Fishy burping after every capsule? This is not due to the fatty acids themselves. The cause is almost always oxidized oil or a form that your body has trouble utilizing.
Here you will find 11 products from seven brands, the majority of them in natural TG form. The fatty acids EPA and DHA contribute to normal heart function, brain function and vision, among other things.
75 % concentration versus 30 %. Both are on the shelf, both are called "high-dose". Nevertheless, the actual active ingredient content differs enormously. Four criteria help you to compare capsules in a meaningful way.
Omega-3 fatty acids are available as a natural triglyceride form and as a chemically modified ethyl ester form. The TG form corresponds to the structure found in fish. Your body can utilize them directly.
At 30%, only 300 mg of 1000 mg fish oil contains fatty acids. At 75 % it is 750 mg. Three times as much active ingredient, same capsule size. The concentration determines how many capsules you really need.
Of the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA are the two that really matter. A 2:1 ratio (more EPA than DHA) is preferred in sports nutrition. Other ratios are more suitable if you are specifically looking for DHA for brain function. DHA is a component of your brain cells.
You can recognize freshness by the TOTOX value. The lower the number, the less oxidation in the oil. Laboratory-tested food supplements provide these values transparently.
Not every capsule suits every goal. Four typical situations, four directions.
Do you train several times a week and want your body to recover faster? Then look for the TG form with a high EPA content and 75 % concentration. The Omega 3 Triglycerides from GN Laboratories provide 500 mg EPA and 250 mg DHA per capsule in a 2:1 ratio.
You've already tried capsules, but it kept coming up? The fishy burping usually comes from oxidized oil or ethyl ester. The natural form is better tolerated because it is familiar to your body. Well tolerated and without an aftertaste: the Omega 3 Triglycerides from Gods Rage with 300 softgels.
Do you simply want to be well supplied without having to read up on it for hours? One capsule with 65-70% concentration is enough for everyday life. EPA and DHA already contribute to normal heart function at 250 mg daily. Products such as Olimp Gold Omega 3 or Biotech USA Mega Omega 3 are uncomplicated options.
You know exactly what you need and want 2+ g EPA and DHA a day? Then count on 3 to 4 capsules at 75% concentration. At this dosage, DHA and EPA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood triglyceride levels. The 300 softgels from Gods Rage provide the required pack size.
7 out of 11 products in this range use the natural triglyceride form. The concentration ranges from 30 % to 75 %. The higher the value, the more fatty acids there are in each capsule.
75 % concentration (triglyceride form): GN Laboratories, Gods Rage, Big Zone, InLead. Four products with the highest active ingredient density in the range. 500 mg EPA and 250 mg DHA per capsule, directly usable in natural form.
65-70 % concentration: Olimp Sport Nutrition (65 %, ethyl ester), Biotech USA (70 %, with vitamin E). Solid everyday supply with one capsule daily. Olimp also offers a variant with vitamin D3 and K2.
30 % concentration (triglyceride form): PEAK with 400 capsules. Lower concentration, but classic TG form and large pack for basic supply.
124 percent higher EPA and DHA levels in the blood. That's how much more your body absorbs from the triglyceride form than from ethyl ester capsules (Dyerberg et al., 2010). The reason: the TG form is the natural structure of fats found in fish and salmon. Your body recognizes it immediately and does not have to convert anything.
Ethyl esters are formed by chemical modification of the fish oil. This makes higher concentrations possible, but reduces bioavailability. This is why 7 out of 11 products in this range use the natural form.
All details on the difference between TG and EE, including absorption values and studies, can be found on the product page of the omega 3 triglycerides from GN Laboratories.
Do fish oil capsules always taste like fish? No. A fishy smell and belching are signs of oxidation. If the oil in the capsule is no longer fresh, you will notice this immediately. With fresh fish oil, you won't smell or taste anything.
The TOTOX value measures the degree of oxidation. The international limit value is 26 and the omega 3 triglycerides from GN Laboratories have a TOTOX value of 3.1. Oxidation occurs due to heat, light or excessive storage. Ethyl ester forms are more susceptible than triglycerides.
Transparency counts when it comes to food supplements. The Omega 3 Triglycerides from GN Laboratories are manufactured in Germany and supplied with a visible certificate of analysis. No guesswork, no surprises.
The omega 3 triglycerides for athletes from GN Laboratories are based on 75% concentration in TG form with a 2:1 EPA-DHA ratio. 200 capsules per can, manufactured in Germany. Over 180 customer reviews speak for themselves. To the product page.
Gods Rage supplies 300 softgels in triglyceride form with the same concentration. Made in Germany, same raw material quality, larger pack. If you work with 3 to 4 capsules a day, you will get by for longer. To the product page.
Now you know what's important. You'll find the right capsule for your goal in the range above.
Storing capsules correctly extends the shelf life and keeps the TOTOX value low. You can find all the tips on this in our blog post: Why you should always store omega-3 in a cool place.
Looking for other fatty acids besides omega 3? In the collection Fatty acids you will also find ALA, CLA and black cumin oil.
