The Carlson Omega-3 Difference

Carlson has earned IFOS certification — the highest possible certification for purity, potency, and freshness — on more than 30 omega-3 products, more than nearly any other brand. Since 1965, this family-owned, women-led company has sourced omega-3s from deep, cold-water fish using sustainable methods, refined them in our own Norwegian facility (opened 2017), and tested every batch in FDA-registered labs.

Carlson liquid fish oils are nitrogen-flushed and bottled with antioxidants to prevent oxidation. Our soft gels meet the same standards. The result: award-winning taste, verified purity, and omega-3s you can trust for heart, brain, vision, and joint health.

PROFESSIONAL STRENGTH
SUPERIOR PURITY AND POTENCY
ULTIMATE FRESHNESS
SUSTAINABLY SOURCED
IFOS AND IGEN CERTIFIED
AWARD WINNING TASTE
MOLECULARLY DISTILLED
NITROGEN FLUSHED

Award-Winning Quality

IFOS Program

International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS) is the only third-party testing and certification program exclusively for fish oil supplements. This voluntary program tests the purity, potency, and freshness of fish oils. Carlson has received a five-star rating on more than 30 of our omega-3 fish oils.^[3]

FOS Program

Friend of the Sea (FOS) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization, whose mission is marine habitat conservation. Known for their strict guidelines and procedures, FOS is a leading international certifiecation project. Carlson and its suppliers hold FOS certifications.

IGEN Non-GMO Program

International GMO Evaluation and Notification (IGEN) is a voluntary third-party certification program that tests for the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The IGEN non-GMO icon can be found on the front of all tested Carlson omega-3 products.

ITQI Superior Taste Award

Carlson delicious and natural liquid fish oil flavors have been honored with Superior Taste Awards from the renowned chefs and sommeliers of the International Taste & Quality Institute (ITQI).

Omega-3 Fish Oil Forms

Fish oils are commonly available in four forms: TG (Natural Triglyceride), EE (Ethyl Ester), rTG (Re-Esterified Triglyceride), and PL (Phospholipid). Whether we choose a TG, EE, rTG, or PL oil, our EPA and DHA blood levels can be easily raised to an optimal amount when taken daily.

Omega-3 supplements are lifestyle supplements meant to be taken long-term for the benefits associated with an EPA and DHA red blood cell concentration above 8%. An appropriate dose of any form can achieve this goal and help maintain optimal omega-3 levels.

NATURAL
TRIGLYCERIDE

Fish naturally contain the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA as triglyceride esters (TG). Natural TG fish oils provide a maximum of 300 mg of combined EPA and DHA per 1,000 mg of oil (30% potency). These are the most common fish oils on the market, and some prefer them because of their close similarity to eating fish.

ETHYL
ESTER

Since EPA and DHA concentration and ratio can’t be altered in natural TG fish oils, the ethyl ester (EE) fish oil form was created. By removing the glycerol backbone of a TG fish oil, the result is three free fatty acids (FFAs) and a free glycerol molecule. An ethanol molecule is attached to each FFA, creating EEs.

rTG

RE-ESTERIFIED
TRIGLYCERIDE

Re-esterified triglycerides (rTGs) are created when EEs are freed from their attached ethanol groups and are once again bound to a glycerol backbone. rTGs retain the same potency and fatty acid ratios of their EE counterparts.

PHOSPHOLIPID

Phospholipid omega-3s, derived from phosphatidyl choline, provide a potent alternative to krill oil. The superior bioavailability of phospholipid omega-3s ensures efficient absorption by the body.

While there are four common forms of marine oils, Carlson fish oils currently fall into five categories

TG: Non-concentrated 100% natural triglycerides
EE: Concentrated ethyl esters
rTG: Concentrated re-esterified triglycerides
TG & EE: A mixture of natural TG form and potent EE form
PL: Phospholipids from herring caviar extract

Why Omega-3s?

There are more than 40,000 published studies on omega-3s, making them some of the most studied nutrients in the world.^[1] Omega-3s provide many important health benefits, from brain and heart health to mood and skin health. And they’re considered “essential” because our body can’t make them, so we must obtain them through our diet.^[4] Since most of us don’t eat a lot of fish, a supplement may be a great option.

OMEGA-3S ARE ABUNDANT IN:

The Most Important Health Benefits of EPA and DHA

The most beneficial omega-3s are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). EPA is most recognized for its heart and mood health benefits, and DHA is best known for its role in supporting brain and vision health.^[2]

Brain and Nerve Health

Supports cognitive function
Enhances nerve transmission
Protects neuron lifespan

Vision Health

Found in high amounts in the retina
Important for optimal vision health

Cardiovascular Health

A healthy, stable heart
Healthy blood vessels and circulation
Arterial wall elasticity
Healthy normal triglyceride levels

Joint Health

Healthy joints
Comfortable movement

Frequently Asked Questions

IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards) is the only third-party testing program exclusively for fish oil supplements. It tests each batch for purity (contaminants like mercury and PCBs), potency (actual EPA and DHA content vs. label claims), and freshness (oxidation levels). Carlson has earned IFOS certification on more than 30 omega-3 products, demonstrating our commitment to quality, purity, potency, and freshness. Verified results are published at ifosprogram.com.

The American Heart Association recommends eating fish twice per week to reach approximately 500 mg of combined EPA and DHA daily. For those who do not eat fish regularly, supplements can help. Carlson offers omega-3 products ranging from 700 mg (Omega-3 soft gels) to 2,000 mg (Maximum Omega 2000) per serving, so you can choose the potency that fits your needs. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

TG (natural triglyceride) is the form found in whole fish, with a maximum of 30% omega-3 concentration. EE (ethyl ester) is a concentrated form allowing higher EPA and DHA ratios, often 50-70% concentration. rTG (re-esterified triglyceride) takes concentrated EE and reattaches it to a glycerol backbone, combining concentration with the natural TG structure. All three forms effectively raise blood levels of EPA and DHA when taken daily. Carlson offers TG, EE, rTG, and blended formulas.

Carlson sources omega-3s from deep, cold-water fish — primarily anchovies, sardines, and mackerel — caught using sustainable methods certified by Friend of the Sea. Since 2017, we have refined and bottled fish oils at Carlson Health Oils, our own facility in Sovik, Norway. This control over sourcing and processing ensures freshness from sea to store.

Yes. Every batch is tested by an FDA-registered laboratory for heavy metals (mercury, lead, cadmium), PCBs, dioxins, and oxidation markers (peroxide value, anisidine value, TOTOX). IFOS-certified products undergo additional third-party testing, with full results published online. Carlson omega-3s consistently meet or exceed international safety standards for purity.

Carlson liquid fish oils have won Superior Taste Awards from the International Taste & Quality Institute (ITQI), judged by professional chefs and sommeliers. Freshness is key — nitrogen flushing removes oxygen during bottling, and added antioxidants (like vitamin E) prevent rancidity. Natural flavors like lemon, green apple, and fruit splash mask any residual fish taste. Soft gels are unflavored but are molecularly distilled to remove impurities that cause fishy aftertaste.

High doses of omega-3s (above 3 grams daily) may increase bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulant medications like warfarin. If you are taking blood thinners, consult your healthcare provider before starting omega-3 supplementation. They can advise on safe dosing based on your specific medication and health status.

Unopened bottles typically have a shelf life of 2 years from the manufacturing date (printed on the label). Once opened, refrigerate liquid fish oils and use within 100 days for optimal freshness. Soft gels do not require refrigeration but should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Always check the expiration date before use.