Comparison
How to Compare Omega-3 Supplements: EPA, DHA and Cost Per Gram
Omega-3 is the easiest supplement category to compare properly and the one most people compare wrongly. Two numbers on the back of the pack settle it, and this page shows you how to use them.
A capsule labelled 1000 mg fish oil typically contains around 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA. The 1000 mg figure is oil weight; the 300 mg is what the research actually studied.
Once you compare on EPA plus DHA per serving, the price differences between products change dramatically, and the cheapest pack on the shelf is often the most expensive per gram of what you want.
No product table on this page. Omega-3 products are sold primarily through pharmacies and marketplaces rather than the direct-order channels we document, so there is no catalogue table here. The method below works on any pack you pick up.
What to compare on
EPA and DHA per serving
Find both numbers, add them, and note how many capsules make a serving. This is the comparison.
Cost per gram of EPA + DHA
Divide pack price by total grams in the pack. This single calculation reorders most shelves.
Source
Fish body oil, krill, cod liver oil and algal oil differ in concentration, allergen profile and vitamin content.
Freshness
Oxidised oil smells strongly fishy. In tropical storage conditions this matters more than in temperate markets.
Cod liver caution
Also supplies vitamins A and D, which limits how much you can safely take.
Methodology and limitations
- This is a method page rather than a product table, because omega-3 products in our markets are retail rather than direct-order.
- The comparison method is drawn from label conventions and public nutrient guidance, and applies to any brand.
No ratings, deliberately. We publish no star ratings, scores or "best of" rankings for these products. We have not tested them, and a rating without a testing methodology behind it is decoration, not information.
Related categories
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Frequently asked questions
Is krill oil better than fish oil?
Compare on EPA plus DHA per serving and cost per gram. Krill typically delivers less per capsule at a higher price, though its phospholipid form is sometimes argued to absorb better.
How much do I need?
General intake guidance for adults sits in the range of a few hundred milligrams of combined EPA and DHA daily. Higher therapeutic doses are a medical decision.
Medical disclaimer. BioMedic Africa publishes consumer health information and supplement research summaries. It is not a pharmacy, a clinic or a medicines regulator, and nothing here is a diagnosis, a prescription or a treatment plan. Dietary supplements are foods, not medicines: they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Speak with a pharmacist or a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, living with a long-term condition, or taking prescription medication.
Commercial disclosure. Some links on this page lead to an order form operated through a partner network. If you order through them, BioMedic Africa may receive a commission. This never changes the price you pay and does not influence which ingredients or products we describe. Full affiliate disclosure.