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Omega 3: EPA, DHA and forms (TG, rTG, ethyl esters)

Fish oils, krill, vegan algal oils: the omega 3 products in the catalogue differ in their EPA and DHA concentration, their chemical form and their origin. This guide compares those factual criteria, including the EU claims that depend on precise EPA/DHA doses.
Oméga 3 EPA et DHA — couverture du guide praticien
  • Compare on the mg of EPA and DHA per dose, never on the volume of oil.
  • Chemical forms: natural triglycerides (TG), re-esterified (rTG) or ethyl esters (EE), a criterion disclosed by the manufacturers.
  • Conditional EU claims: an effect on heart function from 250 mg/day of EPA+DHA; brain function and vision from 250 mg/day of DHA.
  • Vegan omega 3 options (algal oil, DHA ± EPA) are available in the catalogue.

EPA and DHA: the real benchmarks

An omega 3 product is judged on its milligrams of EPA and DHA per dose, not on the volume of oil. The EU claims themselves depend on precise intakes: an effect on heart function from 250 mg/day of EPA+DHA, and on the brain and vision from 250 mg/day of DHA.

The chemical forms

Concentrated oils may be presented as natural triglycerides (TG), re-esterified triglycerides (rTG) or ethyl esters (EE). This is a factual comparison criterion stated by the manufacturers. Krill delivers omega 3 in phospholipid form.

Origin and quality

Fish oils (often certified as sustainably fished), krill, or Schizochytrium algal oils for a vegan option (DHA, sometimes EPA). Many manufacturers publish the total oxidation value (TOTOX); this figure appears on the product sheets whenever it is supplied.

How to choose

Look at the mg of EPA and DHA per dose, the chemical form, the origin (fish, krill, algae) and any certifications. The Omega 3 hub lists comparable products.

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