Review: how to choose the best omega-3

Do you know it? You're standing in front of a shelf full of supplements and your head is spinning. All the boxes scream "Omega-3" at you, promising a healthy heart, a clear mind and better eyesight. But in this jungle, how do you know which product is a real treasure and which is just an expensive fish with no effect?

Don't worry, I'll walk you through it. Instead of marketing platitudes, let's look at what really matters. And we'll get straight to comparing the four most popular products on our store: the Prom-in Native Omega 3, Reflex Omega 3, Gymsupps Omega 3 and Czech Virus Omega 3 MAX.

Article content:

• Why are we crazy about Omega-3?
• Don't be fooled.
• So which one to choose? What to watch for, what to watch out for, what to watch out for, what to watch out for, what to watch out for

Why are we crazy about Omega-3s?

Think of omega-3 fatty acids as superheroes for your body. They're essential, which translates to your body can't make them and we have to supply them. The two stars are EPA and DHA. We find them mainly in oily marine fish.

And why do we need them so much?

• For the brain: DHA is literally the building block of the brain. It helps us concentrate, remember, and stay in a good mood. Scientists have even found that omega-3s can increase levels of the protein BDNF, which acts as a kind of fertilizer for our brain cells⁴.
• For the heart: EPA and DHA help keep blood pressure and blood fats normal so our heart can pump happily.
• Against inflammation: EPA is a great fighter against hidden inflammation in the body that can be behind a lot of civilization diseases.

But beware a little catch. You can also find omega-3s in flaxseed or walnuts. But that's a different, "plant-based" form (ALA) that our bodies know how to use very little of. It's the EPA and DHA from fish that do the real work¹.

Don't be fooled: 3 things to watch for

Before we get into the products themselves, let's talk about what separates the wheat from the chaff.

1. Strength in Numbers (EPA + DHA). That's just the packaging. The key is how much actual strength is in it, i.e. how many milligrams of EPA and DHA the capsule contains. Experts agree that you need to take at least 1,000 mg of EPA and DHA combined daily for a visible effect³.
2. The form that is absorbed: Now a little chemistry, but I promise it will be easy. Omega-3s can come in two forms: natural triglyceride (TG) or the cheaper and artificially modified ethyl ester (EE). Think of it as freshly squeezed juice (TG) versus juice from concentrate (EE). Your body will recognize the natural TG form and absorb it much, much better³. Always look for the letters TG on the package!
3. Don't look at theprice per package, but do the math on how much you are paying per gram of active ingredient (EPA+DHA). Sometimes a product with a higher price tag is actually cheaper in the end.

Who's with whom: Prom-in vs. Reflex vs. Gymsupps vs. Czech Virus

So, now the most important thing. Where do our four fighters stand?

Prom-in Native Omega 3 - A fair base

First up is Prom-in Native Omega 3, which we could call a fair base for everyone. In one capsule, you'll find a standard but solid dose of 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA. Most importantly, though, is the fact that the manufacturer rightfully brags about - the oil is in a natural and highly absorbable triglyceride (TG) form. And what do the users themselves on Heureka have to say about it? They literally love it, as evidenced by a rating of over 95%. They especially praise the quality for great money. As a result, it's a reliable workhorse for anyone looking for a quality base and doesn't mind reaching for 3-4 capsules a day for an optimal dose.

Reflex Omega 3 - A safe bet

Next up we have Reflex Omega 3, which is the choice for those who are betting on certainty and a proven name. It contains 330 mg of EPA and 220 mg of DHA per capsule. While the manufacturer doesn't directly state the form of the oil, the Reflex brand is renowned for its obsession with quality and purity of ingredients. This is exactly what is confirmed by the reviews of users who have a huge trust in this British brand. If reputation and a guarantee of purity is your top priority and you're willing to pay a little extra for it, Reflex is the obvious choice. But count on the fact that you will also need 3-4 capsules for optimal daily intake.

Gymsupps Omega 3 - Price Champion

If your wallet is the most important thing to you, watch out. Gymsupps Omega 3 goes straight to the point with a clear goal: to offer the best possible value for money. It's practically the twin of Prom-in's product in terms of composition and form - in one capsule you get 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA in the best triglyceride (TG) form. Users on Heureka rave about it precisely because of its aggressive price and convenient large packs that last a really long time. If you're looking for the cheapest, yet highest quality TG omegas, you've just found them.

Czech Virus Omega 3 MAX - Maximum power in one capsule

The strength of Czech Virus Omega 3 MAX is above all its practical composition. Each capsule contains a solid dose of 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA. Together with the high-quality and easily absorbed triglyceride (TG) form, this means that you only need to take two capsules to cover the recommended daily dose. This avoids swallowing multiple capsules, which many users find more convenient and ultimately more economical.

So which one to choose? Final recommendation

Remember, what matters most is how much EPA and DHA you take daily and in what form. The right supplement can reliably help you achieve your goal, whether it's a sharper mind or a healthier heart. And how do you know if it's working? The best indicator is directly the levels of omega-3 in your blood⁵.

Sources:

• ¹ Turchini, G. M., Nichols, P. D., & Sinclair, A. J. (2012). Jumping on the omega-3 bandwagon: distinguishing the role of long-chain and short-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 52(9), 795-803.
• ² Ibid.
• ³ Von Schacky, C. (2023). The influence of dietary and supplemental omega-3 fatty acids on the omega-3 index: A scoping review. Frontiers in Nutrition, 10, 1072653.
• ⁴ Ghaffari, H., et al. (2024). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the omega-3 fatty acids effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Nutritional Neuroscience, 27(7), 715-725.
• ⁵ O'Neill, A. M., & Calder, P. C. (2013). Biomarkers of fish oil omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids intake in humans. Nutricion hospitalaria, 28(6), 1545-1557.