Looked these up. I'm not impresses by the Eskimo-3 brand, but the Nordic looks promising.

I'd have to do a detailed cost analysis, but the the ultimate versions have high concentrations of DHA and EPA.

All these brands carry a high price tag, so I'll have to break it down to cost per mg to figure out which is the better buy.

Oh puhleaze, an Amway product?

I did a look up, it's nothing impressive. In fact, I think it's bottom of the barrel.

Pretty anemic on the FFAs.

Here's a page comparing the nutrient content of many, but not all.

ConsumerLab.com - Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA) from Fish/Marine Oils review - Ingredients

Two problem with this:

1. It says per unit, but I'm not sure if that's per cap or per serving size (some serving sizes can be as high as four caps).
2. It doesn't list MSRP.

The three things to look for in a fish oil is this: First, Molecularly Distilled. Second, Pharmaceutical Grade. Third, Third Party Tested.

Nordic Naturals have all three attributes. They have been molecular distilling their oils longer and better than any other brand. In fact, when studies are being done to determine the effects of fish oils on the body, most research bodies will use Nordic Naturals.

In addition, whether you take the liquid or the capsules, they are actually quite pleasant tasting (IMO). They add natural flavours. You will not burp up a "fishy" taste....Pete

One more thing: Plant oils such as flax are not bad, and can be added to a diet regime along with fish oil. It can provide some benefits over fish oil.

Distilled or filtered, just as good. You want mercury removed.
Pharmecutical grade: irrelevent. see below.
Third party tested: Many are.

This is too irrelevent for me to ask for proof. Just because most use it for testing doesn't mean anything because in the end, it's comes down to this:

You should be taking 3-6g DHA and EPA combined for best effect. After that, you want micro filtered or purity guaranteed for mercury removal. After that, what matters is cost. All others being equal, if I can get 3-6g for $0.038/mg of FFA for my brand whereas you spend $0.15/mg for yours, whose ahead?

Enteric coated caps don't have that either. So whether the producer adds chemical flavoring or chemical coating makes no difference. In the end, it doesn't repeat on you is what matters.

Considering the recommendation for the Theragran-M and Nordic Naturals. As with most products, there are 100 different variations. Specifically with the Nordic Naturals, is a higher EPA or DHA recommended? I've read that too high a level of omega-6s could result in poor health, so should I scratch those supplements that contain 3s, 6s, and 9s?

The recommendation is 3-6g/day. Even at the top of the omega-3 concentrations per product (Nordic's Ultimate), that's still quite a few pills per day.

Eating 1-2 portions of oily fish such as sardines, mackerel, fresh tuna (not tinned) will give you plenty of omega and other EFAs straight from the source, not forgetting that most oily fish is also a very good source of protein, selenium and B vitamins, all of which are essential for good nutrition

Yes, don't bother with omega-6 and 9. We get plenty in our diets already.

Yep, whereas many people's diets are seriously depleted of Omega-3, which is mostly derived from fish and flax.

Hey Cynic, I checked out theragran at Walgreens.

It has soy, does yours have soy or am I looking at the wrong bottle?

I think you're looking at the wrong stuff. Here's the list from Walgreens site:

Fish Oil Concentrate , Gelatin , Glycerin , Ethylcellulose , Sodium Alginate , Ammonium Hydroxide , Middle Chain Triglycerides , Oleic Acid , Carnauba Wax , Stearic Acid

Nutritional Facts
Serving Size 2 softgels
Servings Per Container 50

Calories
25

Calories from Fat

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value*

Total Fat 2.5 g 1.0% %
Saturated Fat 0.0 g 0.0% %
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0 g % %
Monounsaturated Fat 0.0 g % %
Cholesterol 20.0 mg % %
Fish Oil Concentrate 2.4 g % %
Omega-3 Fatty Acids 720.0 mg % %
EPA (Eicopentaenoic Acid) 432.0 mg % %
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) 288.0 mg

Distilled is better than filtered, and it will show in the testing of the oil - that's why the top companies prefer that method.

Pharmaceutical grade irrelevant? It is if you're looking for lesser quality.

Third party tested. True, many are, but most are not.

If a company hasn't bothered to do any of the three listed, pass on it, and spend the extra 10 cents per serving on something better.

Last I checked, these other brands are high quality as well: Carlsons, Ascenta, and Metagenics.

As for Nordic Naturals, if most researchers use it for testing, it does mean something. Or maybe they felt the need to spend that extra grant money on a more expensive oil instead of walmarts house brand.

One more thing, is this the oil you take Cynic? If it is, now I understand why it's only $15.

A fouth rule can now be added: Stay away from most products, especially fish oil, in which the first ingredient contains the word, "concentrate".

Any valid reason for that or just your opinion?