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FAQs Group 2: What is the Difference Between Fish Oil and Other Sources of Omega-3s?
GROUP 1 >> What are omega-3 essential fatty acids (EPA & DHA) & why do we need them?
GROUP 2 >> What is the difference between fish oil and other sources of omega-3s?
GROUP 3 >> Questions about flavours, allergens, and safety profile
GROUP 4 >> Questions about information on Nordic Naturals labels
GROUP 5 >> Questions about the Nordic Naturals manufacturing process
Or you can view ALL questions >>here
10. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FISH OIL AND FLAX SEED OIL?
Omega-3 EFAs fall into two major categories: plant-derived (flax seed oil, containing alpha linolenic acid, or ALA) or marine-derived (fish oil, containing both EPA and DHA). The human conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is somewhat slow and can be inhibited by various conditions such as a diet high in omega-6, trans-fatty acids such as fast foods and baked goods, alcohol intake, certain health conditions, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies (B3, B6, C, zinc, magnesium). Fish, on the other hand, is a direct source of EPA and DHA. The scientific consensus is that humans only convert about 15% of ALA to EPA, and it may not convert to DHA at all in many people.
11. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FISH OIL AND KRILL OIL?
Recently, some companies have started selling krill oil supplements as a source of omega-3. Krill are shrimp-like crustaceans that are a crucial link of the marine food chain, and concerns about the ecological impact of increased fishing of krill has resulted in krill fishing being banned on the West Coast of the US and strictly limited in Norway and Antarctica. In contrast, fish oil supplements are predominantly produced from sardines and anchovies-species that are currently in abundant supply, fished well below mandated limits, and are considered ideal for sustainability, given their short reproductive cycles. Fish oil is not only a more sustainable source for omega-3 supplements, however-it also generally provides a higher concentration of omega-3, is much more stable, and is backed by much more science than krill oil. To date, there are only 3 published human studies conducted with krill oil, whereas fish oil-when manufactured according to international quality standards-has a proven record of efficacy, purity, safety, and sustainability that is backed by several thousand published studies.
12. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FISH OIL AND EATING FISH?
Many people are justifiably concerned about mercury levels and other environmental toxins in fish, especially larger species. Nordic Naturals fish oils provide you with all the benefits of the omega-3s EPA and DHA, with no risk of toxicity. Our oils are routinely tested by third party laboratories for purity and freshness and deliver exceptional results. All products surpass the strictest international standards for purity and freshness. Certificates of Analysis are available upon request.
13. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FISH OIL AND COD LIVER OIL?
Cod liver oil is extracted from cod livers, whereas fish oil is extracted from the body flesh of fish. While both are good sources of the omega-3s EPA and DHA, they provide different ratios-cod liver oil generally contains about 9% EPA and 14% DHA, whereas fish oil generally contains about 18% EPA and 12% DHA. Another difference is that cod liver oil also generally contains some vitamins A and D.
14. WHAT PERCENTAGE OF FISH OIL IS MADE UP OF EPA AND DHA
EPA and DHA have been consistently shown to be the most beneficial fatty acids in thousands of published studies. The following table exhibits the typical values of EPA and DHA in various forms of non-concentrated fish oil.
| Fish Source | EPA | DHA |
| Cod Liver Oil | 9% | 14% |
| Anchovies/Sardines | 18% | 12% |
| Salmon | 9% | 10% |