SUPPLI-X DeepSea Omega-3 EPA DHA fish oil softgels

Omega-3: Why Most Supplements Fail and What to Look For

April 26, 2026

Why omega-3 is non-negotiable

EPA and DHA, the two long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, support normal brain function, heart health and joint comfort*. The Western diet is chronically deficient – we eat 15-20x more omega-6 than omega-3.

The dirty secret of cheap fish oil

Omega-3 oxidizes fast. By the time some capsules reach you, the TOTOX (total oxidation) value can already be high. Oxidized oil is the opposite of what you want.

The 5-point quality test

TOTOX < 10 – ask for the certificate, not just the label
Triglyceride form (rTG), not ethyl ester – better absorption
IFOS 5-star certified – independent purity test for heavy metals and PCBs
EPA + DHA stated in mg – not "1000 mg fish oil" with 200 mg actual omega-3
Dark glass bottle or opaque foil – light kills omega-3 fast

Dosage that actually works

Follow the suggested use on your product's label and talk to your healthcare provider before taking higher amounts. Take with the largest meal of the day for best absorption.

Algae oil for vegans

DHA from algae is the original source – fish get omega-3 from algae too. Algae oil is now competitive in price and 100% sustainable.

EPA vs. DHA: what is the difference?

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are the two long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found mainly in oily fish. Both matter, but they play different roles:

EPA is the omega-3 most often studied for overall wellness and an active lifestyle.*
DHA is a major structural fat in the brain and the retina of the eye.*

Plant sources such as flax and chia contain ALA, a shorter omega-3. Your body converts only a small share of ALA into EPA and DHA, which is why fish oil or algae oil is the more direct route.

How to read an omega-3 label

The front of the bottle often shows the total fish oil amount (for example "1,000 mg fish oil"). That number is not what counts. Turn the bottle around and look for:

EPA and DHA in milligrams, listed separately.
Serving size. Some brands list EPA + DHA for two or three softgels, which makes a single capsule look stronger than it is.
Combined EPA + DHA per day. This is the number to compare between brands.
Vitamin E or another antioxidant to protect the oil from oxidation.

Example: SUPPLI-X Omega-3 provides 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA per softgel, so two softgels a day give you 600 mg EPA + DHA combined.

How to take omega-3

Take it with a meal that contains some fat. This helps absorption and reduces fishy aftertaste.
Split the dose if you take two softgels: one with breakfast, one with dinner.
Store it cool and dry, away from heat and direct sunlight.
Be consistent. Omega-3 levels in the body build up over weeks, not days.

FAQ

Do I still need omega-3 if I eat fish?
If you eat oily fish such as salmon, mackerel or sardines twice a week, you may already get a good amount. Many people eat much less than that.

Why do some fish oils cause fishy burps?
Usually because the oil is oxidized or taken on an empty stomach. Fresh oil, vitamin E and taking it with food all help.

Can I take omega-3 with other supplements?
Yes, it is often combined with vitamin D and magnesium. If you take blood-thinning medication, talk to your doctor first.

What we recommend

Our SUPPLI-X Premium Omega-3 Complex provides 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA per softgel from fish oil concentrate – 600 mg EPA + DHA at the suggested two softgels daily – with vitamin E added. A Certificate of Analysis is available on request.

Bottom line

If you cannot read the TOTOX value of your fish oil, do not swallow it. When it comes to omega-3, quality matters more than the number on the front of the bottle.