Fake Fish Oil? How to Tell If Your Supplement Is Doing More Harm Than Good
We’ve all heard fish oil is good for us—but what if the supplement you’re taking isn’t actually helping your health at all? Worse yet, what if it’s making things worse?
Unfortunately, fake fish oil and poor-quality omega-3 supplements flood the market, and most people have no idea what to look for.
Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself—and your wallet—from the hype.
🐟 What Makes Fish Oil “Fake”?
“Fake” fish oil doesn't necessarily mean the capsules contain no fish at all. The term often refers to:
Rancid oils due to poor storage or manufacturing
Oxidized fats that increase inflammation
Low EPA/DHA content, which gives minimal benefits
Synthetically altered oils that don’t match what’s found in nature
Contaminated sources with heavy metals or PCBs
A study published in Scientific Reports found that up to 50% of fish oil supplements in New Zealand were oxidized beyond acceptable levels before they ever reached store shelves (Albert et al., 2015).
🔬 Why Quality Matters
When you're buying omega-3s for heart, brain, or joint health, purity, potency, and freshness are non-negotiable. Poor-quality oils may do the opposite of what you're hoping for.
Instead of lowering inflammation, oxidized oils may increase it.
Instead of supporting heart health, rancid oils can damage cells.
And instead of fueling your brain, these fake oils may leave you foggy and fatigued.
✅ How to Choose the Right Fish Oil
Here are 5 tips to make sure you're getting the real deal:
Look for TG (triglyceride) form – not synthetic ethyl ester.
Check for 3rd-party testing – like IFOS or NSF certification.
Smell the capsules – they should NOT smell fishy or rancid.
Know the source – small cold-water fish like sardines and anchovies are ideal.
Check the EPA/DHA dose – aim for at least 500-1000 mg combined per serving.
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🛒 What We Recommend
At our clinic, we only carry high-quality, third-party tested omega-3 supplements that meet the highest standards. A couple of our favorites are:
👉 NutriDyn Omega Pure Complete – it’s in triglyceride form, ultra-purified, sustainably sourced and contains super omegas called Pro Resolvin Modulators for a faster anti-inflammatory effect.
👉 NutriDyn Omega Pure EPA-DHA 600+ – also in triglyceride form, ultra-purified, sustainably sourced and contains Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) to reduce oxidation of EPA and DHA.
👉 NutriDyn Omega Pure EPA-DHA 2400 – A liquid form for Kids that contains 2.8g of omegas per 1 teaspoon.
🧪 Want to Know If Your Fish Oil Is Working?
You don’t have to guess. The Omega-3 Index Plus Test is a simple, at-home blood test that measures the amount of EPA and DHA in your red blood cells. This gives you a powerful snapshot of how well your current supplement—and diet—is supporting your health.
✅ Measures your Omega-3 Index
✅ Evaluates Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio
✅ Includes Trans Fat Index and more
Research shows that a higher Omega-3 Index is linked to improved heart health, brain function, and reduced inflammation (Harris et al., 2009).
🧬 Ready to find out where you stand?
👉 Order your Omega-3 Index Plus Test here »
🧠 Final Thought
If you're investing in your health, don’t cut corners with poor-quality fish oil. What you’re putting in your body matters—and we’re here to help you make informed, confident choices.
✅ Ready to Upgrade Your Health?
Schedule your free consultation today to get started with functional lab testing, real food nutrition, and high-quality supplements that are worth your time and money.
Call us to book your first appointment TODAY!