Why omega-3 quality matters more than you think
We all know that omega-3s are good for us. They support heart health, brain function, pregnancy, and inflammation resolution. But there’s something most people do not realize: not all omega-3 supplements are created equal – and the difference in not small.
A new peer-reviewed study (Torshin et al., 2025) reveals just how vast the quality gap is among omega-3 products on the market. The research team analyzed 16 omega-3 supplements, including over-the-counter fish oils and pharmaceutical-grade products, using advanced chromatographic and statistical methods.
The results? Eye-opening.
Behind the label: what is really in your omega-3?
On paper, most products list “omega-3” content – sometimes breaking it down into EPA and DHA amounts. But that is where similarities often end.
When tested in the lab, products showed drastically different fatty acid profiles. Some had up to 98.9% omega-3 content – nearly all in the form of highly bioavailable EPA and DHA. Others were diluted with up to 46% saturated fats, leaving less than 15% active omega-3s. In fact, one supplement contained 0% EPA.
Two simple numbers reveal the truth
The researchers found that you can predict omega-3 supplement quality using just two markers:
- EPA + DHA content > 55%
- ω11 (omega-11) fat content < 3%
If a product meets both thresholds, it is highly likely to be a refined, standardized, and effective omega-3 supplement. If not, you are probably paying for a low-grade oil with minimal clinical benefit.
This simple rule divided the tested products into two clear clusters – high-quality and low-quality – with no overlap.
High purity vs. high hype
The study’s multivariate analysis placed products like NFO Omega-3 Ultima, Omacor (a pharmaceutical product), and Solgar Omega-3 950 at the top. These supplements:
- Contained over 90% total omega-3s
- Delivered accurate or even higher-than-claimed doses of EPA and DHA
- Had negligible impurities or saturated fats
- Achieved Standardization Coefficients (SC) well above 100%, indicating not just label accuracy but compositional excellence
On the other end were products like Omeganol and Dear-Natura DHA, which:
- Fell short of label claims (SC < 100%)
- Contained excess non-omega fats
- Delivered minimal EPA or DHA
What this means for your health
Here is the reality: research-backed health benefits come from supplements that actually deliver the studied doses of EPA and DHA. If your omega-3 contains mostly filler fats, you are missing out – or worse, adding unnecessary saturated fat to your diet.
And while “fish oil” remains a household term, the study emphasizes that we need a better vocabulary. Not all omega-3s come from fish, and not all omega-3 products are “oils” in the biochemical sense. It is time to focus on standardized, purified omega-3 preparations that truly support health.
Choosing smarter omega-3s
So how can you make sure your supplement is doing its job? Look for:
- EPA and DHA values clearly stated (not just “omega-3s”)
- Third-party tested purity and concentration
- Ratios that match your needs – for example, DHA-rich formulations for pregnancy or EPA-dominant blends for cardiovascular support
- A brand that goes beyond claims, and shows you the science
At NFO, we believe transparency and testing are not optional – they are the foundation of trust. That is why our omega-3 products, including NFO Omega-3 Ultima, are developed to pharmaceutical-level standards.
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