Super EPA

For general health, 1-2g of combined EPA+DHA daily. For therapeutic use (triglycerides, inflammation, mood), 2-4g combined EPA+DHA. Check the label for EPA+DHA content per serving — many fish oils have only 300mg per 1000mg capsule, requiring 6-8 capsules for a therapeutic dose. Concentrated formulas provide 600-900mg per capsule.

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is primarily anti-inflammatory — best for joint pain, cardiovascular health, and mood disorders. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is structural — it comprises 40% of brain polyunsaturated fats and is critical for cognitive function, eye health, and fetal development. Most people benefit from both; higher EPA for inflammation, higher DHA for brain health.

Low-quality fish oil can cause fishy aftertaste and burping. Solutions: take with food, choose enteric-coated capsules, refrigerate the bottle (slows breakdown), or use a concentrated triglyceride-form fish oil (higher quality = less burping). If you still experience burps, the oil may be oxidized — check the expiration date and smell the capsule.

Krill oil has better absorption per gram (phospholipid form) and contains astaxanthin (antioxidant), but it's significantly more expensive per mg of EPA+DHA. For therapeutic doses (2-4g EPA+DHA), fish oil is more practical and cost-effective. Krill oil is a good choice for general wellness at maintenance doses.

Fish oil has mild blood-thinning properties. If you're taking warfarin, aspirin, or other anticoagulants, consult your physician before starting high-dose omega-3. At standard doses (1-2g), the risk is low, but your INR may need monitoring. Stop fish oil 1-2 weeks before scheduled surgery.

Look for: third-party tested for heavy metals and oxidation (IFOS 5-star rated), triglyceride form (not ethyl ester), high EPA+DHA per capsule (600mg+ combined), and molecular distillation for purity. The Gabriel Score evaluates all of these quality signals automatically.