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Nordic Naturals vs. Carlson vs. Nature Made vs. Garden of Life: Which Wins the Fish Oil Brand Showdown?

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Nordic Naturals vs. Carlson vs. Nature Made vs. Garden of Life: Which Wins the Fish Oil Brand Showdown?

Fish oil is one of the most commonly consumed dietary supplements. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are very important for your health. Your body needs omega-3 fatty acids for many functions, from muscle activity to cell growth. Omega-3 fatty acids are derived from food. They can't be manufactured in the body. So if you don’t eat a lot of oily fish, taking a fish oil supplement could help you get enough omega-3 fatty acids. Common fish oil brands on the market are Nordic Naturals, Carlson, Nature Made, and Garden of Life. But which one is the best fish oil supplement brand? We reviewed these four brands to help you find the best fish oil for your daily life, evaluated quality, and bestsellers, and determined which one is best for you.

Cover Photo:whatwolf on freepik.com

1. Nordic Naturals

Nordic Naturals, Inc. was founded by Norwegian born, Joar Opheim, who recognized the lack of fish oils in the United States when he first arrived here 20 years ago. “Having been born and raised in Arctic Norway, where the fishing industry is a crucial part of both the commerce and academia, he was aware of the importance of pure Omega-3 in the diet.” Today Nordic Naturals is the leading supplier of fish oils to the natural product industry, as well as the professional market and prominent research organizations. Their fish oils are produced from the highest quality raw materials and processed with innovative, multi-patented technologies, allowing them to deliver levels of freshness, purity, and taste unheard of only a few years ago.

1. Exceeds International Pharmaceutical Standards

Standards are set to protect consumers. Fish oil quality standards do not exist in the United States. To ensure consistent quality, Nordic Naturals adheres to and exceeds the stringent Norwegian Medicinal Standard (NMS) and the European Pharmacopoeia Standard (EPS) for all of their products. These standards guarantee quality products by setting maximum allowances on peroxides, heavy metals, dioxins, and PCBs.

2. Exceptional Freshness Levels

Freshness, which ensures product integrity and biological efficacy, may be the single most important quality of fish oils. Nordic Naturals’ patented, oxygen-free manufacturing process delivers peroxide values (indicators of freshness) down to absolute 0.0 mEq/kg, with an average of 0.75 mEq/kg, or approximately 14 times below the Norwegian Medicinal Standard and European Pharmacopoeia Standard limits.

In addition to measuring peroxide levels, Nordic Naturals measures a second important marker of freshness known as anisidine. As peroxides are further oxidized they form compounds that are quantified as the anisidine value. Whereas peroxide levels reflect current oxidation, anisidine value is a measure of past oxidation. The lower the peroxide and anisidine value, the fresher the fish oil.

3. Award-Winning Purity

Purity is a significant concern among fish oil consumers. Nordic Naturals’ raw material is harvested from some of the cleanest waters in the world, and is tested by independent laboratories for heavy metals and over 210 other environmental contaminants. Nordic Naturals was ranked #1 out of the top 10 fish oil brands in Norway for highest concentration, freshness, and purity.

4. Outstanding Taste

The key objections to taking fish oils are taste and aftertaste. Nordic Naturals utilizes a proprietary enzymatic process to ensure a completely repeat-free product. Their patented manufacturing process adds natural fruit essences into both the capsule and oil for a light, fruity taste. Years of feedback from health professionals and customers indicate that children, teenagers, and adults of all ages enjoy the clean, natural taste of Nordic Naturals fish oils.

5. Multi-Patented Manufacturing Process

Without chemicals or excessive heat. Nordic Naturals’ multi-patented manufacturing processes, accompanied by leading-edge processing technologies, deliver fish oil with exceptional freshness and purity levels. Nordic Naturals uses several steps in processing the oils, from water and clay filters to an enzymatic molecular distillation process.

Nordic Naturals aims to minimize heat and preserve the natural constituents of the oil to the highest degree possible. They only use natural enzymes to form triglycerides for all their high concentrate products, with no chemicals or excessive heat. All their products are manufactured in triglyceride form in order to best preserve the oil and enhance absorption and utilization.

Source:nordic.com

Best Sellers

1. Nordic Naturals, Daily Omega Kids, Natural Fruit Flavor

Chewable Daily Omega Kids offers all the omega-3s children ages 3+ need to support brain and visual function- in just one soft gel a day.

Doctor recommended, every batch of Nordic Natural fish oil is tested by a third-party certified lab for environmental toxins, including heavy metals. All fish oils are in the triglyceride form and surpass the strictest international standard for purity and freshness.

Superior Triglyceride Form
Non GMO Verified
Doctor Recommended
Brain & Visual Function
Dietary Supplement
One Daily

Source:iherb.com

2. Nordic Naturals, Ultimate Omega, Lemon 640 mg, 180 Soft Gels

The #1-selling omega-3 in the U.S., Ultimate Omega offers concentrated levels of omega-3s for high-intensity essential fatty acid support. Ultimate Omega helps optimize immune function, supports brain health, and has been clinically shown to support a healthy heart.

Every batch of Nordic Naturals fish oils is tested by a third-party certified lab for environmental toxins, including heavy metals. All fish oils are in the triglyceride form and surpass the strictest international standards for purity and freshness.

Healthy Heart
Brain Health
Optimal Wellness
Great Lemon Taste!
1280 mg Omega-3
Superior Triglyceride Form
Non GMO Verified
Third-Party Purity Tested
Dietary Supplement
Molecularly Distilled | Guaranteed Purity
Wild Caught
Pure
No Fishy Aftertaste
Friend of the Sea Certified Sustainable

Source:iherb.com

3. Nordic Naturals, Omega-3, Lemon, 1560 mg, 8 fl oz

Nordic Naturals Omega-3 offers 1560 mg of omega-3 per serving, far surpassing the expert-recommended dose of 500 mg per day. Adequate omega-3 intake is essential to support good nutrition and overall well-being, including healthy heart and brain function, as well as mood, cognition, and immunity.

Healthy Heart
Brain Health
Optimal Wellness
Great Lemon Taste!
Non-GMO Verified
Third-Party Purity Tested
Superior Triglyceride Form
Dietary Supplement
Pharmaceutical Grade | Guaranteed Purity
Wild Caught
Pure
No Fishy Aftertaste
Friend of the Sea Certified

Source:iherb.com

Where to buy Nordic Naturals?

You can go iHerb to buy Nordic Naturals fish oils, and don't forget to sign up at Extrabux (What is Extrabux?) , then you can get up to 5% super cashback from Extrabux! Sign-Up Bonus: Free to join it & get $20 welcome bonus!

You can also go to Nordic Naturals official website to buy fish oils. No cashback.

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2. Carlson

Since 1965, Carlson Labs has produced pure, quality, award-winning vitamins, minerals, fish oils, and other nutritional supplements. The company began with a single vitamin E product in Founder Susan Carlson’s small Chicago apartment and quickly grew to offer the most complete line of all-natural vitamin E supplements in the world.

In the early 1980s, they helped launch the omega-3 market in North America, importing their first high-quality, great-tasting, sustainable fish oils from Norway. In 2009, they released a new marine oil sourced from an abundant species of calamari.

Carlson Labs now offers more than 200 unique products designed with your family’s unique nutritional needs in mind.

Source:carlsonlabs.com

Best Sellers

1. Carlson Labs, Wild Caught, Super Omega-3 Gems

Super Omega-3 Gems provide the beneficial omega-3's EPA and DHA, which supports heart, brain, vision and joint health, and promote optimal wellness. To ensure maximum freshness, Super Omega-3 Gems are closely managed from sea to store. They source the highest quality, deep, cold-water fish using traditional, sustainable methods.

Igen - Non-GMO Testing
Freshness & Potency Purity Guaranteed
1,200 mg Omega-3s
Dietary Supplement
Cardiovascular Support
Brain Function
Vision Health
An FDA Regulated Facility
Gluten-Free
No Artificial Preservatives

Source:iherb.com

2. Carlson Labs, Wild Caught, Elite Omega-3 Gems, Natural Lemon Flavor

Elite Omega-3 Gems are a professional strength, lemon flavored fish oil concentrate. Each serving provides 1,600 mg of omega-3s, including the most beneficial omega-3s EPA and DHA, which support heart, brain, vision, and joint health. To ensure maximum freshness, their fish oil is sourced from deep, cold water fish using traditional, sustainable methods and is closely managed from sea to store.

Igen Non-GMO Tested
1,600 mg Omega-3s
Freshness & Potency - Purity Guaranteed
Dietary Supplement
Healthy Heart
Brain Function
Vision Health
Gluten-Free
No Artificial Preservatives
An FDA Regulated Facility
IFOS
Friend of The Sea

Source:iherb.com

#1 & #2 are regularly tested by independent FDA registered laboratories. It has been determined to be fresh and fully potent (per AOCS international protocols) and is free of detrimental levels of mercury, cadmium, lead, PCBs and 28 other contaminants.

3. Carlson Labs, Kid's Norwegian, The Very Finest Fish Oil, Natural Lemon

Children 1 year of age and older: Take 1/2 teaspoonful once or twice daily at mealtime. Consult your pediatrician before giving to children under 1 year of age. Refrigerated and preferably use within 100 days.

Igen Non-GMO Tested
Superior Taste Award
800 mg Omega-3s
Freshness & Potency Purity Guaranteed
Dietary Supplement
Heart Function
Brain Support
Healthy Development
Gluten Free
No Artificial Preservatives
IFOS

This product is regularly tested by independent FDA registered laboratories. It has been determined to be fresh and fully potent (per AOCS international protocols) and is free of detrimental levels of mercury, cadmium, lead, PCBs and 28 other contaminants.

Source:iherb.com

Where to buy Carlson?

Go iHerb to buy Carlson fish oils through Extrabux, then you can get up to 6% super cashback. You can also go to Carlson Labs official website.

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3. Nature Made

At Nature Made,

they create thoughtfully designed products to fit your lifestyle needs at every stage. Some of their notable products include a fish oil supplement, a melatonin supplement, and multivitamin tablets. They are also known because they utilize unique combinations of vitamins to create their supplements.

Nature Made goes the extra step to ensure their vitamins and supplements are USP verified when possible. Meaning they've been tested for purity and potency by the U.S. Pharmacopeia so you know you're getting the good stuff.

They’re pretty obsessed with quality. That’s why with everything from ingredient sourcing and industry-leading manufacturing practices, to investment in new innovations, they make it their responsibility to be a leader in delivering quality products and a quality consumer experience.

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is a scientific, nonprofit organization that sets federally recognized public standards of quality for medicines, dietary supplements, and foods. USP has been establishing standards since 1820, and today USP standards are used by manufacturers and regulators in more than 140 countries. While others may provide testing and quality seals, USP is the only standards-setting organization recognized in U.S. federal law that offers third-party verification.

Source:naturemade.com

Best Sellers

1. Nature Made, Fish Oil, Burp-Less, 1,200 mg

Nature Made Fish Oil supply comes from wild caught ocean fish, not farm raised fish.

Based on Pharmacy Times Survey of pharmacists recommending Omega-3/Fish Oil Supplements. Purified to remove PCBs, dioxins and furans, and mercury to ensure levels below 0.09 ppm, 2 ppt WHO TEQs, and 0.1 ppm respectively.

#1 Pharmacist Recommended
Burp-Less
360 mg Omega-3
Helps Support a Healthy Heart
Purified to Remover Mercury
Value Size
Dietary Supplement
No Color Added
No Artificial Flavors
Gluten Free

Source:iherb.com

2. Nature Made, Fish Oil, 1,200 mg, 100 Softgels

Fish Oil Country of Origin: Peru. Encapsulated and quality tested in the USA. USP has tested and verified ingredients, potency and manufacturing process. USP sets official standards for dietary supplement. Nature Made Fish Oil supply comes from wild caught ocean fish, not farm raised fish.

#1 Pharmacist Recommended Vitamin & Supplement Brand
USP - Dietary Supplement Verified
360 mg - Omega-3
Helps Support A Healthy Heart
Purified to Remove Mercury
No Color Added
No Artificial Flavors
Gluten Free

Source:iherb.com

Where to buy Nature Made?

Go iHerb to buy Nature Made through Extrabux, then you can get up to 6% super cashback. You can also go to Nature Made official website through Extrabux, then you can get 2% super cashback.

4. Garden of Life

For more than 14 years, Garden of Life’s mission has been Empowering Extraordinary Health. The human body craves the nutrition found in food, and Garden of Life's goal is to feed that need with cleanest, highest quality whole-food ingredients possible. No synthetic nutrients, artificial flavors, sweeteners or chemical preservatives are ever added to their products.

The organic vitamins, doctor-formulated probiotics and plant-powered proteins you'll find in this line provide fuel and nourishment from real fruits, vegetables, herbs and superfoods, with many formulas bearing the USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified seals.

Garden of Life’s commitment to health goes beyond offering some of the most effective nutritional products in the world. Of equal importance is their quest to preserve the integrity of the planet through eco-friendly initiatives and by supporting relevant philanthropic organizations throughout the world in desperate need of help.

Source:gardenoflife.com

Best Sellers

1. Garden of Life, Dr. Formulated, Advanced Omega, Lemon, 180 Softgels

Traceable and sustainably sourced only from anchovy, this high potency omega-3 formula supports heart, brain and overall wellness. Formulated with specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM), compounds that naturally support normal inflammatory responses in the body.

Brain & Heart Health
MSC
Non GMO Project Verified
1,290 mg EPA, DHA Plus DPA
Triglyceride Form
90 Day Supply
Dietary Supplement
Freshness - Purity- Potency
Certified B Corporation

Source:iherb.com

Where to buy Garden of Life?

Go iHerb to buy Garden of Life through Extrabux, then you can get up to 6% super cashback. You can also go to Garden of Life official website.

Verdict

Nordic Naturals and Carlson are two highly reputable fish oil brands that come to mind. Both products are superior in quality. If you’re interested in a taking a soft-gel capsule, either choice is a good one. Personally, I favor the versatility and (surprisingly!) pleasant taste of Carlson’s ‘The Very Finest’ lemon flavored fish oil liquid.

In addition to taste, I appreciate Carlson’s fish oil for its ratio of EPA and DHA. While there’s no official recommendation for which ratio is preferred, keep in mind that EPA and DHA play different roles in the body. EPA has stronger heart, mood, and joint health benefits, whereas DHA promotes brain development, memory, and cognition. At 800mg EPA and 500mg DHA per teaspoon, Carlson’s product has a healthy balance of the two. Though every fish oil supplement is different; if you have specific health concerns, choose one with a ratio that favors the benefits you’re looking for.