NOW ULTRA OMEGA-3 - 500 EPA / 250 DHA - SOFTGELS

by Now Foods

• Cardiovascular support
• Supports cognitive function
• Serving size: 1 softgel
• Servings per container: 180

Product Description

Flavor: (500 EPA / 250 DHA) | Size: 180

The Natural Fish Oil Concentrate used in this softgel is manufactured under strict quality control standards.It is tested to be free of potentially harmful levels of contaminants (i.e. mercury, heavy metals, PCB's, dioxins, and other contaminants). Those who experience nausea or reflux from other fish oils should find this enteric coated, odor controlled softgel easier to tolerate. From the FDA's website: Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 5.4 inches ; 12.3 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• Origin: Made in USA
• ASIN: B000SE5SY6
• UPC: 733739016621
• Item model number: NOWfish
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (107 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #303 in Health & Personal Care (See Top 100 in Health & Personal Care)
  • #43 in Health & Personal Care > Nutrition & Wellness > Vitamins & Supplements

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

288 of 292 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Cheapest per unit of EPA+DHA July 1, 2011

By Jack Ryan

Flavor Name:(500 EPA / 250 DHA)| Size Name:180|Amazon Verified Purchase

Fish oil supplements are hard to shop for. On the one hand there are inexpensive low quality fish oils of the type you find in the supermarket that contain little of the two fatty acids - EPA and DHA - that are responsible for fish oil's cardiovascular and psychiatric benefits.

On the other hand there are high-quality brands like Nordic Naturals which are very expensive but also have very high amounts of EPA and DHA.

When ordering my Omega 3 supplements from Amazon this time around I wanted to find out whether it would be cheaper per unit of DHA/EPA to buy lots of low quality fish oil or just a few bottles of the high quality stuff.

So I made up a simple excel sheet to calculate the price per unit of DHA/EPA using prices on Amazon in late June 2011. What I found out was surprising.

Cost per gram of EPA + DHA:

Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Formula, 180-Count: $0.39

Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega, 1,000 mg Fish Oil, 180 Soft Gels: $0.30

Ultimate Omega Liquid by Nordic Naturals - 8 Fluid Ounces: $0.47

Kirkland Signature Enteric Coated Fish Oil Omega 3 1200 MG Fish Oil, 684 MG of Omega 3 Fatty Acids, 180 softgels (Pack of 2): $0.15

Now Foods Ultra Omega 3, Fish Oil Soft-gels, 180-Count: $0....10

First, I was surprised that the liquid product was actually more expensive than the capsules since I had always assumed the more concentrated the product the cheaper it would be in the long run. Not so.

Also surprising is that the NOW Foods product is 4 times cheaper than the Nordic Naturals brand per unit of DHA/EPA and 50% cheaper than Kirkland Signature's product.

So, I ordered the Now Foods and after a week I can say I'm very happy. The capsules are large and may be difficult for some people, but no problem for me. (Nordic Naturals are smaller and easier to swallow).

One issue with all nutritional supplements of course is the accuracy of the labeling. Companies are not required to prove their products actually contain the advertised amounts of the supplement. Obviously with a product so much cheaper than its competitors, that was a concern with this brand. But after a week on it I feel the same effects as I have with Nordic Naturals in the past, so subjectively at least the amounts advertised seem accurate.

I've noticed no burping, and the capsules seemed super well sealed. According to NOW's website its fish oil is molecularly distilled and thus free of contaminants.

In my mind there's no need to go for a product that is 3 to 4 times more expensive unless you really cannot swallow a largish pill.

Also worth mentioning is that the high ratio of EPA to DHA is ideal for those using omega 3s for psychiatric conditions like depression and works fine for those looking for the cardio benefits. Read more ›

50 of 54 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Better Than Higher Priced Supplements October 24, 2010

By A. Rodgers

Flavor Name:(500 EPA / 250 DHA)| Size Name:90|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was buying concentrated fish oil from a naturopathic pharmacy at three times the cost. These softgels pack the same amount of EPA and DHA (the important acids) in every capsule as the higher-priced alternative. Most fish oil softgels have a lot less concentration and you have to take 6 or more per day, but not with these. I've also found that these softgels are easy on my stomach, with no nausea or reflux, due to the enteric coating (which prevents digestion in the stomach and delays it until the softgel reaches the small intestine). I am delighted that good quality, concentrated fish oil is more affordable and thus more available, because the health benefits are amazing.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Best there is May 4, 2011

By E. S. Franke

Flavor Name:(500 EPA / 250 DHA)| Size Name:180|Amazon Verified Purchase

I researched and did the math on just about every major fish oil supplement out there. AtLarge, Biotest, Nature Made, Primal Blueprint, the list goes on.

These contain more EPA/DHA per softgel for less money than any other company offers.

They are enteric coated and smooth, and go down easier than some others. They are more concentrated which means more of the oil is EPA/DHA and less of other oils.

Pair it with their DHA-500 which has a reversed dose of 250 EPA / 500 DHA and you have a perfect 750/750 of EPA and DHA. One a day of each keeps the doctor away? We can hope!

Can't beat it.

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Fish Oil supplement June 9, 2010

By S. Kelso

Flavor Name:(500 EPA / 250 DHA)| Size Name:180|Amazon Verified Purchase

Several things that I like about the Ultra Omega-3, high dosage of ingredients per capsule, no fish smell, doesn't cause belches, good value. Hopefully, I see some health benefits from adding this supplement to my regimen.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Potent Omega 3 Option! November 28, 2010

By Chase

Flavor Name:(500 EPA / 250 DHA)| Size Name:90|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have been using NOW brand fish oil for a good while now to help supplement my diet with Omega 3's. Before the Ultra Omega was released, I used to have to take around 6 to 7 caps a day to reach the 2.0 gram minimum (EPA + DHA) that I was looking for. Now that these potent caps have been released, I can reach that number with only 3 caps per day.

I have never experienced any fishy burps with this product like I have with other fish oil brands. It is definitely quality made, and has VERY low mercury content because of the usage of small fish (mackeral, anchovies, sardines) instead of larger fish. I highly recommend this brand of fish oil to anyone who is interested in supplementing their diet with Omega-3's, which is one of the best things you can add to your diet. cheers!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars No fishy smell or taste - hurrah! May 24, 2012

By Rachel

Flavor Name:(500 EPA / 250 DHA)| Size Name:180|Amazon Verified Purchase

I started taking fish oil after I read about it in The Depression Cure: The 6-Step Program to Beat Depression without Drugs by Stephen S. Ilardi PhD. One of the steps is to consume omega-3 fatty acids in the amount of 1000 EPA / 500 DHA per day. These pills contain 500 EPA / 250 DHA each, so I take two pills per day. It's recommended you take them with food.

I don't like the smell or taste of fish but I don't have to worry about that at all with these pills. Ilardi suggests storing the pills in the freezer to reduce the chances you will encounter any fishy smell/taste, but I don't and have not had any problems. They do not smell or taste different from any other gel coated capsule. So that's a big plus.

Ilardi also recommends finding a fish oil source that says "molecularly distilled" on the bottle, and this does. Apparently it's an indicator of higher quality fish oil.

That book has had a big impact on my life and these pills played no small part. Highly recommend.