Understanding Our Fish Oil Forms
What is the difference between TG and EE fish oil? Carlson offers multiple omega-3 forms to match your health goals.
| Form | Description | Potency (EPA+DHA) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural TG (Triglyceride) | Closest to eating fish — the form naturally found in fish | Up to 30% | Those preferring natural fish oil structure |
| EE (Ethyl Ester) | Concentrated form for higher EPA/DHA ratios | 40–70% | Higher-dose omega-3 needs |
| rTG (Re-Esterified TG) | Concentrated, then converted back to triglyceride form | 40–70% | High potency with TG bioavailability |
| PL (Phospholipid) | Derived from phosphatidylcholine — highly bioavailable | Superior absorption | Brain health, superior absorption |
Our Quality Standards
| Standard | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Third-Party Tested | Every product tested by FDA-registered laboratories for potency and purity |
| IFOS 5-Star Rated | 30+ fish oils have earned the highest rating in the only third-party certification program exclusively for omega-3 supplements — testing for mercury, PCBs, and 28 other contaminants |
| IGEN Non-GMO Certified | Verified free of genetically modified organisms |
| Friend of the Sea Certified | Sustainable sourcing verified by independent non-profit dedicated to marine habitat conservation |
| WBENC Certified | Women's Business Enterprise National Council certification — independently verified women-owned and led |
| Superior Taste Awards | Recognized by the International Taste & Quality Institute (ITQI) |
| Contaminant-Free | Tested for mercury, PCBs, lead, cadmium, and 28 other contaminants |
| GMP Manufacturing | Produced in FDA-registered U.S. facilities adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices |
Healthy Recipes
Try some of our healthy recipes, packed with omega-3s and other beneficial nutrients.
60 Years of Quality
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1965 | Founded by pharmacist Susan Carlson in Chicago — created one of the first full vitamin E supplement lines in the United States |
| Early 1980s | Helped launch the omega-3 market in North America by importing wild-caught, sustainably sourced Norwegian fish oils |
| 2009 | Introduced calamari oil, pioneering sustainable squid-sourced omega-3s |
| 2020s | Achieved 100% plastic neutral status across the full product line |
| 2025 | Removed 250,000+ pounds of plastic from global waterways through certified removal projects |
| Today | 300+ products, women-led by Susan's daughters Carilyn Anderson (President) and Kirsten Carlson (VP), WBENC certified |
Frequently Asked Questions
Carlson has been family-owned and women-led since 1965. Every product is tested by FDA-registered laboratories for potency and purity. Our fish oils are IFOS certified — the only third-party certification program exclusively for omega-3 supplements, and we've earned over 30 of them across our fish oil line. Our full product line is 100% plastic neutral, and we've removed over 250,000 pounds of plastic from global waterways through certified removal projects.
Yes. All Carlson products are tested by FDA-registered laboratories for potency and quality. Our omega-3 supplements undergo additional third-party testing through the International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS) program, which evaluates purity, potency, and freshness. More than 30 Carlson fish oils are IFOS certified. We also hold IGEN non-GMO certification and Friend of the Sea (FOS) sustainability certification.
IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards) is the only third-party testing and certification program exclusively for fish oil supplements. It uses rigorous third-party testing to evaluate purity (testing for mercury, PCBs, and 28 other contaminants), potency (verifying EPA and DHA levels match label claims), and freshness (measuring oxidation levels). Carlson has received 5-star ratings — the maximum score — on over 30 of our omega-3 products. This is the gold standard for independent fish oil verification.
Carlson was founded in 1965 by Susan Carlson, a pharmacist in Chicago. After her father experienced relief from heart issues by taking natural-source vitamin E, Susan created one of the first full lines of vitamin E supplements in the United States. The company grew from her small Chicago apartment to a nationally recognized brand. Today, Carlson is still family-owned and led by Susan's two daughters, President Carilyn Anderson and Vice President Kirsten Carlson. We are certified by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
Yes. Carlson helped launch the omega-3 market in North America in the early 1980s by importing wild-caught, sustainably sourced fish oils from Norway. We source fish from deep, cold-water species including Arctic cod, Atlantic salmon, sardines, anchovies, and mackerel using low-impact fisheries with ethical practices. Carlson and our suppliers hold Friend of the Sea (FOS) certification, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine habitat conservation.
Every Carlson product purchased has a net-zero plastic footprint. We offset the plastic in our products through investments in certified plastic removal projects in global waterways. To date, we've helped remove more than 250,000 pounds of plastic, which is then recycled or upcycled. Our full product line is recyclable, and all display boxes are Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified. We partner with IMPACT COLLECTIVE, a group of brands committed to immediate environmental action.
Carlson offers more than 300 nutritional supplements, including vitamins, minerals, omega-3s, kids' products, and specialty formulas. Our product line includes fish oils in liquid and softgel forms, vitamin E supplements, B vitamins, vitamin D3, magnesium, zinc, and targeted formulas for heart health, brain function, immune support, and joint health. We continuously introduce new products based on the latest scientific research.
Carlson products are manufactured in FDA-registered facilities in the United States. We adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and rigorous quality control standards throughout the manufacturing process. Our omega-3 fish oils are sourced from Norway and other sustainable fisheries, then processed and bottled to ensure maximum freshness and potency.
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