Comparison
How to Compare Omega-3 Supplements: EPA, DHA and Cost Per Gram
Omega-3 is one of the easiest supplement categories to compare. 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 the oil weight; the EPA and DHA are the omega-3 fatty acids you are buying it for.
Once you compare on EPA plus DHA per serving, you can see exactly what each pack delivers, and the best value on the shelf becomes clear.
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
Fresh oil has a mild smell; a strong fishy smell means it has oxidised. In tropical storage conditions, keep packs cool and closed.
Cod liver oil and vitamins
Cod liver oil also supplies vitamins A and D, so count them in your daily total.
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.
Editorial Rating. Each product in the table has its own Editorial Rating on its product page, scored by code against five published criteria: order route, price, pack photo, format and directions, and composition detail.
Related categories
Related health topics
Frequently asked questions
Is krill oil better than fish oil?
Each has its own strengths. Krill oil supplies omega-3 in phospholipid form, while fish oil usually delivers more EPA and DHA per capsule. Compare on EPA plus DHA per serving and cost per gram.
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.