Omega-3 fatty acids is a supplement that is sold over the counter.
Also known as Fish oil, EPA, DHA, Algal oil
EPA and DHA are omega-3 fats found in fatty fish and algae and are part of brain and cell membranes. Supplements are among the most popular in the US; prescription versions exist for very high triglycerides.
In 2 example journals
Sold without a prescription. Supplements are not reviewed by the FDA before sale, so third-party testing matters. Sold as a dietary supplement; separate FDA-approved prescription omega-3 products are used for high triglycerides.
As of September 23, 2026.
Key takeaways
EPA and DHA become part of your cell membranes, especially in the heart, brain and retina, and influence inflammation, heart rhythm and blood fats.
Your body makes very little EPA or DHA from plant omega-3s, so fish, algae or supplements are the main sources.
Solid evidence for lowering triglycerides; large trials show mixed results for heart events and little benefit for memory or cognition in healthy adults.
Cardiologists support omega-3s for specific groups, such as people with heart disease or very high triglycerides, but not as a general preventive supplement.
The American Heart Association's 2017 advisory says fish oil supplements are reasonable after a heart attack and in one type of heart failure, but are not recommended for the general population.
AHA science advisory: omega-3 supplementation and cardiovascular disease (Circulation 2017)The AHA's 2019 advisory calls prescription omega-3s an effective and safe option for lowering high triglycerides.
AHA science advisory: omega-3 fatty acids for managing high triglycerides (Circulation 2019)In VITAL, about 25,900 adults took omega-3s or placebo for a median of 5.3 years, and major heart events and cancer were not lower with omega-3s.
VITAL: Marine n-3 fatty acids and prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer (NEJM 2019)A 2021 meta-analysis found marine omega-3 supplements were linked to a higher risk of atrial fibrillation, more so at higher intakes.
Omega-3 supplementation and risk of atrial fibrillation: meta-analysis (Circulation 2021)NIH notes that high intakes may raise bleeding risk with warfarin.
NIH ODS: Omega-3 fatty acids fact sheet for consumersSummaries of published guidelines, drug labels, regulators and reviews, each attributed to its source. DiscoverMedica does not employ clinicians.
Only a licensed clinician who knows your history can decide whether it is right for you.
These save with the compound when you add it to My Journal, so they’re on the printout for your visit.
No prescription is needed. Supplement brands and retailers sell it online and in stores.
Check with a clinician or pharmacist first if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.
Choose a product with independent testing, such as NSF Certified for Sport or USP Verified, because FDA does not check supplements before they are sold.
From each provider’s own site, checked September 23, 2026. Programs change, so confirm the details before you sign up.
16 providers list Omega-3 fatty acids on DiscoverMedica, lowest listed price first.
† Prices as listed by the provider when we checked; they change.
No. Large trials like VITAL found no benefit for heart attacks, strokes or cancer in the general population. Eating fish is still encouraged.
Large trials have shown little benefit for memory or thinking in healthy adults.
Prescription products are used for very high triglycerides and, in one case, for heart risk in people already on statins. They are different from supplements.
Supplements do not need a prescription. Prescription omega-3 products come from your own clinician.
This is not a complete list of risks. Talk to a licensed clinician or pharmacist about your own situation. If you have a severe reaction, call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA through MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Guide reviewed September 23, 2026.
Educational information only, not medical advice. It does not replace a conversation with a licensed clinician.
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