EPA, DHA and ALA are different
EPA and DHA are long-chain marine omega-3s; ALA is an essential plant omega-3 that is only partly converted to EPA and DHA. Flax oil and fish or algae oil should not be treated as nutritionally identical.[5]
Canadian natural-health shopping guide
Omega-3 & Essential Fatty Acids
Compare fish, algae and plant oils by actual EPA, DHA or ALA per full serving, source, purity information and intended use.
150 Omega-3 & Essential Fatty Acids products in this collection
Shop current prices and availability below. Use the product and brand filters to narrow the list, or add an in-stock item directly to your cart.
Helpful buying guide
How to shop Omega-3 & Essential Fatty Acids
“1,000 mg fish oil” does not necessarily mean 1,000 mg omega-3. Products differ in EPA, DHA, ALA, concentration, source, flavour, capsule count and storage. Food sources such as fatty fish have benefits beyond isolated oil. Choose a supplement only after defining the goal and checking medicines, pregnancy, allergies and total daily amount.
Evidence-based decision guide
Understand the options before you choose
Food first for general heart health
Eating fish and seafood as part of a healthy dietary pattern is associated with cardiovascular benefit. Supplemental omega-3 can lower triglycerides, but dose and indication matter and high-dose treatment belongs under clinical supervision.[5]
Pregnancy and DHA
DHA supports fetal brain and eye development. Guidance considers low-mercury seafood and may include supplemental DHA/EPA when intake is low. Product source and the actual DHA amount should be reviewed with prenatal care.[6][7]
Quality and storage
Oils can oxidize. Follow expiry and storage instructions, refrigerate when directed, close liquids promptly and discard products with abnormal odour or taste. Third-party testing can add information but does not replace the Canadian licence and label.[2][4]
Choose by fatty-acid profile, not front-label oil weight
| Source | Main fatty-acid profile | Shopping consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Fish oil | EPA and DHA in varying proportions | Check actual EPA+DHA, species/source, allergen and capsule count.[5] |
| Algal oil | Usually DHA, sometimes EPA | Useful non-fish option; compare exact DHA/EPA amount.[5] |
| Flax or other plant oil | Mainly ALA | ALA is essential but not equivalent to preformed EPA/DHA.[5] |
| Cod-liver oil | EPA/DHA plus vitamins A and D | Count vitamins A and D across all products, especially in pregnancy.[5][6] |
Practical tips beyond supplements
- Start with food, sleep, movement and other daily habits that relate to the goal.
- Define one measurable outcome and a realistic date to review whether the product is helping.
- Record the exact product, NPN or DIN-HM, daily amount and start date.
- Introduce one new product at a time so benefit or adverse effects can be identified.
When assessment matters
- Do not use a supplement to delay emergency care or assessment of severe, persistent or rapidly worsening symptoms.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, childhood, surgery and serious chronic disease require product-specific advice.
- Review possible interactions when prescription medicines or several supplements are used.
- Stop the product and seek advice if a concerning new symptom or suspected allergic reaction occurs.
A practical buying checklist
What to compare before you buy
- Compare EPA, DHA and/or ALA per full daily serving rather than total oil weight.
- Choose fish, algae or plant source based on the fatty-acid profile—not source preference alone.
- Check fish/shellfish allergens, flavour, capsule burden and refrigeration after opening.
- For pregnancy, distinguish low-mercury seafood guidance from concentrated supplemental oils.
- Review high-dose use, surgery plans, anticoagulants and prescription triglyceride therapy with a clinician.
Need help choosing?
Bring your medication list, allergies, health conditions and current supplements. A Sina pharmacist can help you compare labels and identify questions for your prescriber.
Call 604-336-7462Frequently asked questions
Is 1,000 mg fish oil the same as 1,000 mg omega-3?
No. Read the medicinal-ingredient panel for the actual EPA and DHA in the full serving.[5]
What is the difference between EPA, DHA and ALA?
EPA and DHA are long-chain omega-3s found mainly in marine sources. ALA is a plant omega-3 and converts only partly to EPA and DHA.[5]
Is algae oil equivalent to fish oil?
It can provide preformed DHA and sometimes EPA, but profiles differ. Compare the exact fatty-acid amount and intended use.[5]
Do omega-3 supplements prevent heart disease?
Evidence is stronger for eating seafood in a healthy diet than for routine supplements in everyone. Supplements lower triglycerides, but cardiovascular outcomes vary by population and dose.[5]
Can omega-3 lower triglycerides?
EPA/DHA can lower triglycerides, but treatment amounts and prescription products require clinician supervision and are not interchangeable with ordinary supplements.[5]
Is omega-3 safe with blood thinners?
Bleeding risk depends on dose, medicines and health status. Review higher-dose use with the prescriber or pharmacist.[5][3]
Do I need DHA in pregnancy?
Review low-mercury seafood intake and prenatal-product DHA with the care team. Supplemental DHA may be useful when dietary intake is low.[6][7]
How should omega oils be stored?
Follow the package. Many liquids require refrigeration after opening; all should be protected from heat, light and air.[4]
What does “molecularly distilled” prove?
It describes a processing method, not the clinical suitability of the product. Verify the Canadian licence, fatty-acid amounts and any current quality documentation.[2]
Canadian sources and label guidance
- Health Canada: Natural health products
- Health Canada: Search licensed natural health products
- Health Canada: Safe use of natural health products
- Health Canada: Improved natural health product labelling
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary supplements and pregnancy
- Public Health Agency of Canada: Family-centred maternity and newborn care guideline
Content prepared by Sina Pharmacy team using the sources above. It is not a diagnosis or an individualized treatment plan. The current Canadian product label and advice from your healthcare professional take precedence.