- Price: Low.
- Pros: affordable price, IFOS certification.
- Cons: Ethyl -uster form, relatively low concentration of EPA and DHA.
-
Now Foods Omega-3:
- Source: natural fish oil concentrate.
- Form: Ethyluster (EE).
- Soderzine EPA/DHA: 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA on the capsule.
- Cleaning method: molecular distillation.
- Certification: not indicated.
- Features: good ratio of price and quality.
- Price: average.
- Pros: A good ratio of price and quality.
- Cons: Ethyl -uster form, lack of certification of iFos.
-
Omega-3 EPA & DATT Strength:
- Source: Fish oil (anchovies, sardins, mackerel).
- Form: triglycerides (TG).
- Soction EPA/DHA: 504 mg EPA and 378 mg of DHA on the capsule.
- Cleaning method: not specified.
- Certification: not indicated.
- Features: High concentration EPA and DHA, without gluten, dairy products and GMOs.
- Price: High.
- Pros: high concentration of EPA and DHA, form of triglycerides.
- Cons: lack of information about the method of cleaning and certification.
-
Dr. Mercola Krill Oil:
- Source: Antarctic kril.
- Form: phospholipids.
- Soction EPA/DHA: 120 mg EPA and 70 mg DHA on 2 capsule.
- Cleaning method: not specified.
- Certification: Friend of the Sea.
- Features: good digestibility, contains astaxantin (antioxidant).
- Price: High.
- Pros: good digestibility, contains astaxantin, certification of Friend of the Sea.
- Cons: relatively low concentration of EPA and DHA, high price.
Section 4: Vegetarian and vegan sources Omega-3
For vegetarians and vegans who do not eat fish, there are alternative sources of Omega-3.
-
Seaweed:
- Algae is the main source of omega-3 for fish.
- Omega-3 of algae contains DHA and EPA.
- Available in the form of additives.
- Popular brands:
- Deva Vegan Omega-3 DHA-EPA: Omega-3 from algae in a vegan capsule offers.
- Nordic Naturals Algae Omega: High -quality algae product.
- Advantages: Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, does not contain a fish flavor, an environmentally friendly source.
- Disadvantages: it can be more expensive than fish oil.
-
Linseed oil:
- Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is the precursor of EPA and DHA.
- The body can transform ALA into EPA and DHA, but this process is not very effective.
- Advantages: Available price, good ALA source.
- Disadvantages: Low effectiveness of ALA transformation into EPA and DHA.
-
Seeds of Chia:
- Chia seeds also contain ALA.
- Advantages: affordable price, good ALA source, fiber and other beneficial substances.
- Disadvantages: Low effectiveness of ALA transformation into EPA and DHA.
-
Walnuts:
- Walnuts contain ALA.
- Advantages: delicious and healthy snack, good ALA source.
- Disadvantages: Low effectiveness of ALA transformation into EPA and DHA.
Section 5: Additional tips for choosing and receiving omega-3
-
Consult a doctor:
- Before taking Omega-3, consult a doctor, especially if you have any diseases or you take medications.
- Omega-3 can interact with some drugs such as anticoagulants.
-
Start with a small dose:
- Start with a small dose of omega-3 and gradually increase it to avoid side effects, such as stomach disorder.
-
Take Omega-3 during meals:
- Take omega-3 during meals to improve its absorption and reduce the risk of side effects.
-
Keep omega-3 in the refrigerator:
- Keep omega-3 in the refrigerator after opening to maintain its freshness and prevent oxidation.
-
Pay attention to side effects:
- Some people may experience side effects from taking omega-3, such as stomach disorder, nausea, diarrhea and fish taste in the mouth.
- If you have side effects, reduce the dose or stop taking omega-3.
-
Alternate sources Omega-3:
- To get the maximum benefit from Omega-3, alternate various sources, such as fish oil, kriely oil and vegetarian options.
-
Pay attention to your feelings:
- Listen to your body and pay attention to how you feel after taking Omega-3.
- If you do not feel any improvements, you may need to change the dose or choose another product.
-
Do not exceed the recommended dose:
- Do not exceed the recommended dose of omega-3, as this can lead to side effects.
-
Consider your individual needs:
- When choosing Omega-3, take into account your individual needs and purpose of admission.
- For example, if you want to improve heart health, choose products with high EPA content. If you want to improve cognitive functions, choose products with a high DHA content.
-
Do not forget about a balanced diet:
- Reception of Omega-3 is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but it should not replace a balanced diet and regular physical exercises.
Section 6: myths and errors about omega-3
There are many myths and misconceptions about Omega-3, which can mislead consumers. It is important to know the truth in order to make a conscious choice.
-
Myth: All Omega-3 is equally useful.
- True: the quality of the omega-3 can vary significantly depending on the source, cleaning method and shape.
-
Myth: The more fish oil, the better.
- True: it is important not the total amount of fish oil, but the EPA and DHA content.
-
Myth: Omega-3 helps from all diseases.
- True: Omega-3 is good for health, but not a panacea.
-
Myth: Vegetarians and vegans do not need Omega-3.
- True: vegetarians and vegans need to receive omega-3 from alternative sources, such as algae.
-
Myth: Omega-3 can only be obtained from fish.
- True: there are vegetarian and vegan sources Omega-3, such as algae, linseed oil and chia seeds.
-
Myth: Omega-3 must be taken constantly.
- True: Omega-3 reception can be useful for a long time, but it is necessary to take into account your individual needs and consult a doctor.
-
Myth: Omega-3 causes bleeding.
- True: Omega-3 can slightly increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people taking anticoagulants. It is necessary to consult a doctor.
-
Myth: Omega-3 has an unpleasant taste and smell.
- True: high -quality fish oil should not have an unpleasant taste and smell.
-
Myth: Omega-3 is useful only for the heart.
- True: Omega-3 is useful not only for the heart, but also for the brain, eyes, joints and other organs and systems.
-
Myth: Dear Omega-3 is always better cheap.
- True: the price is not always a quality guarantee. It is important to pay attention to the content of EPA and DHA, source, cleaning and certification method.