Norwegian fish oil is a source of EPA and DHA, marine omega-3s that reliably lower triglycerides and have modest anti-inflammatory effects. Evidence for routine cardiovascular prevention with OTC fish oil is mixed; prescription purified EPA has shown benefit in selected high-risk patients. Check labels for EPA/DHA content, third-party purity testing, and consult your clinician before starting supplements - especially at high doses or if you take blood thinners.
What is Norwegian fish oil?
Norwegian fish oil is a marine oil product made from cold-water fish and sold as a source of omega-3 fatty acids, mainly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Producers typically purify the oil to remove contaminants, add antioxidants such as vitamin E to limit oxidation, and use deodorization or coatings to reduce fishy aftertaste.
How it works
EPA and DHA are long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. They alter lipid metabolism, reduce triglyceride synthesis, and have modest anti-inflammatory effects. That combination explains why fish-derived omega-3s are studied for heart health, joint symptoms, skin conditions, and other inflammatory disorders.
What the research shows
- Triglycerides: Strong and consistent evidence shows marine omega-3s lower triglyceride levels in a dose-dependent way. Higher doses (grams per day) produce larger reductions.
- Cardiovascular disease: Evidence is mixed. Prescription icosapent ethyl (a purified EPA product) reduced cardiovascular events in high-risk patients in randomized trials, but results for over-the-counter fish oil supplements are inconsistent. Routine use of low-dose OTC fish oil for primary prevention is not clearly supported by recent large trials.
- Inflammation and joints: Some people with inflammatory joint symptoms report modest relief with omega-3 supplementation, and clinical trials show small improvements in joint pain and stiffness for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Skin and lungs: Small studies suggest potential benefits for atopic dermatitis and some respiratory conditions, but evidence is limited and mixed.
Safety and dosing
Dosage should be based on EPA+DHA content, not capsule weight. Many 1 g softgels contain ~300 mg combined EPA+DHA, but formulations vary - always check the label. For general dietary support, common recommendations range from about 250-500 mg/day combined EPA+DHA; higher therapeutic doses (2-4 g/day) are used under medical supervision to treat high triglycerides.
Side effects are usually mild (fishy aftertaste, gastrointestinal upset). High doses can increase bleeding risk in some people and may interact with anticoagulant medications. People with fish or shellfish allergies should exercise caution.
Choosing and using Norwegian fish oil
Look for products that list EPA and DHA amounts, show third-party purity testing (for PCBs, mercury, dioxins), and include storage instructions to prevent rancidity. Talk with your clinician before starting supplements - especially if you have cardiovascular disease, are on blood thinners, or plan to use high-dose omega-3s.
- Verify common Norwegian fish oil manufacturing practices (on-board extraction vs. shore processing; typical purification methods used by major Norwegian producers). [[CHECK]]
- Confirm current clinical guideline wording and dates regarding recommended EPA+DHA dosages for primary prevention, secondary prevention, and hypertriglyceridemia (American Heart Association / other societies). [[CHECK]]
- Confirm standard ranges cited for general-health EPA+DHA intake (250-500 mg/day) against major public health guidance. [[CHECK]]