Fish oil is sold by capsule size and should be bought by what is inside the capsule. EPA and DHA are the active fatty acids; everything else in the softgel is other fats. A capsule advertised as "1000 mg fish oil" commonly contains 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA, so 700 mg of it is doing nothing you bought it for.
That gap decides the real price of a bottle. Meaningful intakes start around 1–2 g of combined EPA and DHA per day, so at 300 mg of actives per capsule you are taking three to six capsules daily — and a 60-capsule bottle is a two-week supply, not a two-month one. Concentrated products delivering 500–700 mg of actives per capsule usually work out cheaper per gram despite a higher shelf price.
Two quality markers are worth the check. Triglyceride form absorbs better than the ethyl ester form used in cheap concentrates, and the label generally says which. Third-party heavy-metal testing matters more here than in any other category, because oily fish concentrate mercury from the water they live in — molecular distillation and IFOS-style certification are substantive rather than decorative. Our comparison of the best omega-3 supplements in India ranks on cost per gram of combined actives.
Read the EPA/DHA, Not the Fish Oil
A "1000 mg fish oil" softgel might contain only 300 mg of actual EPA+DHA — the active omega-3s. Always check the EPA and DHA numbers on the back and aim for a combined 500–1000 mg per day.
The Rankings
| Product | Price | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| HK Vitals Omega 3 | ₹559 | 90 |
| TrueBasics Ultra Omega-3 | ₹1,779 | 90 |
| Now Omega-3 | ₹2,694 | 200 |
| Dr. Morepen Omega-3 | ₹712 | 60 |
Best Value — HK Vitals Omega 3
90 servings at ₹559 with solid EPA/DHA and strong ratings.
Best High-Dose — TrueBasics Ultra
Higher EPA/DHA per serving for those who want a stronger dose.
What to Look For
- EPA + DHA total, not just "fish oil" mg
- Triglyceride form absorbs better than ethyl ester
- Freshness / no fishy burps — a sign of oxidation
- Third-party purity testing for heavy metals
See all options in our omega-3 database.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much omega-3 should I take daily?
Aim for a combined 500–1000 mg of EPA + DHA per day for general health. Read the back label — the "fish oil" figure on the front is often much higher than the actual EPA/DHA content.
Are omega-3 supplements worth it?
For people who rarely eat oily fish — which includes many Indian vegetarians — yes, they're a worthwhile, evidence-backed supplement for heart, joint, and brain health. Fish-eaters may already get enough.
Is there a vegetarian omega-3 option?
Yes — algae-based omega-3 supplements provide EPA and DHA without fish. They cost more but are ideal for vegetarians and vegans. Flaxseed provides ALA, which converts to EPA/DHA only inefficiently.
Why do fish oil capsules cause fishy burps?
Usually a sign of oxidation (rancidity) or taking them on an empty stomach. Choose fresh, well-reviewed products, store them cool, and take with meals to reduce burps.