What are fish oil supplements?
Fish oil supplements contain oil extracted from fish and are a source of omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA. They are available in capsule or liquid form.
Fish oil is used to supplement the diet with these fatty acids. This is useful, for example, if you eat little or no fish, or have an increased need for omega-3 fatty acids (such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women).
But what exactly is omega-3 and what does it do for you?
Omega 3
Omega-3 is a group of essential fatty acids that you must obtain through your diet. The three most important are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
EPA, DHA and ALA
EPA and DHA are mainly found in oily fish and seafood, while ALA is found in vegetable oils.
Good to know : Your body needs to convert ALA into EPA and DHA, but this process is limited and inefficient. Only a small percentage of ALA is converted into EPA and DHA. Therefore, it's often more important to get EPA and DHA directly from fish or supplements to ensure you get enough of these omega-3 fatty acids.
Why take fish oil?
Omega-3 fatty acids are perhaps among the most researched fats. They have great potential. EPA and DHA are known to have the most health benefits. (1) (2)
These are some effects that have been scientifically proven (so far):
- The combination of DHA and EPA is beneficial for blood pressure and the heart. Together, they contribute to maintaining normal blood lipid levels .
- DHA is good for vision and is an important building block for the brain. During pregnancy, maternal DHA intake contributes to the normal development of the eyes and brain of the fetus and breastfed infants .
- ALA helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels .
What types of fish oil supplements are there?
Fish oil supplements are available in capsule or liquid form. The liquid form is especially practical for children or the elderly, who often have difficulty swallowing capsules.
Algal oil
Besides fish oil, there are also algae oil supplements, which provide a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Algal oil is often referred to as omega-3 oil or algae oil.
Krill oil
Other omega-3 supplements include krill oil and flaxseed oil, which offer different sources and forms of omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega 3 in food: Where is it found?
The Health Council recommends that adults consume 200 milligrams of EPA and DHA fatty acids daily. This can be achieved by eating oily fish, such as mackerel, herring, salmon, or sardines, about once a week.
If you don't eat fish, you can get ALA from plant sources. ALA is mainly found in flaxseed (oil), rapeseed oil, soybean oil, walnuts, and in smaller amounts in green leafy vegetables.
Our fish oil supplements
Natuurlijk Presteren's fish oil supplements are made from smaller fish species, which absorb fewer contaminants, resulting in a purer and higher-quality product. Thanks to this high purity, you won't experience any acid reflux.
In addition, our fish oil products have been tested for all possible contaminants!
Frambomega - 250 ml
Ideal for children and adults who have difficulty swallowing capsules.
Natural taste and odor : The fish oil has a light taste and odor due to the freshness and addition of raspberry extract.
High concentration of omega-3 : One teaspoon contains three times more omega-3 than a capsule
Ultra Omega-3
Natural ratio of EPA and DHA : Contains 330 mg EPA and 220 mg DHA per capsule in the optimal ratio.
Added vitamin E : Natural vitamin E protects the omega-3 fatty acids against oxidation, thus preserving their quality.
Sources Used
- In major meta-analysis of clinical trials, omega-3 fish oil supplements linked with lower cardiovascular disease risk. (2024, April 19).
- Krupa, K.N., Fritz, K., & Parmar, M. (2024, February 28). Omega-3 fatty acids . StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564314/
