Fish oil supplements have been shown to provide many health benefits, from heart health to brain health and many things in between. Eating fish like salmon and halibut several times a week can provide these same health benefits, but some people don't enjoy the taste of fish or don't have the time to prepare it that frequently. There are many different factors to consider when deciding on a fish oil supplement that is right for you.
Step 1
Decide which form of a supplement would be most convenient for you to take. For example, some people have a difficult time swallowing pills and need to purchase a liquid fish oil supplement. Other people prefer the ease of taking a pill in a baggie with them, on the go. If you already take a multivitamin and other supplements in pill form, it may be a more convenient to buy a fish oil pill to take at the same time.
Step 2
Look for a fish oil product that contains both EPA and DHA. U.S. News and World Report" explains that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the long-chain fatty acids found in fish oil supplement. These types are more readily used by the body than ALA, which is also found in fish oil supplements. Purchasing a fish oil supplement which contains both EPA and DHA ensures that you are getting the most absorbable, most effective type.
Step 3
Verify the source of the omega 3 fatty acids in the fish oil. Some fish oil supplements actually contain no oil from fish at all, states Diabetes Self Management. Certain brands label their products as fish oil even though they are made out of algae or krill, which is a small crustacean similar to shrimp. If a product states that it contains fish oil and it has a USP, or United States Pharmacopoeia seal on the bottle, then you can trust it, since the United States Pharmacopoeia regulates ingredients and certifies that products have exactly what they claim to have.
Step 4
Compare doses of omega fatty acids in fish oils. Make sure you get at least 1 g a day, but less than 3 g. Diabetes Self Management states that for most people, the recommended dose is 1 g of both EPA an DHA per day. Some fish oil pills contain 1 g per capsule, so you'd only have to take one. Others contain 300 mg of fish oil or less, so you would have to take several pills a day to achieve the recommended dose.
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