Now Foods Ultra Omega 3, Fish Oil Soft-gels, 180-Count
2Now Foods Ultra Omega 3, Fish Oil Soft-gels, 180-Count
- Cardiovascular support
- Supports cognitive function
- Serving size: 1 softgel
- Servings per container: 180
The Natural Fish Oil Concentrate used in this softgel is manufactured under strict quality control standards.It is tested to be free of potentially harmful levels of contaminants (i.e. mercury, heavy metals, PCB’s, dioxins, and other contaminants). Those who experience nausea or reflux from other fish oils should find this enteric coated, odor controlled softgel easier to tolerate. From the FDA’s website: Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty
List Price: $ 39.99
Price: $ 16.42
Jack Ryan
Cheapest per unit of EPA+DHA,
Fish oil supplements are hard to shop for. On the one hand there are inexpensive low quality fish oils of the type you find in the supermarket that contain little of the two fatty acids – EPA and DHA – that are responsible for fish oil’s cardiovascular and psychiatric benefits.
On the other hand there are high-quality brands like Nordic Naturals which are very expensive but also have very high amounts of EPA and DHA.
When ordering my Omega 3 supplements from Amazon this time around I wanted to find out whether it would be cheaper per unit of DHA/EPA to buy lots of low quality fish oil or just a few bottles of the high quality stuff.
So I made up a simple excel sheet to calculate the price per unit of DHA/EPA using prices on Amazon in late June 2011. What I found out was surprising.
Cost per gram of EPA + DHA:
Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Formula, 180-Count: $0.39
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega, 1,000 mg Fish Oil, 180 Soft Gels: $0.30
Ultimate Omega Liquid by Nordic Naturals – 8 Fluid Ounces: $0.47
Kirkland Signature Enteric Coated Fish Oil Omega 3 1200 MG Fish Oil, 684 MG of Omega 3 Fatty Acids, 180 softgels (Pack of 2): $0.15
Now Foods Ultra Omega 3, Fish Oil Soft-gels, 180-Count: $0.10
First, I was surprised that the liquid product was actually more expensive than the capsules since I had always assumed the more concentrated the product the cheaper it would be in the long run. Not so.
Also surprising is that the NOW Foods product is 4 times cheaper than the Nordic Naturals brand per unit of DHA/EPA and 50% cheaper than Kirkland Signature’s product.
So, I ordered the Now Foods and after a week I can say I’m very happy. The capsules are large and may be difficult for some people, but no problem for me. (Nordic Naturals are smaller and easier to swallow).
One issue with all nutritional supplements of course is the accuracy of the labeling. Companies are not required to prove their products actually contain the advertised amounts of the supplement. Obviously with a product so much cheaper than its competitors, that was a concern with this brand. But after a week on it I feel the same effects as I have with Nordic Naturals in the past, so subjectively at least the amounts advertised seem accurate.
I’ve noticed no burping, and the capsules seemed super well sealed. According to NOW’s website its fish oil is molecularly distilled and thus free of contaminants.
In my mind there’s no need to go for a product that is 3 to 4 times more expensive unless you really cannot swallow a largish pill.
Also worth mentioning is that the high ratio of EPA to DHA is ideal for those using omega 3s for psychiatric conditions like depression and works fine for those looking for the cardio benefits.
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|A. Rodgers
Better Than Higher Priced Supplements,
I was buying concentrated fish oil from a naturopathic pharmacy at three times the cost. These softgels pack the same amount of EPA and DHA (the important acids) in every capsule as the higher-priced alternative. Most fish oil softgels have a lot less concentration and you have to take 6 or more per day, but not with these. I’ve also found that these softgels are easy on my stomach, with no nausea or reflux, due to the enteric coating (which prevents digestion in the stomach and delays it until the softgel reaches the small intestine). I am delighted that good quality, concentrated fish oil is more affordable and thus more available, because the health benefits are amazing.
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