Fish Oil & Omega-3

Fish oil is one of the most-shopped supplements anywhere, and omega-3s are the reason why. At Greenbrook we carry a wide range, from everyday softgels to concentrated liquids, because the right choice comes down to your priorities, your palate, and how you like to take your daily omega-3.

Fish oil is a source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA for the maintenance of good health. These are the two omega-3s that get the most attention, and together they help support cognitive health, help support cardiovascular health, and help support the maintenance of good health overall. Because the body cannot make these fatty acids on its own, many people top up with a daily supplement — especially those who do not eat oily fish regularly.

Format is usually the first decision. Softgels are the most popular choice: they are convenient, portable, and mask the taste of the oil. Liquids let you take a larger serving in a single spoonful and are often flavoured — lemon and other citrus flavours are common — and many shoppers who want a generous daily amount prefer them. Both deliver the same EPA and DHA; it comes down to convenience versus a bigger serving in one go.

Freshness matters more with fish oil than with most supplements, because the delicate fatty acids can turn over time. Look for products that are packaged to protect the oil, consider enteric-coated softgels if you would rather avoid any fishy aftertaste, and check for generic third-party purity and freshness testing, which many quality brands highlight on the label. Once opened, liquids and many softgels are best kept refrigerated.

When choosing, decide whether you want a softgel or a liquid, look at the balance of EPA and DHA if you have a particular focus in mind, and favour a product with clear sourcing and freshness information. Store your fish oil in a cool place, refrigerate after opening where directed, and keep it sealed. As with any supplement, speak with your health-care practitioner before adding it to your routine.

DHA

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is one of the two headline omega-3s in fish oil, and it is a structural fatty acid — meaning it is a building-block component found in the brain and eyes. Shoppers who are especially interested in cognitive support and eye health often look for a product with a higher share of DHA, and it is a common focus in omega-3s aimed at those routines, as well as in prenatal and children's formulas. DHA helps support cognitive health and, alongside EPA, contributes to the maintenance of good health. If brain and eye support is your main reason for taking omega-3, a DHA-forward product is worth a look.

Why do people look for a higher-DHA fish oil?
DHA is a structural fatty acid found in the brain and eyes, so shoppers focused on cognitive and eye support often prefer a product with a larger share of DHA.

EPA

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is the other headline omega-3 in fish oil, and it works alongside DHA to help support cardiovascular health and the maintenance of good health. Shoppers with a particular interest in a balanced everyday omega-3 often choose products that provide a healthy amount of EPA, and many general-purpose fish oils are built around a blend of EPA and DHA together. Because the two complement each other, plenty of people simply look for a well-rounded product that supplies both. If you want a versatile daily omega-3, an EPA-and-DHA blend is the most common pick.

What is the difference between EPA and DHA?
Both are long-chain omega-3s from fish oil. DHA is more of a structural fatty acid tied to the brain and eyes, while EPA is often chosen for cardiovascular-support routines. Many products blend the two.

Wild-Sourced Fish Oil

Wild-sourced fish oil comes from wild-caught fish — often small, fast-reproducing species like anchovies, sardines, and mackerel that sit low on the food chain. Shoppers choose wild-sourced products both for the sourcing story and because sustainability certifications are common in this part of the category. Many quality brands highlight where their fish come from and carry third-party sustainability marks on the label. The oil delivers the same EPA and DHA for the maintenance of good health as any other fish oil. If sustainable, transparent sourcing matters to you, look for a wild-sourced product that names its fishery and certifications.

Why choose wild-sourced fish oil?
Shoppers pick it for the sourcing transparency and for the sustainability certifications common in this part of the category. Many quality brands name the species and fishery on the label.

Frequently asked questions

What are EPA and DHA?

They are the two main long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil. Fish oil is a source of EPA and DHA for the maintenance of good health, and together they help support cognitive and cardiovascular health.

Softgels or liquid — which should I choose?

Softgels are convenient, portable, and mask the taste of the oil. Liquids let you take a generous serving in one spoonful and are often flavoured. Both deliver the same omega-3s, so it comes down to convenience versus serving size.

How do I know a fish oil is fresh?

Look for products packaged to protect the delicate oil, check for generic third-party purity and freshness testing that many quality brands highlight, and refrigerate after opening where directed. A fresh product should not smell strongly fishy.

What is an enteric-coated softgel?

It is a softgel with a coating designed to pass through the stomach before dissolving, which many shoppers choose to avoid any fishy aftertaste or repeat. It is a matter of comfort and preference.

Can I take fish oil with vitamin D?

Many shoppers pair the two, and you will often see omega-3 and vitamin D taken together as part of a daily routine. If you are combining several supplements, your health-care practitioner can help you plan what works for you.

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