SupplementScience

Types of Omega-3: Forms & Bioavailability

DJP
Reviewed by , MD, Board Certified Internal Medicine

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Forms Comparison

FormBioavailabilityBest For
Triglyceride (rTG) Fish OilHigh (124% relative to EE form)General supplementation — natural form, best absorption
Ethyl Ester (EE) Fish OilModerateBudget option — most common form, adequate absorption with food
Algal Oil (Vegan DHA+EPA)HighVegans and vegetarians — sustainably sourced, no fish allergen risk
Krill OilHighPhospholipid-bound EPA/DHA — enhanced absorption, includes astaxanthin
Icosapent Ethyl (Vascepa)HighCardiovascular risk reduction — prescription pure EPA, used in REDUCE-IT trial

Triglyceride (rTG) Fish Oil

Bioavailability: High (124% relative to EE form). Best for: General supplementation — natural form, best absorption.

Ethyl Ester (EE) Fish Oil

Bioavailability: Moderate. Best for: Budget option — most common form, adequate absorption with food.

Algal Oil (Vegan DHA+EPA)

Bioavailability: High. Best for: Vegans and vegetarians — sustainably sourced, no fish allergen risk.

Krill Oil

Bioavailability: High. Best for: Phospholipid-bound EPA/DHA — enhanced absorption, includes astaxanthin.

Icosapent Ethyl (Vascepa)

Bioavailability: High. Best for: Cardiovascular risk reduction — prescription pure EPA, used in REDUCE-IT trial.

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References

  1. (). Cardiovascular Risk Reduction with Icosapent Ethyl for Hypertriglyceridemia. New England Journal of Medicine. DOI
  2. (). Efficacy of omega-3 PUFAs in depression: A meta-analysis. Translational Psychiatry. DOI
  3. (). Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: from molecules to man. Biochemical Society Transactions. DOI
  4. (). Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and the brain: a review of the independent and shared effects of EPA, DPA and DHA. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. DOI