#99

Omegabrite O3 is the only one they reviewed that is almost-all EPA and in TG form

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#100

FYI: Ethyl Ester is written on the label.

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#101

So there’s no good pure EPA TG form then. Or even EPA > 60%. And as it seems that only pure EPA has cardiovascular and antidepressant properties, the recommendation for the triglyceride form becomes pointless.

[EDIT: actually Nordic Naturals has EPA-strong products with EPA >80% in TG form. But how good are they compared to Carlson?]

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#102

In this paper, higher EPA (but not DHA) associated with a lower risk of depression: Dietary Factors Associated with Depressive Symptoms in Midlife Women 40–50 Years of Age Living in the United States 2024

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#103

Following this discussion I switched today from EPA/DHA to EPA only. I may also try higher dose EPA only. I don’t know whether I will notice any changes.

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#104

Let us know how it goes! (Effect on triglycerides?)

For those interested in EPA vs DHA for CVD, see also:

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#105

I have a blood test today at 11. I don’t expect any change by then, but I have one also at 11am next Monday.

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#106

Exploration of the optimized portrait of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in treating depression: A meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials 2025

  1. Omega-3 PUFAs might be effective in treating depression; 2) For Asian patients with mild to moderate depression and no other baseline medication, over 8 weeks of omega-3 PUFAs 1000–1500 mg/day with ratio of EPA/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) between 1:1 and 2:1 might benefit the most; 3) Omega-3 PUFAs are no superior than placebo in rates of response, remission, and adverse events.
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#107

Here’s what I tell myself about Omega 3 and mood disturbance. Take it with a grain of salt, there may be some conceptual rationale, but really this is just my own personal idea.

I used to take omega 3 and quickly become very irritable. I tried this a few times and quit because I was snappy and moody. Besides the fact I may have been taking poor quality or rancid oil, my rationale is that the omega 3 was destabilizing my cell membranes. In my mind, omega 3 was displacing Omega 6 or other membrane lipids and creating disturbance and instability. Even though Omega 3 is the preferred lipid, my very Omega 6 heavy system could not handle the rapid change. My thinking is that perhaps this instability is only temporary as the cell membranes adjust and incorporate a different lipid. In any case, I can now take omega 3 without any problems and feel great.

#108

The large VITAL DEP trial found increased depression after 4 years. So the effects are more than just temporary.

#109

Fair enough, and could have to do with a particular subgroup. That said, there are also many studies that show a reduction in depression with use of Omega 3s.

#110

Not that I’m aware of. If you read the meta analyses in the thread, reduction of depressive symptoms seem to only happen with EPA, not “omega 3” in general.

#111

From consumerlab

Suicide

An analysis of blood samples from 1,600 military personnel showed those who committed suicide had, prior to suicide, signicantlylower blood levels of DHA than personnel who did not commit suicide (Lewis, J Clin Psychiatry 2011). The population studied was predominantly male and the risk of suicide was found to be 62% greater among men with levels of serum DHA below 1.75% (% of total serum fatty acids) compared to those with higher levels. There was no such relationship with EPA levels. The researchers note that omega-3 fatty acid levels were generally low across the military personnel in the study, much lower than in the general population, and suggested that even greater risk reductions could be possible with higher serum levels of DHA.

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#112

Was this finding confirmed by later studies? Looks like not:

Also: is there any value in a small old association study once we have massive RCTs + Mendelian randomization studies pointing to the same direction? (DHA useless or bad)

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#113

So, I did some digging, and there are EPA only Omega-3 alternatives available. I’m going to try this one going forward.

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#114

FWIW, I had this recommended to me by a doctor whom I asked:

https://www.amazon.com/Igennus-Triglyceride-Absorbable-Concentration-Sustainable/dp/B007TUK2IE/

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#115

I saw that. It’s double the price for the same thing.

#116

Yeah, and frankly what reason is there to think one is better than the other, I mean I’m relying on a doc’s recommendation, but what was he relying on? They swear up and down that it’s free from various toxins, independently tested and certified by IFOS, but what does that mean, and is it true; besides the GNC product also claims to be free from toxins. Probably makes sense to go for the lower price.

I’m sticking with this one despite the price, because I use so little of it that it lasts me a long time, so spread over that, I’m not hit over the head with the price difference. YMMV.

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#117

My brother got omega 3 supp from our doctor, pretty good but it said ethyl ester on the label and I told him it was way less absorbable. Pick something else next time. He asked his little AI friend who said triglyceride was 70% more absorbable.

I don’t remember who brought that up here, but good job. Otherwise you’re paying for something that won’t go in anyway. The first bottle doesn’t say the form, so you have to assume it’s the bad one.

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#118

Actually, I will have to go with the brand you recommend as GNC doesn’t ship to Hong Kong.

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