What’s the deal about the best fish oil in Malaysia 2020? Which brands are reputable?
Fish oil supplements are a convenient (and cheaper) alternative to eating fish from the sea! There are details below on why omega-3 fatty acids lead to better heart, mental health and overall immunity!
Reducing joint pain may be another reason to buy the best fish oil supplements in Malaysia too!
What Is Fish Oil Actually?
It’s plain from the name that fish oil comes from fish. Fish tissue, to be exact. The same goes 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, 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 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!
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 benefits:
- 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 (i.e. if you are pregnant or breastfeeding!)
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
Before we get on with the list:
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
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. Don’t worry, there is no fishy aftertaste!
- Serving Size: 2-3 Capsules Daily
- Suitable For: Above 1 year 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)
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.
- Serving Size: 2-3 Capsules Daily
- Suitable For: Above 1 year old
- 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)
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.
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)
4. Swisse Ultiboost Odourless High Strength Wild Fish Oil 1500mg
Swisse Ultiboost Odourless High Strength Wild Fish Oil 1500mg offers a pretty high EPA/DHA dosage for a reasonable price of ~RM6 per capsule.
These are bovine capsules that are odor-free and easy to swallow!
- Serving Size: 1-3 Capsules Daily
- Suitable For: Above 1 year old
- 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)
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. The EPA and DHA dosage in this product is adequate for children.
- Serving Size: 1-3 Capsules Daily
- Suitable For: Above 1 year old
- 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)
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.
- 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)
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.
- 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)
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.
- 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)
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.
- 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)
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. 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!
- Serving Size: 1 Capsule Daily
- Suitable For: Adult
- 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)
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)
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).
7. Caution
Don’t ever take more than you need! Fish oil is not as forgiving as vitamin C!
If you experience some side effects, try taking your supplement after a meal instead of before!
Conclusion
Eating fish (the coldwater varieties) regularly is better than taking the best fish oil supplements in Malaysia. However, this is simply not financially possible for many households.
Thus, it’s nice to have fish oil supplements to cushion your diet. Look at your health conditions vs dosage, and brand when choosing which fish oil to buy! Item 3 is cost-effective with a relatively high dosage!
