Often derived from fish oil , high-strength omega supplements are defined by their potency and concentrated dose of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids . Found primarily in fatty fish, such as salmon, omega-3s play a distinct role in the body, so maintaining adequate intake is vital to overall health.
Whilst there is no single regulated definition of a “high-strength” omega-3 supplement, in this guide, we’ll explore the features to look for, the benefits of potency, and our recommended picks stocked at Meaghers Pharmacy.
Click on the links below to jump to that section:
- What Makes an Omega-3 Supplement “High Strength”?
- When to Consider a High-Strength Omega-3 Supplement
- Key Features to Look for in High-Strength Omega Supplements
- The Best High-Strength Omega-3 Supplements at Meaghers Pharmacy
- Frequently Asked Questions
Learn the main advantages of taking omega supplements, and what makes them strong.
Discover whether you should undergo omega supplementation.
Browse what to look for when choosing an omega supplement.
Shop our top picks to high-quality, strong omega-3 supplements.
Read common queries on premium omega-3 supplements.
What Makes an Omega-3 Supplement “High Strength”?
High-strength omega-3 supplements are typically defined by their potency, offering higher doses of EPA and DHA rather than a larger volume of fish oil. However, do not be fooled. Some supplement manufacturers market the amount of fish oil (such as 1,000mg), but this might not indicate its strength. For example, a 1,000 fish oil containing a combined 300mg of EPA and DHA is not necessarily high-strength compared to a daily dose of 2 capsules containing 756mg EPA and 504mg DHA.
Here is a general rule for determining the strength of omega supplements:
- Standard: up to 500mg per daily dose
- High strength: 500- 1000 mg per daily dose
- Extremely strong: 1000mg+ per daily dose
Benefits of High-Strength Omega-3 Supplements
With high doses of EPA and DHA, high-strength omega-3 supplements may offer various benefits for addressing specific health and beauty concerns. These may play a critical role in maintaining the health of your body's most vital systems, from your heart to your brain, and the powerful anti-inflammatory properties (specifically of EPA) are at the core of many of these advantages.
- Supporting Heart Health – contributes to the heart's normal function, potentially helping maintain normal blood pressure and triglyceride levels.
- Brain Function and Cognitive Support – DHA is a primary structural component of the brain and is essential for normal brain function and cognitive health.
- Healthy Joint, Skin, and Eye Health – may help soothe joint pain and stiffness, whereas highly concentrated doses of DHA may support healthy skin and eye health – particularly the retina’s function and integrity.
For more information, read our expert guide to the benefits of taking omega-3 supplements, along with some of our recommended products stocked at Meaghers Pharmacy , here.
When to Consider a High-Strength Omega-3 Supplement
A great way to increase omega intake is through whole foods.
Fatty fish is rich in omega-3s, including salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies and herring. Plant-based foods such as flaxseed, chia seeds and walnuts provide ALA, which the body can convert into EPA and DHA only in limited amounts. Those looking for a direct non-fish source of DHA/EPA may want to consider vegan omega-3 supplements .
Read more about foods rich in omega-3s with our expert guide here.
If you do not regularly eat fatty fish or vegetarian alternatives, you may want to consider a high-strength omega supplement to ensure you meet the required EPA and DHA levels.
Consider omega-3 supplements if you have specific health concerns where sufficient EPA/DHA would be beneficial. This may include people with a family history of heart disease or elevated triglyceride levels. Athletes or active individuals may also want to consider adding a high-strength omega supplement to their routine to help reduce inflammation and support recovery.
Key Features to Look for in High-Strength Omega Supplements
Make the right choice by focusing on key criteria when buying an omega-3 supplement. Consider the product's purity, potency, sourcing, sustainability, and any third-party certifications it may have. Look for the following features:
- EPA Level – known for anti-inflammatory properties, which may help with chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
- DHA Level – important for cognitive, eye health, pregnancy and breastfeeding support
- Combined EPA & DHA Content – good indicator for omega-3 strength
- Dose per Capsule – though some products may appear strong, the potent omega levels may only be achieved by taking 3 – 5 capsules daily, compared to others that get the same strength with just one
- Concentration – don’t just look at the amount of fish oil, as 1,000 mg of fish oil may only contain 300mg of DHA/EPA.
- Third-Party Certification – e.g. IFOS, Friend of the Sea
The Best High-Strength Omega-3 Supplements at Meaghers Pharmacy
Browse our entire collection of omega-3 supplements stocked at Meaghers Pharmacy here.
Here are some of our top picks for high-strength omega supplements with potent EPA and DHA levels:
1) Revive Active Omega Active
One of our favourite brands is Revive Active , which has a wide range of targeted, convenient vitamins that focus on key ingredients for various benefits.
Their Omega Active supplement contains a powerful combination of 756mg EPA and 504mg DHA per 2-capsule daily serving, delivering a potent punch, with a plant-based enteric coating that aids absorption and prevents a fishy aftertaste.
Key Features & Benefits:
- EPA Level: 756mg per 2-capsule daily serving
- DHA Level: 504mg per 2-capsule daily serving
- Combined EPA & DHA Level: 1,260mg per daily dose
- Dose per capsule: 2 capsules per day
- Concentration: 1,362mg omega-3 fish oil per 2 capsules
- Supports normal brain, eye and heart health
Price: €29.95 (60 capsules)
2) Minami MorEPA Original Omega-3 Fish Oils
Specially formulated to boost omega-3 levels, this all-rounder supplement delivers the benefits of omega-3 in 1 highly concentrated softgel. MorEPA Original Omega-3 Fish Oil is ideal for those seeking a high EPA dose and is perfect for supporting normal heart, brain, and eye health.
Key Features & Benefits:
- EPA Level: 590mg EPA per softgel
- DHA Level: 130mg DHA per softgel
- Dose per capsule: 1 softgel daily with a meal
Price: €35.95
3) MorEPA Move Omega-3
For a high concentration of EPA and DHA per daily dose, the MorEPA Move+ omega-3 supplement from Minami combines potency with the additional ingredients curcumin and vitamin C to support healthy joint function and flexibility – perfect for active individuals and those in recovery.
Key Features & Benefits:
- EPA Level: 444mg per 1 capsule daily dosage
- DHA Level: 136mg per 1 capsule daily dosage
- Combined EPA & DHA Level: 640mg per daily dose
- Dose per capsule: 2 capsule per day
- Perfect for active individuals to support movement and high-intensity exercises
- Additional star ingredients include curcumin and vitamin C
Price: €60.96 (60 capsules)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Side Effects of Taking High-Strength Omega-3 Capsules?
Like most dietary supplements, omega may have side effects – though these are usually extremely mild. Side effects of high-strength omega-3 supplements may include a fishy aftertaste, bad breath or digestive upset.
To improve tolerance, consider taking omega-3 supplements consistently at the same time each day, with food.
Is it Safe to Combine Omega-3 Supplements with Other Vitamins?
Yes, it is generally safe to combine high-strength omega-3 with other vitamins. Many multivitamins include omega-3s along with essential nutrients, including magnesium, iron and B vitamins.
If you are unsure, consult with your doctor or healthcare professional to ensure safety and avoid any potential interactions, especially if you take prescribed medications.
