"Fish Oil": $$ and Favorite Brands of Omega-3 Supplements

Over the years, many of us parents have investigated different brands of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for purity and palatability. How much EPA and/or DHA is needed for the type of symptoms our child has also been an issue. Some health care providers say GLA is important as well for some individuals who might have a problem converting. We've also come up with ideas about affordability. Here are our "secrets."

We have already discussed benefits of omega-3 fatty acids such as reducing arthritic inflammation, depression and cardiovascular risk, improving attention and mood stability in bipolar disorder, preserving brain and vision health, reducing risk of diabetes and schizophrenia, and even re-growing brain tissue lost to degeneration in these illnesses ( Brain Health: Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil) ).

We have also discussed the differences between formulations and how much fish oil is required for healthy people versus those with various special requirements ( Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil): EPA, DHA, and How Much is Enough? ).

We even know that brain health begins before birth. Healthy pregnant and nursing mothers give their babies a boost. We need to provide proper nutrients to our babies. Omega-3 fatty acids boost brain development in our children (IQ, vison, coordination, mood, attention). But we need these nutrients all through life. Some children and adults need more than others.

So now the questions remaining are how to afford this, and which ones should we buy for ourselves and for our children.

We can not say which is the "best" brand, since that is a choice one has to make based on personal requirements, including how much EPA or DHA is required (for instance, research shows that for "schizophrenia/bipolar" spectrum illnesses higher EPA may be what's critical, but for brain growth and damage, DHA may be more important. Others add that GLA is equally important to some individuals). We can give a list of "good" brands, and tell a bit about each.

But first, let's talk about finances.

ONLY buy high quality that has been purified with heavy metals and toxins removed. These have unfortunately been accumulating in fish around the world. High quality brands can be cost $25-$60 per month. That is still cheaper than many medications that don't have the associated health benefits. But even that price can be "too much" for many people to afford. Here are some of our tips.

Finances:

With a "prescription" from the doctor, food supplements can be tax-exempt. It can be paid for with funds from a pre-tax medical savings plan.

Other people let medical insurance pay for their Omega-3 supplement. One pharmaceutical company (Reliant Pharmaceuticals) had their formulation (Lovaza) FDA-approved as a prescription. Touted for lowering triglyceride (bad fats) levels, it can reduce risk of coronary heart disease. Doctors often prescribe FDA-approved medications for "off-label" use, and can prescribe this medication for other medical conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder.

(Note: Although high EPA was found effective for mood, higher DHA may be recommended for brain injuries. Some people need to try each and see what works best for them as we have anecdotal reports of some ratios actually increasing irritability in some people. Consult your physician.)

Medicaid has approved this "off-label" use of prescription Lovaza for some patients.

Brands:
Here are some of our "winners". Most brands have now added some antioxidants to their formulations (most now have at the minimum, some vitamin E). Without antioxidants, essential fatty acid supplements can oxidize releasing free radicals in our bodies--something we wish to avoid. One doctor said to think omega-3 fatty acids without antioxidants as having rancid fish in our bellies.

Always remember to check ingredients for anything that may be contraindicated for the specific person taking it, such as sugars, egg, soy, nuts, etc. Also, some conditions may preclude the taking of these supplements, so always check with a doctor.

These first seven are remarkable in that they are taken as a liquid or pudding-like form and taste good!

• OmegaBrite KIDZ (4:1 EPA:DHA) 
• Natura Beyond Essential Fats (4:3:2 EPA:DHA:GLA)
• Ascenta OmegaSmooth
• Carlson For Kids Fish Oil - From Norway. Lemon or orange flavors. (1.6:1 EPA:DHA)
• Coromega (1.5:1 EPA:DHA)
• Nordic Naturals (has capsules for older children and adults as well)
• NOW Foods Omega-3 Fish Oil Molecularly Distilled Liquid Lemon (1.5:1 EPA:DHA)

This next one (OmegaBrite) is highest in EPA and has been proven in multiple studies (including double-blind placebo-controlled clinical studies) to help mood (such as bipolar) and psychotic disorders. Great for depression. As such, it is the only brand which some psychiatrists would "prescribe" (as required for tax-deductions). However, so little DHA may not be best for long-term use. Our children need to grow and RE-grow brain which may need higher DHA....

• OmegaBrite (7:1 EPA:DHA)

A less expensive version with an EPA:DHA ratio similar to OmegaBrite's is:

• Country Life Omega 3 Mood Formula (6.7:1 EPA:DHA)

This next one is formulated by the non-profit Life Extension Foundation (LEF) and has some unique anti-oxidants included. The pills, however, are quite large and might be better suited for teens and adults.

• LEF Super Omega-3 EPA/DHA with Sesame Lignans and Olive Fruit Extract (1.5:1 EPA:DHA)

Another highly touted omega-3 fatty acids supplement:

• Twinlab, Mega Twin EPA Fish Oil (2.6:1 EPA:DHA)

And of course, there is the presciption-required formulation which has the advantage for some of being covered by some medical insurance prescription plans including, for some people, Medicaid.

• Lovaza (Just over a 1:1 EPA:DHA ratio)

Krill Oil

 
Last, I must mention Neptune Krill oil which parents are increasingly saying helps with PMS (premenstrual syndrome). One huge benefit is it has naturally occurring "super antioxidants in it such as astaxathin. It reputedly has no fishy aftertaste, and is highly absorbable. It also has some unique and nutritious antioxidants such as astaxanthin.  It is more expensive than regular fish oil. The biggest downside, in my opinion, is the negative impact harvesting krill has on the ecosystem.
Read here Dr. Michael Eades' blog: "Why Krill Oil"

• Neptune Krill Oil (NKO™) -- No link. Buy NKO trademark from any reputable source.

Here is more about what Krill has that is reputed to benefit us: 

• Phosphatidylserine (PS) - supports memory, judgment, reasoning... a building block for your brain's 100 billion nerve cells.
• Choline - major chemical messenger for memory, thoughts, and other brain function. Its bioactive form promotes concentration and builds new cell membrane mass.
• DHA & EPA - mimics natural brain PS for better memory and mental performance.
• Antioxidants - especially the antioxidant standout, astaxanthin, which protects krill oil from rancidity and promotes its benefits to your brain.

Vegetarian / Vegan "Fish Oil"

The only known potentially equivalent vegetarian source of the same omega-3 fatty acids as those found in fish oil, is algae (read about it here).

Scientists are working on a vegetarian equivalent of "fish-oil" from algae. Here's a good discussion about that from NPR: Getting Brain Food Straight from the Source. They are at least obtaining the DHA from the algae, and some companies are marketing it. Apparently some companies are claiming their vegan equivalent has EPA as well.

Since the vegetarian EPA/DHA supplements are so new, it's too soon for me to comment on "favorite" brands. However, anyone is welcome to comment on a vegetarian brand they use and like.

Related Articles:

• Brain Health: Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil): EPA, DHA, and How Much is Enough?
• Inflammation of Body and Brain

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Last Updated: 6 December 2011