What’s the deal about the best fish oil in Malaysia 2021? Which brands are reputable?
Fish oil supplements are a convenient (and cheaper) alternative to eating fish from the sea! Omega-3 fatty acids lead to better heart, mental health and overall immunity!
Reducing joint pain is another reason to buy the best fish oil supplements in Malaysia too!
The Best Fish Oil Brands In Malaysia
Get your fish oil brands from reputable brands like the ones in this list.
- Blackmores
- StemLabs
- Pristin
- Swisse
- Bio-Life
- Nature’s Bounty
- Healthy Care
- USANA
- FOREVER ARCTIC SEA
- Shaklee
11 Best Fish Oil Supplements In Malaysia
List of recommended fish oil supplements:
- Best For Value – Swisse Ultiboost Odourless High Strength Wild Fish Oil 1500mg
- Best For Stronger Hair And Nails – USANA Biomega III Plus Fish Oil
- Best For Joint Pain/ High Cholesterol – Blackmores Fish Oil 1000mg
- Best For High Dosage – USANA Biomega III Plus Fish Oil
- Best For Children – Swisse Ultiboost Odourless High Strength Wild Fish Oil 1500mg
You may want to skip to the bottom of the article where there is more information on how to choose the best fish oil supplements in Malaysia!
1. Blackmores Fish Oil 1000mg
Best For Joint Pain/ High Cholesterol
Blackmores is one of the best fish oil brands in Malaysia. Their bovine capsules go through numerous tests. Checking for mercury and other unwanted substances!
Depending on your health and age, you may need to take up to 2 or even 3 capsules a day. After a meal. If you are unsure about the dosage, ask your healthcare professional. And don’t worry, there is no fishy aftertaste!
Users remark that this product has helped to reduce their joint pain and aches. Furthermore, they notice that their cholesterol levels have reduced after intake of this supplement for a few months. They also confirm claims that this product has no fishy smell or aftertaste!
Although the swallowing can be quite difficult due to the capsule size. The mini-cap version may be more comfortable to consume.
- Serving Size: 2-3 Capsules Daily
- Suitable For: Above 12 years old
- Source: 100% wild caught small fish
- Each Capsule Contains: 1,000mg Omega-3 fish oil (EPA 180 mg, DHA 120 mg)
- Key Benefits: Maintains heart, skin, eye and brain health
- Price: ~RM62 (400 Capsules)
Pros:
- Halal certified
- No yeast, gluten, wheat
- No preservatives, artificial coloring, sweeteners, or flavoring.
- Oil is high quality (extracted from wild caught fish)
- Tested for mercury and other harmful compounds (PCBs, dioxins)
- No fishy smell or taste
- Great value for money
Cons:
- Big capsules are hard to swallow
2. StemLabs Omega-3 Fish Oil 1000mg
Imported all the way from New Zealand:
Certified Halal by JAKIM as well as the New Zealand Islamic Body (FIANZ), StemLabs Omega-3 Fish Oil 1000mg claims to be toxin-free.
Sourcing its fish oil from smaller ocean fish species.
Users comment that there is no fishy smell. Some have experienced less joint pain and improved skin texture too.
Unfortunately, there are users who experienced side effects like an upset stomach and nausea. But this may be because they consumed this supplement on an empty stomach.
Take 1 capsule 3 times daily with food.
- Serving Size: 2-3 Capsules Daily
- Suitable For: Adults
- Source: Small fishes (Sardine, Mackerel & Anchovies)
- Each Capsule Contains: 1,000mg Omega-3 fish oil (EPA 180 mg, DHA 120 mg)
- Key Benefits: Maintains heart, skin, eye and brain health
- Price: ~RM30 (200 Capsules)
Pros:
- Halal certified
- Toxin free (sourced from smaller fishes)
- Distillated for concentrated purity
- Comes in a family pack which is affordable
Cons:
- No clear instructions on whether it is safe for children
- No ingredients list (unsure of preservative/additive contents)
- Can cause side effects when taken on an empty stomach
- Frequent dosage required
3. Pristin Omega-3 Fish Oil 1200mg
Affordable for fish oil prices in Malaysia?
Pristin Omega-3 Fish Oil 1200mg in fact, contains double the ratio of EPA and DHA of the previous two products too!
So you just need to take 1 toxin-free capsule a day after a meal!
Other things to note, the softgel capsules are made from fish gelatin. And the product is certified Halal by JAKIM.
- Serving Size: 1 Softgel Daily
- Suitable For: Adult
- Source: Wild fishes
- Each Softgel Contains: 1,200mg Omega-3 fish oil (EPA 396 mg, DHA 264 mg), Vitamin E
- Key Benefits: Maintains heart, skin, eye and brain health
- Price: ~RM160 (180 Softgels)
Pros:
- Convenient (1 tablet daily)
- Premium fish oil from wild fish (Norway)
- Highly purified
- No artificial preservatives
- No synthetic capsule coating
- Tested for harmful molecules and contaminants
- GMO-free
- Heavy-metals and mercury removed
- Halal certified
- Longer shelf life of 3 years
Cons:
- Not suitable for children
- Not suitable for vegetarians/vegans
- Slight fishy smell
4. Swisse Ultiboost Odourless High Strength Wild Fish Oil 1500mg
Best For Value
Swisse Ultiboost Odourless High Strength Wild Fish Oil 1500mg offers a pretty high EPA/DHA dosage for a reasonable price of ~RM0.16 per capsule.
These are vanilla-coated bovine capsules that are odor-free.
Consumers state that the taste is pleasant with no fishy odor at all! Moreover, a lot of them who had experienced adverse effects from other brands feel that this brand is gentler on the stomach.
Though some still experience upset stomach or bloating after intake. And users also face difficulty swallowing the capsule.
- Serving Size: 2 Capsules Daily (preferably after meals)
- Suitable For: Above 2 years old. For 2-6 years, take 1 capsule daily. For 6-12 years, take 2 capsules daily. Pierce capsule and squeeze fish oil into juice.
- Source: Wild Fishes
- Each Capsule Contains: 1,500mg Omega-3 fish oil (EPA 270 mg, DHA 180 mg)
- Key Benefits: Maintains heart, joint, eye and brain health; Helps support healthy mood balance
- Price: ~RM65 (400 Capsules)
Pros:
- No fishy odor (vanilla-coated capsules)
- Suitable for children (but consult a healthcare professional first)
- High strength
- Fish oil from sustainable sources
Cons:
- Not suitable for vegetarians/vegans
- Hard to swallow
- Could cause side effects when taken on an empty stomach
5. Bio-Life Omega-3 Fish Oil 1000mg
A cheaper (and still reliable) alternative to some of the best omega 3 fish oil supplements in Malaysia:
The bovine capsules of the Bio-Life Omega-3 Fish Oil 1000mg are a product from New Zealand. This fish oil is purified after extraction from deep cold water marine fish!
- Serving Size: 1-3 Capsules Daily With Food
- Suitable For: Adults
- Source: Wild Fishes
- Each Capsule Contains: 1,000mg Omega-3 fish oil (EPA 180 mg, DHA 120 mg)
- Key Benefits: Maintains heart, skin, eye and brain health
- Price: ~RM90 (400 Capsules)
Pros:
- Halal certified
- Purified using latest molecular distillation technology
Cons:
- No information about preservative or additive contents
- Not suitable for children
6. FOREVER ARCTIC SEA Natural Fish Oils With Olive Oil
Aiming to get in around 400mg of EPA and DHA omega-3 fish oils in a day? That can help to relieve joint pain!
There is vitamin E too with the FOREVER ARCTIC SEA Natural Fish Oils With Olive Oil. Which is affordable, gluten-free and certified halal.
Users comment that they think it is easier to swallow than other fish oil supplements.
And that it has helped with lowering their cholesterol. However, some people felt no difference after consumption while a few experienced bloating and gas.
- Serving Size: 1-3 Softgels Daily
- Suitable For: Adult
- Source: Natural fish, calamari and oleic olive oil
- Each Softgel Contains: 1,000mg Omega-3 fish oil (EPA 225 mg, DHA 150 mg), Vitamin E
- Key Benefits: Maintains heart, skin, eye and brain health
- Price: ~RM70 (60 Softgels)
Pros:
- Halal certified
- Gluten-free
- Pure source of EPA and DHA
- Sourced from different types of fishes (cod, salmon, anchovy)
- May be easier to swallow
Cons:
- Not suitable for children
- May cause side effects
7. Nature’s Bounty Omega-3 Fish Oil 1360mg
Be sure to check with your doctor first if you need the high dosage in the Nature’s Bounty Omega-3 Fish Oil 1360mg (certified halal).
The fish oil is sourced from Peru and the 90 bovine capsules are coated to ease swallowing. You may detect a very faint fishy smell though.
For these capsules, most consumers find them easy to swallow. Though several others still experience some difficulty due to the relatively big pill size. And there may be fishy burps after consumption.
User reviews further suggest that it helps with lowering cholesterol and reducing joint pain!
- Serving Size: 1 Softgel Daily
- Suitable For: Adult
- Source: Fish From Peru (anchovy, mackerel, sardine)
- Each Softgel Contains: 1,360mg Omega-3 fish oil (EPA 625 mg, DHA 244 mg)
- Key Benefits: Maintains heart, skin, eye and brain health
- Price: ~RM75 (90 Softgels)
Pros:
- Convenient (only need 1 capsule daily)
- Has been purified to remove contaminants
- Eco-friendly source (strict regulations to control fishing)
Cons:
- Not suitable for children
- Slight fishy odor
- Big capsule size could make swallowing difficult
8. Healthy Care Omega-3 Fish Oil 1000mg
The formula of Australian-made Healthy Care Omega-3 Fish Oil 1000mg excludes artificial colors and flavors. As well as preservatives and common allergens (e.g. milk, gluten, yeast, milk, etc).
Children should take 1-2 capsules a day. And adults may need to take up to 4 capsules a day to relieve symptoms of arthritis. For children who cannot swallow, pop the capsule and mix the contents into a tasty beverage.
There is no fishy aftertaste or odor according to many reviews. Plus, many have claimed that it helps to decrease joint pain and inflammation in those with arthritis (at higher doses).
Unsurprisingly, a few find the large capsules hard to swallow.
PS: There is mini-cap version too.
- Serving Size: 1-3 Capsules Daily
- Suitable For: Chidren (Above 6 years old), Adult
- Source: Cold water fish
- Each Capsule Contains: 1,000mg Omega-3 fish oil (EPA 180 mg, DHA 120 mg)
- Key Benefits: Support heart, brain, eye and cardiovascular health
- Price: ~RM60 (400 Capsules)
Pros:
- Free from artificial coloring and flavoring
- No artificial preservatives
- Relieves joint pain
- No sugar, gluten, milk, wheat or yeast
- Suitable for children (above 6)
Cons:
- Large capsules (hard to swallow)
9. Shaklee Omega Guard Fish Oil
You may not have heard of it but Shaklee is one of the best fish oil supplement brands in Malaysia.
And it just celebrated 100 years’ of innovation. From the time of its American founder, Dr. Forrest C. Shaklee.
The mercury-free Shaklee Omega Guard Fish Oil is also certified by Friend of the Sea. Meaning there is minimal impact to the environment.
This product has garnered tons of positive reviews, scoring 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon based on over 200 reviews!
Users state that it helps reduce their cholesterol. And even give them stronger nails and better-looking skin! They do not sense any fishy smell at all. Even those who do observe that it is very minimal.
- Serving Size: 3 Capsules Daily
- Suitable For: Adult
- Source: Small Cold-water Fish
- Each Capsule Contains: 999mg Omega-3 fish oil (EPA 182 mg, DHA 120 mg)
- Key Benefits: Maintains heart, skin, eye and brain health
- Price: ~RM99 (90 Capsules)
Pros:
- Little fishy odor or aftertaste
- Uses multistep distillation for purification
- Free from harmful compounds (mercury, lead, etc)
- Pharmaceutical-grade fish oil
- Reduces formation of unhealthy fats
- From sustainable sources
- May improve skin and strengthen nails
Cons:
- Inconvenient (need 3 pills daily)
- Not suitable for children
10. USANA Biomega III Plus Fish Oil
Take a step back to get professional medical advice before buying the USANA Biomega III Plus Fish Oil.
Best For High Dosage
The EPA/ DHA dosage is more than 3 times the amount in other products on this list! And what is the lemon oil for? To rid your tastebuds of any fishy traces!
Despite this, users still feel that the fishy smell and odor is very strong (probably due to the high dose).
Best For Stronger Hair And Nails
But consumers are elated with its effects on hair as some experience thicker and healthier hair after intake. According to reviews, this product also strengthens your nails!
- Serving Size: 1 Capsule Daily
- Suitable For: Adult (over 18)
- Source: n/a
- Each Capsule Contains: 2,000mg Omega-3 fish oil (EPA 580 mg, DHA 470 mg), Vitamin D and Lemon Oil
- Key Benefits: Supports sound cardiovascular, immune, and joint health
- Price: ~RM90 (56 Capsules)
Pros:
- Requires only 1 capsule per day
- Contains high dosage in single capsule
- Purified to remove harmful substances (like mercury)
- Suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women (but consult your doctor first)
- Sourced from wild-caught small fishes (less contaminants)
- No wheat or gluten
- May strengthen hair and nails
Cons:
- Not suitable for children or younger teenagers
- Fishy odor
11. Opceden Omega-3 Fish Oil
At twice the usual EPA/ DHA dosage of other products, Opceden Omega-3 Fish Oil is not appropriate for children.
But adults can take up to 3 of the bovine softgels for lowering cholesterol in the blood. Or to reduce joint pain.
- Serving Size: 1-2 Softgels Daily
- Suitable For: Adult
- Source: Natural TG form fish oil from pristine Norway
- Each Softgel Contains: 1,000mg Omega-3 fish oil (EPA 500 mg, DHA 200 mg)
- Key Benefits: helps joint pain, heart disease and autoimmune diseases, Promotes cardiovascular health, Supports healthy immune system function
- Price: ~RM155 (180 Softgels)
Pros:
- Purified to remove contaminants like mercury
- High dose in a single capsule
Cons:
- Not suitable for children
- Not suitable for vegetarians/vegans
- May have a slight fishy smell
What Is Fish Oil Actually?
It’s plain from the name that fish oil comes from fish. Fish tissue, to be exact. In contrast, the skin, scales and bones are common sources for the best collagen drinks in Malaysia!
Fish oil is usually from ocean fish like tuna, mackerel and anchovies. These fish are natural sources of highly beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
What Is TG Fish Oil?
You might see some fish oil brands advertising that they use TG fish oil for their supplements.
The triglyceride (TG) form of fish oil is supposedly better for absorption in the body compared to ethyl esters. Which is another form of fish oil.
However, both forms are available and none of them are proven to be significantly advantageous over the other.
Source: www.sciencebasedhealth.com
Why Do You Need Fish Oil Supplements?
However, these types of fish (ocean fish) tend to be expensive in Malaysia. So this is where fish oil supplements come into the picture!
As your body does not naturally produce omega-3 fatty acids!
Whether or not you need it is a different story. Foods such as fishes are still the best source of Omega-3. Unless your doctor recommends you start taking fish oil supplements.
Fish oil supplements are mostly recommended *(1, 2) for those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis. Or those at high risk of heart disease.
If you are healthy, the possible benefits have yet to be confirmed by research studies. But if you don’t eat fish, this is a good substitute *(3).
Types Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
In particular, these are the main types of omega-3 fatty acids you need:
- eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
- docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
- alpha-linoleic acid (ALA)
Where the first two can be obtained from eating fish, ALA is from plants.
Benefits Of Taking Fish Oil Supplements
But how exactly are fish oil supplements good for you?
Here are just a few of the possible benefits *(4):
- Healthy heart, brain and eye function
- Helps with reducing the symptoms of joint inflammation or arthritis
- Certain mental disorders (e.g. bipolar disorder) may see an improvement in symptoms
- Like whey protein, fish oil can contribute to weight loss
- Beautiful skin
- Early fetus growth (If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, bird nest drinks are great for both mum and baby’s health too!)
Note: Research only suggests these benefits but have yet to confirm them. Do not ever take fish oil supplements as a replacement for your normal medications. Unless instructed by your doctor.
Those who have/are at risk of heart diseases or omega-3 deficiency are most likely to benefit *(5) from fish oil.
How To Choose The Best Fish Oil Supplements
1. Ingredients
As when buying the best probiotics or vitamin C supplements in Malaysia:
It’s important to avoid products with unnecessary fillers. And other ingredients that may be artificial.
On the other hand, there may be other vitamins added. Like vitamin A or D.
2. Proof Of Quality
For the ultimate confidence that the product matches the label:
Buy fish oil supplements that carry certification by independent organizations like IFOS, TGA, USP, NSF International or even Malaysia’s Ministry of Health!
These third parties typically test for concentration and freshness of the product!
3. Expiration Date
Of course, this is one other thing you need to pay extra attention too! Fish oil can go rancid!
4. Available Forms
Fish oil supplements are sold in capsules, softgels or liquids. There may be gummies too.
5. What Is The Main Source Of The Fish Oil?
This is important because certain species of fish may contain higher levels of mercury. Fish like catfish or southern blue fin tuna, for instance.
Sardines and anchovies are safe bets if you want to avoid consuming mercury.
6. Recommended Dosage
Note that the combined amount of EPA or DHA should be much more than ALA too.
In general, the daily recommended dose for EPA and DHA (combined) is roughly between 250 to 500mg. Which is about the same dose you get if you eat ocean fish 2-3 times a week.
For children, the daily amount begins from 40mg (aged 2 and up) to 125mg (teenagers).
And when it comes to ALA, women only need 1.1g per day while men require more (1.6g).
The best time to take your dose is with a meal. This increases its absorption into the body *(6)!
It is always best to follow your healthcare professional’s advice on how many capsules to take.
7. Caution
Don’t ever take more than you need! Fish oil is not as forgiving as vitamin C! Overdosage can increase your risk of bleeding (and stroke) and affect your immunity *(7).
Common side effects include upset stomach, nausea, acid reflux and indigestion *(8).
If you experience such side effects, try taking your supplement after a meal instead of before! Or splitting the dose and taking it twice a day instead of once *(9).
There is risk of an allergic reaction too. So do not take fish oil if you have a severe seafood allergy. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience hives, swelling of lips and face and difficulty in breathing after consumption.
Other extremely important things to note *(10):
- Fish oil supplements can be dangerous if you are currently on blood thinners.
- Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting on fish oil supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Or currently taking any medications or supplements.
Conclusion
Eating fish (of the coldwater variety) regularly is better than taking the best fish oil supplements in Malaysia. But that’s expensive!
Thus, it’s nice to have fish oil supplements to cushion your diet. Look at your health conditions vs dosage, and brand.
