SMART Omega-3 Tips

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.

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

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

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

-MVS Pharma GmbH

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

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

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

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.

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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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

Ultimate” might sound great but the real thing is true health starts with high levels of EPA and DHA.

-MVS Pharma GmbH

Many omega-3 fish oil supplements are marketed as “pharmaceutical grade.” But the actual thing: Pharmaceutical-grade products contain a combined EPA + DHA concentration of over 90%. Also the form is re-esterified triglyceride omega 3. And one must check the third party certifications.

-MVS Pharma GmbH

Many supplements and pharma products say “enteric-coated” on the label — but that doesn’t guarantee real protection.
True enteric effectiveness is confirmed only by disintegration or dissolution tests, usually published by the manufacturer or third-party labs.

-MVS Pharma GmbH

A label says “concentrated fish oil,” but that doesn’t always mean it’s truly high in EPA/DHA.

*Concentration = [EPA+DHA] / TOTAL FISH OIL 100 = % CONCENTRATION.

A high-quality, concentrated fish oil supplement typically has 60–90% EPA/DHA, while cheaper ones might have only 30–40%.

-MVS Pharma GmbH

Many supplements and pharma products say “enteric-coated” on the label — but that doesn’t guarantee real protection.
True enteric effectiveness is confirmed only by disintegration or dissolution tests, usually published by the manufacturer or third-party labs.

-MVS Pharma GmbH