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How to NOT be misled by the label:

 A Pharmacological Perspective on Choosing the Right Omega-3

As pharmaceutical professionals, we observe a growing number of omega-3 supplements relying on superficial claims and flashy labels, high-dose claims, or clever flavoring to disguise low purity, poor absorption/bioavailability, or hidden oxidation. At MVS Pharma GmbH, we believe your health decisions should be guided by science, not marketing hype.

That’s why we decided to create a series of educational tip cards to help you identify these misleading practices. Our goal is to empower you with evidence-based insights, enabling you to choose an omega-3 product based on real substance, not just the label.

SMART omega-3 tip for sustainability by MVS PHARMA

Some Omega-3 products label themselves as “Sustainably Sourced”. However, it ultimately depends on certification – specifically, third-party certifications like MSC or ASC, and verifying if the brand provides clear, verifiable sourcing information.

-MVS Pharma GmbH

SMART omega-3 tip flavour by MVS PHARMA

Many fish oil products are available in a variety of flavours, but actually, these flavors don’t improve the quality of the fish oil. Instead, they often just mask the signs of oxidation, like bad taste and odor — rather than preventing or solving it.

-MVS Pharma GmbH

SMART omega-3 tip for total omega-3 amount by MVS PHARMA

Many omega-3 supplements show big numbers on the front, but the actual fact is that Total omega-3 = EPA + DHA.

-MVS Pharma GmbH

SMART omega-3 tips by MVS PHARMA for supplement potency

Some products advertise impressive terms like “High potency”. But what exactly does that mean? Real potency is in the numbers — look at EPA and DHA, per serving, not just bold words.

-MVS Pharma GmbH

SMART omega-3 tip for higher quality and oncentration of EPA and DHA per capsule by MVS PHARMA

The term “Triple Strength” is just a marketing label — it sounds impressive but doesn’t guarantee higher quality. “Triple Strength” often means you’re getting a much higher concentration of EPA and DHA per capsule.

-MVS Pharma GmbH

SMART omega-3 tip for fish oil form by MVS PHARMA

Many omega-3 products labeled as “re-esterified triglyceride (rTG)” are processed via enzymatic re-esterification, but the process is often incomplete. The resulting oil is not an exact rTG fish oil product. The form should be clearly mentioned and explained on the manufacturer’s website or certificate of analysis.

-MVS Pharma GmbH

SMART omega-3 tip for fish oil potencty by MVS PHARMA

Some bottles claim “Peak Omega,” but here is the real fact: the true peak of omega-3 benefits depends on the actual amount of EPA and DHA.

-MVS Pharma GmbH

SMART omega-3 tip for fish oil superiority by MVS PHARMA

Some products mention “superior omega,” but keep in mind the actual thing is: Always note the form of omega-3 used and the specific amounts of EPA and DHA per serving

-MVS Pharma GmbH

SMART omega-3 tip for balanced supplement by MVS PHARMA

The word “balanced” does sound reassuring; however, in reality, most people already consume more than enough omega-6 and omega-9 through their regular diet. Therefore, supplementing these is generally not essential. It’s important to note that the real nutritional value lies in high-quality omega-3s—especially EPA and DHA—rather than in a generic 3-6-9 blend.

MVS Pharma GmbH

SMART omega-3 tip for serving size vs capsule by MVS PHARMA

That 2000 mg per serving claim sounds impressive—until you realize a “serving” means 3 capsules. Always check the EPA/DHA per capsule, not just per serving.

-MVS Pharma GmbH

SMART MVS OMEGA-3 TIP 11 "No Fillers. No Binders. But Is It Pure Fish Oil?"

Many fish oil supplements claim “no fillers or binders”, but when you check the ingredient list, you’ll often find additives, preservatives, or unnecessary oils that dilute the product. Also, verify Third-Party Certifications.

-MVS Pharma GmbH

SMART MVS OMEGA-3 TIP 12 "Think Your Omega-3 Is Fully Absorbed?"

Many brands boldly claim “High Absorption” on their omega-3 labels, but the reality is, true absorption depends entirely on the source and form of the omega-3. Also, fish oil made from fresh, sustainably caught small fish tends to be better absorbed, especially when combined with triglycerides.

-MVS Pharma GmbH

SMART MVS OMEGA-3 TIP 13 "Labels Say 3X or 4X Strength — But What’s the EPA/DHA?"

When you see ‘4X Strength’ on a fish oil label, it often refers to the total oil volume. The real strength comes from the EPA and DHA content, so always read the supplement facts.

-MVS Pharma GmbH

SMART MVS OMEGA-3 TIP 14 "Is Your Fish Oil Really Free of Mercury and Lead?"

Many fish oil bottles claim to be “lead-free” or “mercury-free,” but it’s important not to trust those claims at face value. Always ask for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to verify purity and confirm the product has been tested by a reputable third-party lab.

-MVS Pharma GmbH

SMART MVS OMEGA-3 TIP 15 "Is ‘Ultra Pure’ Really Pure?"

“Ultra Pure Omega-3’ is often just marketing language. Many brands use it to make their product sound superior — but true purity depends on third-party certifications, contaminant testing, and transparent EPA/DHA data.

-MVS Pharma GmbH