How to read an omega-3 label
What to look for on an omega-3 label, and how SUPPFAX reads it.
SUPPFAX shows what the label says. It doesn't test products.
"Fish oil 1000 mg" isn't 1000 mg of omega-3
The big number on a label can be the oil in each capsule. The omega-3 is only part of that oil.
Look for DHA and EPA, in mg. Added up, they are the DHA+EPA that SUPPFAX compares.
Per capsule or per daily portion
EU rules say a food supplement’s label gives its amounts per daily portion, as the label recommends it.
Source: Directive 2002/46/EC on food supplements, Article 8 (opens in a new tab)
SUPPFAX shows every amount per capsule (or per ml, gummy or tablet). Where a label gives a portion of several capsules, SUPPFAX divides by that number, and says "Calculated from the label".
"At least" on a label
"At least" or "min." means the label says each capsule holds that amount or more.
SUPPFAX keeps it a minimum: the amount reads "at least", and the price per gram reads "or less".
Other ingredients
The ingredients list names the product's ingredients, such as the capsule shell and flavourings, in descending order of weight.
Source: Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information, Articles 2, 9 and 18 (opens in a new tab)
A product page shows them as printed, under "Other ingredients".
Batch number and date
A pack usually carries a batch number (also called a lot number) and a date of minimum durability: the date until which it keeps its properties when stored as the label says.
Source: Directive 2011/91/EU on lot marks, Articles 1 and 2 (opens in a new tab)
Source: Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information, Articles 2, 9 and 18 (opens in a new tab)
A brand's published lab result applies to the batch it names. Compare that batch number with the one on your pack.
How we compare
SUPPFAX's rules for reading labels and comparing: How we compare