The Carlson Omega-3 Difference

At Carlson, our high-quality omega-3 products are closely managed from sea to store. We source the highest quality, deep, cold water fish using traditional, sustainable methods. Carlson liquid fish oils are bottled with a touch of antioxidants and are given a nitrogen flush to remove air, prevent oxidation, and ensure long-lasting freshness. Our soft gels are encapsulated using the same high standards.

Professional strength
Superior purity and potency
Ultimate freshness
Sustainably sourced
IFOS and IGEN certified
Award winning taste
Molecularly distilled
Nitrogen flushed

Award-Winning Quality

IFOS Program

International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS) is the only third-party testing and certification program exclusively for fish oil supplements. This voluntary program tests the purity, potency, and freshness of fish oils. Carlson has received a five-star rating on more than 30 of our omega-3 fish oils.

FOS Program

Friend of the Sea (FOS) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization, whose mission is marine habitat conservation. Known for their strict guidelines and procedures, FOS is a leading international certifiecation project. Carlson and its suppliers hold FOS certifications.

IGEN Non-GMO Program

International GMO Evaluation and Notification (IGEN) is a voluntary third-party certification program that tests for the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The IGEN non-GMO icon can be found on the front of all tested Carlson omega-3 products.

ITQI Superior Taste Award

Carlson delicious and natural liquid fish oil flavors have been honored with Superior Taste Awards from the renowned chefs and sommeliers of the International Taste & Quality Institute (ITQI).

Omega-3 Fish Oil Forms

Fish oils are commonly available in four forms: TG (Natural Triglyceride), EE (Ethyl Ester), rTG (Re-Esterified Triglyceride), and PL (Phospholipid). Whether we choose a TG, EE, rTG, or PL oil, our EPA and DHA blood levels can be easily raised to an optimal amount when taken daily.

Omega-3 supplements are lifestyle supplements meant to be taken long-term for the benefits associated with an EPA and DHA red blood cell concentration above 8%. An appropriate dose of any form can achieve this goal and help maintain optimal omega-3 levels.

Natural Triglyceride

Fish naturally contain the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA as triglyceride esters (TG). Natural TG fish oils provide a maximum of 300 mg of combined EPA and DHA per 1,000 mg of oil (30% potency). These are the most common fish oils on the market, and some prefer them because of their close similarity to eating fish.

Ethyl Ester

Since EPA and DHA concentration and ratio can’t be altered in natural TG fish oils, the ethyl ester (EE) fish oil form was created. By removing the glycerol backbone of a TG fish oil, the result is three free fatty acids (FFAs) and a free glycerol molecule. An ethanol molecule is attached to each FFA, creating EEs.

rTG

Re-Esterified Triglyceride

Re-esterified triglycerides (rTGs) are created when EEs are freed from their attached ethanol groups and are once again bound to a glycerol backbone. rTGs retain the same potency and fatty acid ratios of their EE counterparts.

Phospholipid

Phospholipid omega-3s, derived from phosphatidyl choline, provide a potent alternative to krill oil. The superior bioavailability of phospholipid omega-3s ensures efficient absorption by the body.

While there are four common forms of marine oils, Carlson fish oils currently fall into five categories

TG: Non-concentrated 100% natural triglycerides
EE: Concentrated ethyl esters
rTG: Concentrated re-esterified triglycerides
TG & EE: A mixture of natural TG form and potent EE form
PL: Phospholipids from herring caviar extract

Why Omega-3s?

There are more than 40,000 published studies on omega-3s, making them some of the most studied nutrients in the world. Omega-3s provide many important health benefits, from brain and heart health to mood and skin health. And they’re considered “essential” because our body can’t make them, so we must obtain them through our diet. Since most of us don’t eat a lot of fish, a supplement may be a great option.

Omega-3s are abundant in: