Omega‑3 Forms in Supplements

At a glance

Common forms: ethyl esters, natural triglycerides, re‑esterified triglycerides, phospholipids.
These names describe the chemical form that carries eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Ethyl esters
- EPA or DHA is linked to an ethyl group.
- Often used to make high‑concentration oils.
Natural triglycerides
- Three fatty acids (like EPA/DHA) attached to glycerol.
- This is a common form in edible fish oils.
Re‑esterified triglycerides
- EPA/DHA are first made into ethyl esters, then re‑attached to glycerol.
- Used to reach high EPA/DHA per softgel.
Phospholipids
- EPA/DHA attached to a phospholipid backbone.
- Common in krill oils and some marine extracts.

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): a long‑chain omega‑3 fatty acid found in marine oils.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): a long‑chain omega‑3 fatty acid found in marine oils.
Ethyl esters (EE): EPA or DHA linked to an ethyl group.
Natural triglycerides (TG): three fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone.
Re‑esterified triglycerides (rTG): EPA/DHA first made into ethyl esters, then re‑attached to glycerol.
Phospholipids (PL): EPA/DHA attached to a phospholipid backbone.

You can compare products by omega‑3 form in the dashboard.
The charts show ethyl esters, re‑esterified triglycerides, natural triglycerides, and phospholipids as listed on labels.
The tables list eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) amounts and units.
Links to third‑party certificates appear when brands publish them.

Last Updated: 3 September 2025