The 7 Best Omega-3 Supplements to Take for Heart Health

Omega-3 supplements commonly have fairly large pills, generally measuring from half an inch to an inch. For some, that poses a problem. GNC offers an alternative with its mini fish oil softgels. The GNC Triple Strength Fish Oil Mini wins the best overall omega-3 supplement for its size and concentration of omega-3s. 

The small softgels are enteric-coated, which means there's a polymer applied to the outside of the softgel to keep it from dissolving in the stomach. The softgels then move to the small intestine, where they are digested and released. It also means there isn't a fishy aftertaste.

GNC Triple Strength Fish Oil Mini has a good concentration of omega-3s EPA (734 mg) and DHA (266 mg).

Cost: $35.59 for 240 mini softgels

Omega-3 content per serving: 1,065 mg of omega-3 per two softgels

Best features:

• The GNC Mini softgels are smaller than the average size of omega-3 supplements, which is good for people who have trouble swallowing large pills. 
• This fish oil supplement is ConsumerLab tested and approved. This shows that the product is free of heavy metals. 

Things to consider:

• The dosage of this GNC fish oil supplement is two softgels. It's somewhat of a trade-off -- they are smaller pills, but you have to take two of them.

For bulk buyers, consider the Kirkland Signature Natural Fish Oil supplement. It's inexpensive at $18 for 400 capsules. This omega-3 supplement doesn't have all the bells and whistles other brands have -- it's a basic, no-fuss option for people who don't need a high dose of fish oil. Kirkland Signature fish oil supplement only includes 300mg of EPA and DHA per softgel. That's significantly less than other brands; however, taking one capsule twice daily puts it closer to the rest in terms of dosage. 

The softgel capsules are long and narrow to make them easier to swallow. Still, the pills are large; some reviewers suggest they are hard to swallow. 

Cost: $18 for 400 capsules 

Omega-3 content per serving: 300mg omega-3 per softgel

Best features:

• Kirkland Signature's fish oil supplement is a must for people who want to buy in bulk at an affordable price. 
• It holds a USP certification. 

Things to consider:

• Other options on the list have a higher omega-3 dose.
• These fish oil capsules aren't enteric coated, which means there is nothing to hide that fishy aftertaste. 

When it comes to fish oil and omega-3 supplements, taste matters, Barlean's Ideal Omega-3 Softgels are great for those who want to avoid the fishy taste that some omega-3 supplements have. It features an orange flavor that covers the smell and taste of fish oil so that you can get the benefits without the unpleasant side effects -- fishy burps and aftertaste. User reviews say these orange omega-3 supplements don't leave a fishy aftertaste in their mouth. 

The dosage for this omega-3 supplement is one softgel, which users point out is rather large. However, the softgel form makes them easy to swallow. You get 750mg of EPA and 250mg of DHA omega-3s with one softgel. 

Cost: $35.09 for 60 softgels

Omega-3 content per serving: 1,000mg of omega-3 per softgel

Best features:

• Barlean's Omega-3 supplement has an orange flavor that doesn't leave a fishy taste. 
• This omega-3 supplement has a five-star rating from International Fish Oil Standards.

Things to consider:

• You only get a 60-day supply for $35. It's slightly more expensive than other options on the list. 

There's a gummy supplement for everything -- omega-3s included. Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies are a great option for people looking for a yummy way to intake a low dose of omega-3s. The two-serving dose only includes 47.5mg of DHA and 9.5mg of EPA omega-3s. Because of the low dose, it's not the best choice if you're deficient in omega-3s; it's better suited for people who already get most of it from their diet but are looking for a little boost. 

Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies are free of any synthetic flavors or colors. The fish sources are wild, deep ocean water fish, not from raised farms. These fish oil gummies are also USP certified for quality and purity. 

Cost: $14.30 for 90 gummies

Omega-3 content per serving: 57mg of omega-3s per two gummies.

Best features:

• User reviews say these fish oil gummies are delicious and don't have a fishy taste. Flavors are strawberry, lemon and orange. 

Things to consider:

• Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies have 3 grams of added sugar per serving. 
• These fish oil gummies have a significantly lower omega-3 content than other brands. 

For those looking to add an omega-3 supplement for heart health, consider the Life Extension Super Omega-3 Supplement. It features a formula of DHA, EPA, olive extract and sesame lignans for an antioxidant and antimicrobial supplement. Research shows that olive leaf extract and sesame can help prevent heart disease. 

Life Extension's omega-3 supplement carries a five-star certification from IFOS. It's also gluten-free and non-GMO. This omega-3 supplement delivers a solid dose of both DHA (500mg) and EPA (700mg). However, that is a trade-off of serving size. Instead of the standard one or two capsules a day, Life Extension requires two capsules twice a day with food. 

Cost: $25.51 for 240 softgels

Omega-3 content per serving: 1,200mg of Omega-3sper four softgels

Best features:

• Life Extension's omega-3 softgel supplement is gluten- and GMO-free and has earned a five-star certification from IFOS.
• The source of the fish in this product is sustainably-caught anchovies from off the coast of Chile. 

Things to consider:

• The packaging on the bottle says "small" softgels; however, some customer reviews point out that while they may be smaller than other brands, they are not truly small. 
• Life Extension's omega-3 supplement has a serving size of two capsules twice daily with meals. 

Omega-3 supplements are typically derived from fish sources. However, there are vegan plant-based omega-3 supplements available, too. The best of these is Truvani Plant-Based Omega, an algae omega-3 dietary supplement. 

With a two-capsule serving size, you get 500mg of DHA omega-3s. This vegan omega-3 supplement is minimally processed and doesn't impact ocean life. Truvani offers a 30-day, money-back guarantee if you're not pleased with this vegan supplement. 

Cost: $31.49 for 60 veggie capsules

Omega-3 content per serving: 500mg of DHA omega-3s

Best features:

• These plant-based omega-3 capsules are certified vegan and gluten-free products.
• Truvani is also tested for chemicals and heavy metals. 

Things to consider:

• Customer reviews say this vegan omega-3 supplement doesn't have the best aftertaste. 

Most fish oil supplement pills are large, significantly larger than other capsules. This poses a problem for people who have a hard time swallowing pills. Liquid omega-3 offers a way to boost your intake without having to worry about large capsules. Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Liquid omega-3 supplement is free from artificial additives and fillers. 

Nordic Natural is a well-known brand that offers the best liquid fish oil supplement. The serving size is one teaspoon, with the highest concentration of omega-3s on the list. Each serving contains 1,470mg of EPA and 1,010mg of DHA in triglyceride form. Research suggests that the triglyceride form may be better absorbed in the body. 

Cost: $33.88 for a 4 fl. oz. bottle

Omega-3 content per serving: 2,470mg of omega-3 per one teaspoon 

Best features:

• Nordic Naturals products are third-party tested and approved by ConsumerLab.
• This product has a subtle lemon flavor that can mix easily into drinks or food.

Things to consider:

• Nordic Naturals Liquid Fish Oil has a very high concentration of omega-3s, which may be too much for some. Always speak with your doctor before taking such a high dose.