Fish Oil and Omega-3: How to Read the EPA and DHA Dose
Short answer: On a fish oil or omega-3 product, the numbers that matter are the EPA and DHA, the two omega-3s researchers focus on most, not the total fish oil weight. A softgel can say "1,000 mg fish oil" and contain only a few hundred milligrams of EPA plus DHA combined. The rest is other fats. A transparent label prints the EPA and DHA amounts separately.
The label trick: total fish oil vs EPA plus DHA
"1,000 mg fish oil" is the weight of the whole oil. The omega-3s people are usually after, EPA and DHA, are only a portion of that. Flip to the Supplement Facts, find EPA and DHA, and add them up. That combined number is what you compare between products.
What to look for
- EPA and DHA listed separately, each with its own milligram amount.
- The combined EPA plus DHA total, which is the real comparison number.
- The form (triglyceride or ethyl ester) if the brand states it.
How to compare two products
- Ignore the big "fish oil" number on the front.
- Add EPA plus DHA on each label.
- Compare cost per gram of EPA plus DHA, not cost per softgel.
FAQ
Is more total fish oil better? Not necessarily. Compare the EPA plus DHA, not the total oil weight.
Where do I find the real dose? On the Supplement Facts panel, where EPA and DHA are listed separately.
Why do two "1,000 mg" fish oils differ so much? Because their EPA and DHA content differs. The front number hides that.
The Valenco take
This is the same idea behind every Valenco label: the dose that matters is printed, not buried. Whatever omega-3 you buy, read the EPA and DHA, not the front of the bottle. valenco.org.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. No product mentioned is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.