Omega-3 fish oil supplements available in Ireland — NOW, Carlson and Nordic Naturals EPA and DHA softgels

Best Omega-3 Supplements in Ireland (2026): A Fish Oil, EPA & DHA Buyer's Guide

Evidence Guide · Omega-3 Ireland · June 2026

Omega-3 supplements are one of the most searched and most confusing categories in Ireland. The label that matters is not the fish oil weight on the front of the bottle, but the EPA and DHA dose inside it. This guide compares the omega-3 range at Probiotic.ie on the numbers that count, and sets out what the human evidence actually shows.

At a Glance

Omega-3 is a family of fatty acids; the long-chain marine forms EPA and DHA are the ones supplements are bought for. In Ireland, omega-3 fish oil and algae supplements are regulated by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) as food supplements, not medicines, with 13.5% VAT. Under the EU Register of authorised health claims, 250 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day contributes to the normal function of the heart, and 250 mg of DHA per day to normal brain function and vision. The strongest supportive signal in supplements comes from a 2019 Harvard meta-analysis of 127,477 people (Hu et al.) showing a dose-related reduction in coronary risk, though large trials such as VITAL found no benefit on primary cardiovascular endpoints, and the 2020 Cochrane review found little or no effect on overall mortality. What is not established is any benefit beyond the authorised maintenance claims for healthy adults, and supplements are not the same as prescription-grade EPA. Probiotic.ie ships its omega-3 range, including Carlson Super Omega-3 1200mg (€42.50) and NOW DHA-500 (€32.95), tracked from Dublin.

Who This Guide Is For
  • Buyers in Ireland comparing omega-3 fish oil supplements who want to choose on EPA and DHA dose, not marketing.
  • Anyone unsure of the difference between EPA, DHA, ALA, fish oil, cod liver oil, krill and algae.
  • Vegans and vegetarians who need a non-fish omega-3 route.
  • Parents looking for an age-appropriate children's omega-3.
  • People who want the evidence stated plainly, including where it is weak.

Omega-3 (n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) definition: Omega-3 fatty acids are a family of essential and conditionally essential fats that the body cannot make in sufficient amounts, comprising the marine long-chain forms EPA and DHA found in oily fish, and the shorter plant form ALA found in flaxseed, chia and walnuts.

What is the best omega-3 supplement in Ireland?

There is no single best omega-3 for everyone. The right product is decided by the EPA and DHA dose you need and the format you prefer, not by the brand. For high potency, Carlson Super Omega-3 1200mg gives 600 mg EPA and 400 mg DHA per two-softgel serving from IFOS-certified Norwegian fish oil. For a DHA-led option, NOW DHA-500 gives 500 mg DHA and 250 mg EPA per softgel. For children, Nordic Naturals Children's DHA liquid suits ages 1 to 6. All are food supplements, not medicines, and ship tracked from Dublin with Probiotic.ie. This is general information, not personal medical advice.

In a hurry? The quick picks
Most EPA + DHACarlson Super Omega-3 1200mg600 mg EPA + 400 mg DHA per serving, IFOS-certified
€42.50
✓ Buy →
DHA-ledNOW DHA-500500 mg DHA + 250 mg EPA per softgel
€32.95
View →
For children, ages 1 to 6Nordic Naturals Children's DHALiquid, strawberry flavour
€24.95
View →
Compare the full omega-3 range at Probiotic.ie →
Fast Facts — Omega-3
  • What it is: a family of polyunsaturated fats; EPA and DHA are the marine long-chain forms, ALA the plant form
  • Where found in the body: DHA is concentrated in the brain grey matter and the retina; EPA and DHA sit in cell membranes throughout the body
  • Dietary sources: oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovy), plus flaxseed, chia and walnuts for ALA
  • Supplement source: fish oil, cod liver oil and krill oil (marine); algae oil (vegan)
  • Authorised intake (heart): 250 mg combined EPA + DHA per day (EU Register, Reg. (EC) 1924/2006)
  • Authorised intake (brain & vision): 250 mg DHA per day (EU Register)
  • EFSA safety position: supplemental EPA + DHA combined up to 5 g/day does not raise safety concerns for adults (EFSA, 2012)
  • Is omega-3 a medicine? No. It is a food supplement under FSAI guidelines and needs no prescription
  • Vegan/vegan suitable? Only algae-derived omega-3; fish oil and cod liver oil softgels are not vegan
  • Irish regulatory status: Food supplement under FSAI guidelines — not a medicine
  • Irish VAT rate on supplements: 13.5%
What Omega-3 Is Not
  • Omega-3 is not a medicine and is not a treatment for any disease.
  • Omega-3 fish oil supplements are not the same as prescription-grade EPA (icosapent ethyl), which is a licensed medicine dosed at around 4 g/day under medical supervision.
  • "Fish oil" on a label is not the same as EPA and DHA content — a 1,000 mg fish oil softgel may contain far less than 1,000 mg of actual EPA plus DHA.
  • A high total CFU-style number is not the metric here; for omega-3 it is the EPA and DHA milligrams that matter.
  • Omega-3 is not proven to deliver weight loss, and human benefit beyond the authorised maintenance claims is not established for healthy adults.
  • ALA from plants is not a reliable substitute for marine EPA and DHA, because the body converts only a small percentage.
Evidence Summary

What is well-supported: a dose-related association between marine omega-3 intake and lower coronary heart disease risk in a 2019 meta-analysis of 13 trials and 127,477 participants (Hu, Hu & Manson, J Am Heart Assoc).

What is not proven: a reduction in primary composite cardiovascular events or all-cause mortality from supplements in healthy populations — the VITAL trial (NEJM, 2019) was null on its primary endpoint and the 2020 Cochrane review found little or no effect on mortality.

Most relevant human dose range: 250 mg/day combined EPA + DHA for the authorised heart claim; 1–2 g/day in many supplement servings; up to 4 g/day only under medical supervision.

Key safety note: caution with blood-thinning medication and fish/shellfish allergy; speak to a GP or pharmacist before use.

Feature Specification Evidence Level
Heart: normal function 250 mg EPA + DHA per day Authorised EU claim
Brain & vision: maintenance 250 mg DHA per day Authorised EU claim
Lower coronary risk (dose-related) Per +1 g/day marine omega-3 Observational meta-analysis
Primary CV event prevention (supplements) ~1 g/day in healthy adults Not established (VITAL, Cochrane)
Vegan suitability Algae oil only Source-dependent
Irish regulatory status Food supplement, FSAI, 13.5% VAT Confirmed
Research Context — Not Product Claims

The clinical and mechanistic research discussed in this article relates to omega-3 fatty acids as studied compounds. It should not be read as a claim that any specific product produces these effects. These products are food supplements, not medicines. Only the EU-authorised wording for EPA, DHA and ALA may be used as a health claim.

Carlson Super Omega-3 1200mg — high-potency Norwegian fish oil

600 mg EPA and 400 mg DHA per two-softgel serving. IFOS certified, third-party tested for freshness and purity. 130 softgels.

600mg EPA + 400mg DHA IFOS certified Wild Norwegian 130 softgels Ships from Dublin
✓ Buy Carlson Super Omega-3 →
€42.50 inc. Irish VAT at 13.5%. Food supplement, not a medicine. Tracked Irish delivery, free over €75.
The basics

1. Omega-3 explained: EPA, DHA and ALA

Omega-3 is not one substance. It is a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the difference between the members is the single most useful thing to understand before buying.

The two marine forms, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are the long-chain omega-3s that supplements are bought for. They come ready-made in oily fish and in fish, krill and algae oils.

The plant form, ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), is found in flaxseed, chia and walnuts. The body can convert ALA into EPA and DHA, but only a small percentage, which is why marine sources are the more direct route.3

🧠
DHA — a structural fat

DHA is concentrated in the grey matter of the brain and in the retina, where it forms part of cell membranes. Under the EU Register it contributes to normal brain function and vision at 250 mg/day.

Evidence: authorised maintenance claim
❤️
EPA + DHA — heart function

Together, EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart at 250 mg/day under the EU Register. They are incorporated into membranes and influence lipid signalling.

Evidence: authorised maintenance claim
🌱
ALA — the plant precursor

ALA from flax, chia and walnuts is the essential plant omega-3. The body converts a limited fraction to EPA and DHA, so it is a weaker source of the long-chain forms.

Evidence: conversion is limited
🧬
Membrane incorporation

EPA and DHA are taken up into the phospholipid membranes of cells over weeks. The "omega-3 index" reflects how much has accumulated in red blood cells.

Evidence: mechanistic, well-characterised
💧
Triglyceride pathway

At higher intakes, EPA and DHA are proposed to influence the liver's handling of blood fats. The EU Register authorises a triglyceride claim only at 2 g/day.

Evidence: dose-dependent, authorised at 2 g/day
🔬
Resolution signalling

EPA and DHA are precursors to specialised lipid mediators studied in the resolution of inflammatory signalling. This is an active research area, not a basis for health claims.

Evidence: preclinical / mechanistic
The evidence, both ways

2. What the human evidence shows

Omega-3 is one of the most heavily trialled supplements in the world, and the picture is genuinely mixed. An honest guide states both sides.

The supportive signal: a 2019 meta-analysis by Yang Hu, Frank Hu and JoAnn Manson at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health pooled 13 randomised controlled trials and 127,477 participants, and found that higher marine omega-3 intake was associated with a dose-related lower risk of myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease.1

The counter-signal: the large VITAL trial (Manson et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2019, 25,871 participants) found omega-3 did not reduce its primary composite cardiovascular endpoint versus placebo, though a secondary signal for fewer heart attacks appeared, stronger in people who ate little fish.2

The limitation: the 2020 Cochrane review (Abdelhamid et al.) concluded that long-chain omega-3 supplements have little or no effect on all-cause mortality or cardiovascular events.3

127,477
participants pooled — Hu et al. 2019 meta-analysis
250 mg
EPA + DHA/day for the EU heart claim
25,871
randomised in the VITAL trial (NEJM 2019)
5 g/day
EFSA upper supplemental EPA+DHA with no safety concern
Supportive · Meta-analysis

Dose-related coronary risk reduction

Across 13 RCTs, each additional gram per day of marine omega-3 was associated with lower risk of myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease death and total coronary heart disease. The relationship was dose-dependent.

Hu Y, Hu FB, Manson JE. J Am Heart Assoc. 2019;8(19):e013543. PMID 31567003.

Mixed · Large RCT

VITAL: null on primary endpoint, signal for MI

In a primary-prevention population taking ~1 g/day, omega-3 did not lower the primary composite cardiovascular endpoint or cancer incidence, but a secondary reduction in heart attacks was observed, more pronounced in lower fish consumers.

Manson JE, et al. N Engl J Med. 2019;380(1):23-32. PMID 30415637.

Limitation · Cochrane review

Little or no effect on mortality

A Cochrane systematic review of supplemental long-chain omega-3 found little or no effect on all-cause mortality or cardiovascular events, with moderate-to-high certainty for several outcomes. This is the key caveat for healthy adults buying for general prevention.

Abdelhamid AS, et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;3:CD003177. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003177.pub5.

The honest read

Omega-3 has clear authorised roles in maintaining normal heart, brain and vision function at modest doses. What it has not reliably shown in supplement trials is a reduction in death or major cardiovascular events for the general healthy population. Buy it for the established maintenance role, not for disease outcomes it has not demonstrated.

What can legally be said

3. EFSA-authorised omega-3 health claims

Omega-3 is unusual among supplements: it carries several health claims authorised under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. These may be stated in their authorised wording, at the specified dose.4

Authorised EU health claims — exact wording

Heart: "EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart" — at 250 mg EPA + DHA per day.
Brain: "DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function" — at 250 mg DHA per day.
Vision: "DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision" — at 250 mg DHA per day.
Maternal: "Maternal intake of DHA contributes to the normal brain and eye development of the foetus and breastfed infants" — at 200 mg DHA per day in addition to the adult intake.
Triglycerides: "EPA and DHA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood triglyceride levels" — at 2 g per day.
Blood pressure: "EPA and DHA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood pressure" — at 3 g per day.
Cholesterol (plant omega-3): "ALA contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels" — at 2 g ALA per day.

Two practical points follow. First, the heart, brain and vision claims are met by quite modest doses — a single high-quality serving usually clears them. Second, the triglyceride and blood pressure claims require gram-level doses, and EFSA advises that combined supplemental EPA and DHA should not exceed 5 g per day for adults.5

Getting the dose right

4. How much omega-3 per day?

The honest answer is that it depends on your goal. The figure that matters is combined EPA plus DHA, not total fish oil. Here is how the common dose tiers map to purpose and to real products.

Daily EPA + DHA Typical purpose What it maps to Notes
~250–500 mg General maintenance; meets the authorised heart and brain claims Roughly two-thirds of one NOW DHA-500 softgel covers the 250 mg threshold Suitable for most healthy adults not eating oily fish twice a week
~1 g (1,000 mg) Higher general intake; the dose used in several large trials One 2-softgel serving of Carlson Super Omega-3 (600 EPA + 400 DHA) Common upper general-wellbeing dose
~2 g Triglyceride maintenance (authorised claim dose) Two Carlson servings, or equivalent Best discussed with a GP or pharmacist
~3–4 g Therapeutic / trial-level intake Not a casual supplement dose Only under medical supervision; do not exceed 5 g/day combined
Read the label, not the front of the bottle

A "1,000 mg fish oil" softgel is not 1,000 mg of omega-3. Turn the bottle over and add the EPA and DHA figures together. That total, multiplied by the serving size, is your real daily dose.

Choosing a source

5. Fish oil vs cod liver oil vs krill vs algae

All four deliver omega-3, but they differ in EPA/DHA content, extras, sustainability and suitability for vegans. This is one of the most common decisions Irish buyers face.

Source EPA/DHA content Notable extras Vegan? Best for
Fish oil High, concentrated Concentration lets you hit gram-level doses easily No (gelatin) Most people wanting a known EPA/DHA dose
Cod liver oil Moderate Also supplies vitamins A and D naturally No Those wanting fat-soluble vitamins alongside
Krill oil Lower per capsule Phospholipid-bound omega-3; usually pricier No Buyers prioritising the krill format
Algae oil DHA-led, some with EPA The original marine source of omega-3 Yes Vegans and vegetarians

For vegans and vegetarians, algae oil is the route, because plant ALA from flax or chia converts to EPA and DHA only in small amounts. The fish-oil products in this guide use gelatin softgels and are not vegan; if you need a plant-based option, look to the wider omega-3 collection for an algae-based DHA.

The shortlist

6. Best omega-3 supplements in Ireland, compared

Here are four omega-3 products stocked by Probiotic.ie, compared on the figures that matter. There is no single winner; match the product to your goal.

Product Format EPA + DHA per serving Best for Price
Carlson Super Omega-3 1200mg 130 softgels (2/day) 600 mg EPA + 400 mg DHA High potency, IFOS-certified Norwegian fish oil €42.50
NOW DHA-500 90 softgels (1–2/day) 500 mg DHA + 250 mg EPA DHA-led; brain and vision focus €32.95
NOW Ultra Omega-3 180 softgels Concentrated fish oil* Larger count; everyday fish oil €48.95
Nordic Naturals Children's DHA Liquid, 119/237 ml 255 mg DHA + 170 mg EPA per ½ tsp Children aged 1–6 €24.95

*The NOW Ultra Omega-3 product page lists it as a concentrated natural fish oil in 180 softgels; check the current label for the exact EPA/DHA split before use.

Carlson Super Omega-3 1200mg — the high-potency pick

If you want the most EPA and DHA per serving from the shortlist, this is it: 600 mg EPA and 400 mg DHA per two-softgel serving, from wild-caught Norwegian fish oil, IFOS certified and third-party tested for freshness and purity.6 One serving clears the authorised heart and brain thresholds several times over.

NOW DHA-500 — the DHA-led option

This one is weighted toward DHA: 500 mg DHA and 250 mg EPA per softgel, from purified fish oil concentrate, made in a GMP-certified facility per NOW Foods. A sensible pick if DHA — the structural brain and retina fat — is your priority.

NOW Ultra Omega-3 — the larger-count fish oil

A 180-softgel bottle of concentrated natural fish oil for everyday omega-3 support. The largest count in the shortlist; confirm the exact EPA/DHA split on the current label.

Research Context — Not Product Claims

The research in this article relates to omega-3 fatty acids as studied compounds and is not a claim that any named product treats, cures or prevents disease. These are food supplements, not medicines, regulated under FSAI guidelines.

Shop the full omega-3 range at Probiotic.ie

Fish oil, DHA-led and children's omega-3, compared on EPA and DHA dose. Tracked from Dublin, free delivery over €75, no customs duty.

EPA + DHA on every label Carlson · NOW · Nordic Naturals Ships from Dublin No customs duty
✓ Buy Omega-3 at Probiotic.ie →
Prices include Irish VAT at 13.5%. Food supplements, not medicines. Authorised Irish retailer for NOW Foods, Carlson Labs and Nordic Naturals.
For younger ones

7. Omega-3 for children

DHA is a structural fat naturally present in the brain and eyes, which is why parents look to omega-3 as part of a varied diet. For young children, format and dose matter most.

Nordic Naturals Children's DHA is a strawberry-flavoured liquid for children aged 1 to 6, providing 530 mg of total omega-3 per half-teaspoon, including 255 mg DHA and 170 mg EPA, from purified Arctic cod liver oil.6 It is free from gluten, milk derivatives, wheat, soy and synthetic dyes, third-party tested, and should be refrigerated after opening and used within three months.

Practical note for parents

The liquid format avoids the softgel-swallowing problem with young children. Give under adult supervision, as directed on the label, and keep it refrigerated once opened. It is a food supplement, intended to complement a balanced diet, not replace it.

The Irish picture

8. Omega-3 in Ireland: regulation, VAT and delivery

In Ireland, omega-3 fish oil and algae supplements are regulated by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) as food supplements, not medicines. They are freely available, need no prescription, and may carry only the health-claim wording authorised under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.5

A 13.5% VAT rate applies to food supplements in Ireland, and that VAT is already included in the shelf price at Probiotic.ie.

No customs duty on Irish-fulfilled orders

From 1 July 2026, Ireland applies a customs charge on many parcels arriving from outside the EU. Because Probiotic.ie ships from Dublin, within Ireland, there is no customs duty to pay on these orders. Delivery is tracked, and free over €75. Why this matters from July 2026 →

What to expect

How long does omega-3 take to build up?

Omega-3 accumulates in cell membranes gradually rather than acting on day one. Tissue levels, measured as the omega-3 index, rise over weeks of consistent intake.

Day 0 — start

Take the product daily with a meal containing some fat to support absorption.

Weeks 2–4

Blood plasma EPA and DHA levels rise relatively quickly once intake is consistent.

Weeks 8–12

The red blood cell omega-3 index moves toward a steady state, reflecting membrane incorporation.

Ongoing

Maintaining the level requires continued daily intake; stopping lets it fall back over time.

Product Details Verified

Product details on this page — Carlson Super Omega-3 1200mg (600 mg EPA + 400 mg DHA per 2-softgel serving, 130 softgels, €42.50), NOW DHA-500 (500 mg DHA + 250 mg EPA per softgel, 90 softgels, €32.95), NOW Ultra Omega-3 (180 softgels, €48.95) and Nordic Naturals Children's DHA (255 mg DHA + 170 mg EPA per ½ tsp, €24.95) — were verified by Probiotic.ie from the current live product pages. All prices include Irish VAT at 13.5%. Details should be checked against the current label before use, as formulations and pricing may change.

Key Facts — Omega-3 Ireland
  • Omega-3 is a family of fatty acids; the marine forms EPA and DHA are the ones supplements are bought for, and ALA is the plant form.
  • Omega-3 is not a medicine and is not the same as prescription-grade EPA (icosapent ethyl).
  • Under the EU Register, 250 mg combined EPA + DHA per day contributes to the normal function of the heart, and 250 mg DHA per day to normal brain function and vision.
  • EFSA concluded in 2012 that supplemental EPA + DHA combined up to 5 g/day does not raise safety concerns for adults.
  • The strongest supportive human signal is a dose-related coronary risk reduction in a 2019 meta-analysis of 127,477 people (Hu, Hu & Manson, J Am Heart Assoc).
  • Large supplement trials such as VITAL (NEJM, 2019) found no benefit on primary cardiovascular endpoints, and the 2020 Cochrane review found little or no effect on mortality.
  • What matters on the label is combined EPA + DHA, not total fish oil weight.
  • Carlson Super Omega-3 1200mg provides 600 mg EPA + 400 mg DHA per 2-softgel serving; NOW DHA-500 provides 500 mg DHA + 250 mg EPA per softgel.
  • Vegan omega-3 comes from algae oil; fish oil and cod liver oil softgels are not vegan.
  • In Ireland, omega-3 supplements are regulated by the FSAI as food supplements, not medicines, with 13.5% VAT. Probiotic.ie ships them tracked from Dublin.
Common questions

9. Frequently asked questions

How much omega-3 should I take a day in Ireland?

For general adult intake, the EU Register sets 250 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day for the authorised heart claim, and 250 mg of DHA per day for brain function and vision. Many supplement servings provide 500 mg to 1,000 mg of EPA plus DHA, comfortably above that. EFSA concluded in 2012 that supplemental EPA and DHA combined up to 5 g/day does not raise safety concerns for adults. Higher trial-level doses should only be taken under medical supervision. This is general information, not personal medical advice.

What is the best omega-3 supplement in Ireland?

There is no single best omega-3 for everyone; it depends on the EPA and DHA dose and format you need. For high potency, Carlson Super Omega-3 1200mg gives 600 mg EPA and 400 mg DHA per two-softgel serving from IFOS-certified Norwegian fish oil. For a DHA-led option, NOW DHA-500 gives 500 mg DHA and 250 mg EPA per softgel. For children aged 1 to 6, Nordic Naturals Children's DHA liquid gives 255 mg DHA and 170 mg EPA per half-teaspoon. All ship tracked from Dublin with Probiotic.ie.

Is fish oil the same as omega-3?

Fish oil is a source of omega-3, not a synonym for it. Omega-3 is a family of fatty acids including EPA and DHA from marine sources and ALA from plants such as flaxseed, chia and walnuts. Fish oil supplies pre-formed EPA and DHA, which is why the EPA and DHA figures on the label matter more than the total fish oil weight. Cod liver oil and krill oil are also marine sources, while algae oil is a vegan source.

What is the difference between EPA and DHA?

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are the two main long-chain marine omega-3s. DHA is a structural fat concentrated in the brain and retina and, under the EU Register, contributes to normal brain function and vision at 250 mg/day. EPA and DHA together contribute to normal heart function at 250 mg/day. Most fish oils contain both in varying ratios; DHA-led products such as NOW DHA-500 favour DHA, while Carlson Super Omega-3 provides more EPA than DHA.

Is there a vegan omega-3 supplement?

Yes. Vegan omega-3 uses algae oil rather than fish oil, supplying pre-formed DHA and, in some formulas, EPA from the marine algae that fish themselves feed on. Plant sources such as flaxseed and chia provide ALA, but the body converts only a small percentage to EPA and DHA, so algae oil is the more reliable vegan route. The fish oil products in this guide, including NOW DHA-500 and Carlson Super Omega-3, use gelatin softgels and are not vegan.

Yes. Omega-3 fish oil and algae supplements are legal and freely available in Ireland, regulated by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) as food supplements, not medicines. Health claims about EPA, DHA and ALA may only be made in the wording authorised under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. A 13.5% VAT rate applies. Omega-3 is not a controlled substance and needs no prescription.

Can you take omega-3 and vitamin D together?

Omega-3 and vitamin D are commonly taken together, and the large VITAL trial (Manson et al., NEJM, 2019) studied both in the same population without a safety concern from combining them. Both are fat-soluble, so taking them with a meal containing some fat can support absorption. Anyone on medication or under medical care should check with a GP or pharmacist first. This is general information, not personal medical advice.

Does omega-3 have side effects?

Omega-3 supplements are generally well tolerated. The most common effects are mild and digestive, such as a fishy aftertaste, burping or loose stools, which taking the product with food and refrigerating fish oil can reduce. EFSA concluded in 2012 that supplemental EPA and DHA combined up to 5 g/day does not raise safety concerns for adults. People on blood-thinning medication, those with a fish or shellfish allergy, and anyone due for surgery should speak to a GP or pharmacist first. This is general information, not personal medical advice.

Can children take omega-3 supplements?

Yes, with age-appropriate products. Nordic Naturals Children's DHA liquid is formulated for children aged 1 to 6 and provides 530 mg of total omega-3 per half-teaspoon, including 255 mg DHA and 170 mg EPA, from purified Arctic cod liver oil in a strawberry flavour. DHA is a structural fat naturally present in the brain and eyes. Give under adult supervision, as directed, refrigerated after opening and used within three months.

Where can I buy omega-3 in Ireland?

Probiotic.ie stocks a curated omega-3 range including Carlson Super Omega-3 1200mg (€42.50), NOW DHA-500 (€32.95), NOW Ultra Omega-3 (€48.95) and Nordic Naturals Children's DHA (€24.95). Orders ship tracked from Dublin with free delivery over €75, and because they dispatch from within Ireland there is no customs duty to pay. All prices include Irish VAT at 13.5%.

Keep reading

Related

DG
Darren Grant — Managing Director, Probiotic.ie

Darren Grant runs Probiotic.ie, an Irish-owned specialist supplement store, and writes its evidence guides with a focus on FSAI food-supplement compliance and the EU-authorised health-claim framework. He prioritises accurate dosing information and balanced presentation of clinical evidence.

This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Omega-3 supplements are food supplements regulated under FSAI guidelines and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. If you have persistent or worsening symptoms, or take blood-thinning medication, consult a GP or relevant specialist. Probiotic.ie is regulated under FSAI food supplement guidelines.
References

Sources

  1. Hu Y, Hu FB, Manson JE. Marine Omega-3 Supplementation and Cardiovascular Disease: An Updated Meta-Analysis of 13 Randomized Controlled Trials Involving 127 477 Participants. J Am Heart Assoc. 2019;8(19):e013543. PMID 31567003. DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.119.013543. — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31567003
  2. Manson JE, Cook NR, Lee IM, et al. Marine n-3 Fatty Acids and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer (VITAL). N Engl J Med. 2019;380(1):23-32. PMID 30415637. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1811403. — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30415637
  3. Abdelhamid AS, Brown TJ, Brainard JS, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;3:CD003177. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003177.pub5. — cochranelibrary.com
  4. European Commission. EU Register of nutrition and health claims made on foods — authorised claims for EPA, DHA and ALA under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. — ec.europa.eu
  5. Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). Food Supplements — legislation and guidance. — fsai.ie