Omega-3 fish oil was one of the first products in the natural products revolution. It quickly generated massive sales, largely due to scientific studies. This evidence suggested that it could have a range of positive effects, ranging from improving cardiovascular health to improving mental health. In fact, omega-3s were the most popular natural product used by both adults and children in 2012. 7.8% of U.S. adults and 1.1% of children consumed them.

To this day, fish oils are still an essential part of any basic supplement lineup. Unfortunately, there’s been some misinformation out there, regarding what exactly fish oils can and cannot do to support health. Let’s take a look at the most popular, omega-3 fish oil. We will discuss:

• its benefits,
• how to find the best quality,
• and how to find the right type for your body.

How Does Omega- 3 Fish Oil Help Me?

When it comes to the makeup of omega-3 fish oil, fatty acids EPA and DHA are the stars of the show. Studies suggest that people with low levels have increased risk of coronary disease and heart failure. In a recent article by Vitamin Retailer Magazine, “EPA and DHA omega-3s reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), according to results of a new, comprehensive meta-analysis published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings and sponsored by the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED).”

Therefore, omega-3s are an important part of care for a healthy heart. Many other studies have suggested omega-3s aid in lowering triglycerides and inflammation. Lowering inflammation in the body can help in other areas besides the heart.

More research has shown that other benefits include:

• reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis

• lowering instances of preterm pregnancy

• reducing depression symptoms

• boosting the positive effects of exercise on the body

• being a great complement to other popular supplements, like calcium and magnesium

• boosting brainpower and memory

• lowering effects of air pollution

• supporting bone health

• supporting eye health, including reducing age-related macular degeneration risk

• reducing risk of cancer

Now you see, you have plenty of reasons to keep (or add) trusty omega-3 fish oil in your regimen!

Part of the reason why we are seeing so many positive effects is that many Americans are lacking in EPA and DHA in their normal diets. Thus, making omega-3 fish oil benefits even more pronounced.

What Is the Best Type of Omega-3 Fish Oil?

There are many types of fish oils on the market, but it’s very important that you pick the right one to enjoy its maximal benefits. EPA and DHA are the two main active ingredients of omega-3 fish oil that provide many of its most useful benefits. Be aware though, different fish oil products can have widely varying levels of these ingredients.

Some may actually have much lower concentrations of EPA and DHA, meaning that you won’t receive all the benefits that you might get with a different type of omega-3 fish oil. For example, you might be taking a 1000 mg dose of omega-3 fish oil but only getting 300 mg of EPA and DHA! If you are looking for a 500 mg daily dose, this won’t serve your needs.

EPA and DHA

Always be sure to read the nutrition label to see the exact amount of EPA and DHA per capsule. If you just see a generic number of omega-3s per capsule on the label, you may want to steer clear. The level of EPA and DHA you get per dose is key.

There are other things that you may want to know: where the fish oil is sourced from and/or the presence of enteric coating. Most importantly, when it comes to making sure you get the maximum fish oil benefits, ALWAYS shop for quality.

Tranquility Labs’ own High DHA Omega-3 Fish Oil, CogniDHA, is was carefully designed to maximize omega-3s absorption, to get the most out the EPA and DHA benefits. We use supercritical CO2 extraction to concentrate omega-3s and boost bioavailability (the ease with which a nutrient can enter and take effect in your system).

CogniDHA is specialized to have optimal levels of DHA, well-known for supporting brain development and cognitive ability. It is also a supercritical triglyceride formula.

If you’ve been following the conversation about omega-3 fish oils at all, you’ve likely heard folks asking which form is better: triglycerides (TGs) or ethyl esters (EEs). Most fish oils on the market are EEs, which are cheaper to produce. However, EEs rarely occur in nature like TGs. The key is bioavailability, or how well the active ingredients go from the capsules to the blood. So far, more research than not, point to TG being the most bioavailable.

Omega-3 Fish Oil in Review

Let’s take a moment to sum up our most important points. Keep these in mind when you are shopping for fish oils.

• Studies suggest that in addition to supporting cardiovascular health and lowered inflammation, omega-3 fish oil may have applications for stronger bones, lowering instances of preterm pregnancy, boosting brainpower and memory, and reducing risk of cancer.
• Results are dependent on dosage levels and quality. So pay attention to how bioavailable and how much EPA and DHA is in your omega-3 fish oil.
• Industry professionals are hard at work finding ways to make EPA and DHA more bioavailable, while cutting down on other fatty acids that are not as beneficial.

Are you someone who’s been a bit turned off by fish oil but is looking to get back on board? Are you a faithful user who has experienced the benefits of high-quality omega-3 fish oil?

Share your stories and insights with the community by leaving a comment below!