All Carlson omega-3s are tested by an FDA-registered laboratory for freshness, potency, and purity. Look for the quality assurance icon on every label: This product is regularly tested by independent FDA registered laboratories. It has been determined to be fresh and fully potent (per AOCS international protocols) and is free of detrimental levels of mercury, cadmium, lead, PCBs and 28 other contaminants.

• International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS) Program: IFOS is the only third-party testing and certification program exclusively for fish oil supplements. This voluntary program tests the purity, potency, and freshness of fish oils. Carlson has received a five-star rating on over 28 of our fish oils.

• International GMO Evaluation and Notification (IGEN) Program:IGEN is a voluntary third-party certification program that tests for the presence of genetically modified organisms. The IGEN non-GMO icon can be found on the front of all tested Carlson products.

• Friend of the Sea (FOS):FOS is a non-profit, non-governmental organization whose mission is marine habitat conservation. Known for their strict guidelines and procedures, FOS is a leading international certification project. Carlson and its suppliers hold FOS certifications.

• Superior Taste Award:Carlson high-quality liquid fish oils have been honored with Superior Taste Awards from the renowned chefs and sommeliers of the International Taste & Quality Institute (ITQI).

• TG: Natural Triglyceride:Fish naturally contain EP and DHA as TGs. Natural TG fish oils provide a combined maximum of 300 mg of EPA and DHA per 1,000 mg of oil (30% potency). These are the most common fish oils on the market, and some prefer them because of their close similarity to eating fish.

• EE | Ethyl Ester:EEs were created to enhance the concentration and ratio of TG fish oils. The glycerol “backbone” of a TG fish oil is removed, resulting in three FFAs (free fatty acids) and a free glycerol molecule. An ethanol molecule is attached to each FFA, creating EEs.

• rTG | Re-Esterified Triglycerides:EEs are freed from their attached ethanol groups and are once again bound to the glycerol backbone, creating rTGs.

• TG & EE | A combination: Carlson also uses a mixture of TG form and the more potent EE form, creating a fourth category of high-quality marine oils.

• PL | Phospholipid:Phospholipid omega-3s, derived from phosphatidyl choline, provide a potent alternative to krill oil. The superior bioavailability of phospholipid omega-3s ensures efficient absorption by the body.

Whether we choose a TG, EE, rTG, TG & EE, or PL fish oil, our blood levels of EPA and DHA can be easily raised to an optimal amount using minimal daily doses. Omega-3 supplements are meant to be taken long term for the benefits associated with an Omega-3 Index of 8-12%. An appropriate dose of any form can achieve this goal.

1. De-acidification:neutralizes the oil and removes free fatty acids, resulting in clearer fish oil that has less color, flavor, and odor.

2. Molecular Distillation:a gentle treatment under high vacuum that separates individual components and removes unwanted fat-soluble contaminants such as PCBs, dioxins, and pesticides to enhance purity.

3. Winterization:removes solid fats that can cause cloudiness when the oil is refrigerated (note: some cloudiness may still result at cooler temperatures.)

4. Decolorization:increases shelf-life by mixing the fish oil with natural bleaching clay to further reduce color pigments, heavy metals, and other environmental pollutants.

5. Ultra Deodorization:eliminates any leftover unwanted materials and is the last process in removing any fishy flavor or odor.

6. Blending:a touch of natural antioxidants and our award-winning flavors are added to further enhance the oil.

All of these steps are essential to ensuring fresh, potent, pure omega-3 fish oils.

Depending on the product, fish species used in Carlson omega-3 products include Arctic cod, Atlantic salmon, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, tuna (in high-DHA fish oils only), and various species of squid. All Carlson omega-3s are sustainably sourced.

Yes, they’re sustainable from the inside out. We use low-impact fisheries with ethical practices and sustainable methods. The fish we use to make our products are quickly and easily replenished due to the natural fish lifecycle. Our full product line is also 100% plastic neutral. We offset the plastic in our products through investments in certified plastic removal projects taking place in our global waterways. The plastic is then recycled or upcycled.