3 main sources · differences in bioavailability, sustainability and chemical form (TG · EE · PL · rTG). Chemical form matters more than origin.
Triglycerides · natural or re-esterified
Best for
Ideal use: 90% of cases · gold standard price-efficacy.
Advantages
Best human bioavailability (TG = natural form in fish). rTG is TG re-esterified after EPA/DHA concentration · same bioavailability. Reasonable cost. Third-party analysis verifies contaminants.
Disadvantages
Marine origin · sustainability if not MSC/IFOS sourced. Mild fish taste if oxidized.
Phosphatidylcholine + astaxanthin
Best for
Ideal use: APOE4 carriers, specific cognitive function, ample budget.
Advantages
PL transports omega-3 directly to brain · advantage in APOE4 carriers (DHA crosses BBB better). Endogenous astaxanthin. Lower dose for same Index.
Disadvantages
Expensive · 2-3× fish oil price. Low EPA+DHA concentration per capsule (need 4-6 caps).
Microalgae oil (Schizochytrium)
Best for
Ideal use: vegetarians · vegans · shellfish allergies · pregnancy with contamination concerns.
Advantages
Vegan · sustainable · no marine contaminants. Pure DHA (some varieties include EPA). Same Omega-3 Index elevation as fish.
Disadvantages
More expensive than fish oil. Low EPA in many formulations (DHA dominant). Neutral taste.
Ideal use: 90% of cases · gold standard price-efficacy.
Ideal use: APOE4 carriers, specific cognitive function, ample budget.
Ideal use: vegetarians · vegans · shellfish allergies · pregnancy with contamination concerns.
3 main sources · differences in bioavailability, sustainability and chemical form (TG · EE · PL · rTG). Chemical form matters more than origin.