It’s confusing isn’t it? There are literally HUNDREDS of Omega 3-6-9 supplements to choose from. Here’s 3 quick tips to help you choose.
1. Check DHA Content
There are various Essential Fatty Acids that make up Omega 3, but from scientific studies DHA is the one that provides by far most of the benefits.
And it’s not hard to see why, DHA is the main component that the brain and the retina in the eye is made out of! And that’s just for starters.
In short though, when you look at the label on the bottle, if it does NOT specifically state how much DHA is in the supplement don’t buy it. Because that probably means there is none!
There is no known plant source that provides any significant quantity of DHA. So you should look for an omega 3-6-9 supplement that is fish oil based.
NOTE: Even where capsules say fish oil, check for DHA content, because only ‘oily fish’ have high levels of DHA.
(You can read more about why fish is best in Sources Of Omega Three Fatty Acids)
2. Check For Purity
Our oceans are polluted. So you have to be careful when buying fish oil or you could end up with a supplement containing traces of mercury or other toxic metals (see Mercury In Fish Oil Capsules).
Any reputable manufacturer will be proudly shouting from the rooftops about how pure their supplements are, and happily providing proof too.
Look for suppliers that source fish from cleaner oceans to start with – and that have sustainable fishing policies.
But also look for products that have been filtered, specifically molecular filtered. Then you know any toxins have been removed, without impacting the quality of the product.
3. Check For Freshness
Fish oils are a natural but delicate product. They have to be carefully handled from the moment the fish are caught or you just won’t get the benefits you should.
Too many manufacturers buy cheap oils that are just a ‘throw away’ from mass factory fish production. They also use flavourings and coatings to hide the fact the oils are already rancid before they even reach the shelves!
Ever taken an omega supplement that gave you a nasty fish flavour hours after taking it..? Now you know why!
A well handled fresh product won’t smell or taste ‘fishy’. If you cut it open it won’t assault your nose with rotten fish smell.
Cheaper Can Be Better Too
Don’t be fooled by high prices. Yes, the cheapest products are generally poor.
But the most expensive are not the best either – companies that prove ethical in production tend not to rip customers off on prices either! So always look closer than the price alone.
These tips helped me do my research, and I’ve looked at a LOT of different products over the years.
In the end this is the omega 3-6-9 supplement that I chose, and it’s the one I still use every day.
I hope these tips help you to navigate your way through the confusing omega 3-6-9 supplement maze. Let me know if you found this helpful or if you have any questions.
