Omega oils

Omega oils: marine and plant, sourced for freshness.

Most South African diets are short on EPA and DHA, the two long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish. Modern oils high in linoleic acid (sunflower, soybean, canola) tip the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in the wrong direction and quietly drive low-grade inflammation across years.

Our omega selection focuses on the forms that actually move the needle: triglyceride-form marine oils for adults, child-specific liquid and softgel formats, and a small plant omega range for those who prefer no marine sources. We look for third-party purity testing, low oxidation values, and dark glass or nitrogen-flushed packaging. Freshness is the spec that matters most.

What is actually happening

  • EPA vs DHA, briefly

    EPA is the anti-inflammatory workhorse, useful for mood, joints, and cardiovascular support. DHA builds brain and retinal tissue, which is why it matters most in pregnancy, infancy, and through childhood neurodevelopment. Adult formulas favour EPA; child formulas favour DHA.

  • Plant omegas convert poorly

    Flax, chia, and walnut deliver ALA, the short-chain omega-3. The human body converts ALA to EPA at roughly 5 to 10 percent and to DHA at under 1 percent. Plant omegas are useful, but they do not replace a marine source for clinical effect.

  • Why fresh matters (oxidation)

    Omega-3 oils are fragile and oxidise on exposure to heat, light, and air. A rancid fish oil is not only ineffective, it can be pro-inflammatory. Look for low TOTOX (total oxidation) values, dark glass bottles, and small enough doses that you finish the bottle within 60 to 90 days.

  • How to spot a quality fish oil

    Triglyceride or re-esterified triglyceride form (not ethyl ester). Third-party tested for heavy metals, PCBs, and oxidation. Wild-caught small fish (anchovy, sardine, mackerel) rather than farmed. A clean, faintly oceanic smell, never strongly fishy or chemical.

How we think about it

FOUNDATION

One quality marine omega, daily

For most adults, a single triglyceride-form fish or krill oil delivering 1000 to 2000 mg combined EPA and DHA per day is the foundation. Take it with a fat-containing meal for best absorption.

BUILD

Children and pregnancy

For kids, a DHA-forward liquid or chewable that they will actually take consistently beats a perfect formula they refuse. For pregnancy and breastfeeding, prioritise a clean, third-party tested marine source with stated EPA and DHA quantities per dose.

SPECIALTY

Plant omega and combined blends

Algae-derived DHA, organic flax or chia oils, and combined 3:6:9 blends suit those who avoid marine sources for dietary or ethical reasons. Pair with a clean B vitamin source to support conversion.

Our top picks for this concern

Curated by what works, ranked by what sells. The handful we reach for first.

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Nordic Naturals Children's DHA Liquid 119ml Strawberry

Nordic Naturals Children's DHA Liquid 119ml Strawberry

R 709.00R 629.00
Nordic Naturals Children's DHA provides 530 mg of Omega-3 per serving, specifically formulated to support brain development and cognitive function in children. This supplement is derived from wild Arctic cod...
Natroceutics - Omega 3 Pure & Wild 60 Capsules

Natroceutics - Omega 3 Pure & Wild 60 Capsules

R 389.00
Skin health Cognitive Health and Performance Cardiovascular Health + Protection Skin health
Natroceutics - Omega 3 Fortified 60 Capsules

Natroceutics - Omega 3 Fortified 60 Capsules

R 499.00
Cognitive Health and Performance Improve Vision + Macula Protection + Eye Health Cardiovascular Health + Protection Skin health
Nordic naturals Omega-3 Zero Sugar Fishies-36 300mg

Nordic naturals Omega-3 Zero Sugar Fishies-36 300mg

R 869.00R 799.00
Zero Sugar Omega-3 Fishies are sugar-free, fish-shaped gummies providing 300 mg of Omega-3 DHA+EPA per serving. These gummies are made with natural lemon flavor and are a fun, easy way...
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Junior fish oil supplement packaging on a white background

Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Junior 90 softgels

R 1,099.00R 949.00
Strawberry-flavoured omega-3 soft gels to support kids' brain health, learning, and positive mood. Delivers a potent 680 mg of EPA + DHA in mini soft gels that are easy to...
Viridian 100% Organic Black Seed Oil 200ml

Viridian 100% Organic Black Seed Oil 200ml

R 879.00
The product is 100% organic black seed oil, cold-pressed from Egyptian Nigella sativa seeds. It is certified organic by the Soil Association and comes in amber glass bottles. The oil...
Biomax - Purest Omega 60 Capsules

Biomax - Purest Omega 60 Capsules

R 405.00
High-quality omega-3 fatty acids. 2. Supports heart and brain health. 3. 60 capsules per bottle. Ingredients: Total Omega-3 fatty acids as triglycerides 1000mg Providing: EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid triglyceride) 400 mg...
Brain Child Fish Oil Burstlets-60 Burstlets

Brain Child Fish Oil Burstlets-60 Burstlets

R 349.00
Fruity Fish Oil Burstlets provide Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, which support healthy brain development. They come in a fruity flavor with no fishy aftertaste, making them suitable...
Viridian Organic Omega 3:6:9 Oil

Viridian Organic Omega 3:6:9 Oil

R 369.00
Viridian Organic Omega 3:6:9 Oil is a blend of organic oils providing a balanced ratio of omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids. The oil supports cardiovascular health, brain function, and...
Bottle of Arctic Cod Liver Oil by Nordic Naturals on a white background

Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil 237ml

R 1,099.00R 999.00
Premium wild Arctic cod liver oil with high-quality omega-3s to support heart, brain, and immune health. Sustainably sourced, third-party tested cod liver oil with excellent purity, freshness, and great taste....
Nature's Choice Chia Seeds

Nature's Choice Chia Seeds

R 169.00
Nature's Choice Chia Seeds are sold in various package sizes. 2. They are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. 3. Chia seeds are used to boost...
Nordic Naturals Baby Omega (DHA) Baby Omega

Nordic Naturals Baby Omega (DHA) Baby Omega

R 645.00R 599.00
Nordic Naturals Baby Omega (DHA) is a liquid supplement designed for infants. 2. It provides a source of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid important for brain and eye development. 3....

Build your stack

Three tiers, not 12. Start with one, add the next when you are ready.

  1. 1
    ESSENTIALS

    Adult daily marine omega

    One quality fish oil, taken with food, is the single highest-value omega move for most adults. Pure & Wild is the entry-point Natroceutics formula.

    Natroceutics - Omega 3 Pure & Wild 60 Capsules Natroceutics - Omega 3 Pure & Wild 60 Capsules R389.00 View →
  2. 2
    BUILD

    Child DHA support

    For school-age kids, a flavoured liquid or junior softgel that they take willingly every morning. DHA supports learning, attention, and ongoing brain development.

    Nordic Naturals Children's DHA Liquid 119ml Strawberry Nordic Naturals Children's DHA Liquid 119ml Strawberry R629.00 View →
  3. 3
    SPECIALTY

    Higher-dose or krill alternative

    For adults with joint, mood, or cardiovascular focus, step up to a fortified marine omega or add krill for the phospholipid-bound form.

    Phytoceutics - Phytopure Krill Oil 60 Capsules Phytoceutics - Phytopure Krill Oil 60 Capsules R499.00 View →

Common questions

How much EPA and DHA does an adult actually need?
General wellness research supports around 500 mg combined EPA plus DHA per day. For specific conditions like elevated triglycerides, joint inflammation, or mood support, clinical doses run 1500 to 3000 mg combined per day. Check the label for actual EPA and DHA quantities, not just total fish oil weight.
Fish oil or krill oil, what is the difference?
Fish oil carries EPA and DHA in triglyceride or ethyl ester form, typically at higher absolute doses per capsule. Krill oil carries them in phospholipid form, which some research suggests is absorbed more efficiently, but at a lower dose per capsule and higher cost per gram. Both work. Pick the one you will take consistently.
Why does my fish oil burp taste so bad?
That is oxidation, and it means the oil is partially rancid. Quality, fresh fish oil should have no fishy aftertaste. Try taking it with the largest meal of the day, store in the fridge once opened, and replace any bottle that smells strongly fishy through the capsule.
Are plant omegas enough for vegetarians or vegans?
ALA from flax, chia, and walnut converts to EPA and DHA inefficiently in most people. If you avoid marine sources, an algae-derived DHA supplement is the closest replacement for the marine form and is worth pairing with the plant omegas.
Can children take adult fish oil?
Dose-dependently, yes, but the softgels are usually too large to swallow and the EPA:DHA ratio is wrong for developing brains. Use a kid-specific liquid or junior softgel that emphasises DHA and matches their body weight.
Should I stop fish oil before surgery?
Higher-dose fish oil mildly thins the blood. Standard surgical guidance is to pause omega-3 supplements 7 to 14 days before any planned procedure. Discuss with your surgeon, especially if you are on other blood-thinning medication.