Wild Alaskan Fish Oil vs Fish Oil: Why the Source Matters More Than You May Realize

You likely already know that fish oil is a valuable addition to anyone’s wellness arsenal - from youth to adult, men to women. It can support a healthier inflammatory response and yield an array of benefits for your hair, skin, joints, cognitive function, and more. 

But, did you know there are many different sources of fish oil? To make the most of this type of supplement it’s worth doing your research to find the most potent, pure solution available. That’s why we’re going to compare wild Alaskan fish oil vs fish oil from regular sources. We’ll assess purity, potency, cost, environmental impact, and more.

So, is wild Alaskan fish oil better than regular fish oil? We think so, which is why that’s what we use for our omega 3 fish oil 1000mg here at Smarter Vitamins. 

After careful analysis, we’ve found that it’s as potent, clean, and fresh as you’ll find. It’s just a few clicks away in our online storefront to help you live a healthier, happier life starting today!

What Are Omega 3 Fatty Acids?

Before we get into a comparison of regular fish oil vs wild Alaskan fish oil, we want to start with the basics - what are omega 3 fatty acids in the first place and why do you need them in your diet or supplement regimen?

One of the most common questions we get is, is fish oil the same as omega 3? Not at all. Fish oil is simply a source of omega 3 fatty acids, which are what deliver the actual benefits this supplement is known for.

These are essential fats that the body cannot synthesize on its own, and they play a role in cellular function, inflammatory response, and neurological health. There are three primary types:

• Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA): This fatty acid is primarily involved in reducing cellular inflammation. EPA is beneficial for heart health as it helps manage cholesterol levels and supports overall cardiovascular function.
• Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): DHA supports brain health and development. It constitutes a substantial portion of the neuronal membranes in the brain and thus is necessary for cognitive function, memory, and behavioral health.
• Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA): Found mainly in plant oils, ALA is a precursor to EPA and DHA. The body partially converts ALA to EPA and DHA at a low-efficiency rate, making direct sources of EPA and DHA more potent and beneficial.

Why Make Omega 3 Fish Oil Part of Your Wellness Regimen?

So, what are the omega 3 fish oil benefits you need to know about? This simple supplement can impact everything from your heart health to your cognitive function, skin, hair, and more.

Cardiovascular Health

EPA and DHA, the active forms of Omega 3 in fish oil, help reduce triglyceride levels in the bloodstream, a key risk factor for heart disease. They also lower blood pressure and can help prevent the formation of arterial plaques, reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks. 

Now, does omega 3 lower cholesterol? The jury is still out there, but what we do know is that it can improve levels of good cholesterol in your body (HDL).

Regular consumption of Omega 3 fish oil supports the elasticity of blood vessels, promoting better blood flow and cardiovascular health. It keeps your ticker ticking as intended for the long haul!

Cognitive Function

One of the increasingly popular uses of this supplement is omega 3 fish oil for brain fog. This is mainly attributed to DHA, which makes up about 40% of the polyunsaturated fatty acids in your brain's cell membranes. 

Maintaining DHA levels supports brain function and is linked to a lower incidence of cognitive decline with age. Studies have shown that people who consume Omega 3s regularly have sharper memory and better problem-solving abilities. 

Omega 3s can enhance mood and provide a defense against age-related mental decline, too. We recommend omega 3 fish oil for kids because it helps improve development at key ages.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

When most people think of omega 3, they think of joint support. This is because of the ability to use omega 3 fish oil for inflammation. These fatty acids can mitigate the symptoms of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, including joint pain and stiffness. 

By reducing the production of substances linked to inflammation, such as eicosanoids and cytokines, Omega 3 fish oil helps manage chronic inflammation and can provide support for those suffering from autoimmune diseases.

Other Benefits

There are so many more reasons to incorporate this supplement. 

Does omega 3 help with hair? Yep, and you can reap the omega 3 fish oil benefits for skin too! 

Is fish oil safe during pregnancy? Not only is it safe, it’s necessary. It can enhance fetal brain development and may reduce the likelihood of allergies in infants. There is even a use case for omega 3 fish oil for fertility. 

From omega 3 fish oil for eyes to improved skin elasticity, reduced acne and protection against sun damage, it’s clear this supplement belongs in your regimen. 

But let’s look at the key differences between wild Alaskan fish oil vs fish oil to help you determine if it’s worth investing in the more potent, pure solution. 

Wild Alaskan Fish Oil vs Fish Oil: What are the Differences You Need to Know About?

Understanding how fish oil is made, or more specifically, where it’s sourced from, can be the difference between seeing rapid benefits from this supplement and feeling as if you’re not experiencing any improvements.

So, let’s compare regular fish oil vs wild Alaskan fish oil side-by-side below to help you see why it’s worth paying a bit more for a premium product sourced naturally rather than a mass-produced supplement like those you’ll find from Kirkland.

Source and Purity

As the name suggests, wild Alaskan fish oil is derived from fish caught in the pristine, cold waters of Alaska. Species like salmon, herring, and sardines are most commonly used. 

These waters are less exposed to high industrial activities, resulting in lower risks of contaminants like mercury and PCBs. Furthermore, the shorter food chain in this region typically results in fish with fewer accumulated toxins.

On the other hand, regular fish oil can be sourced from just about anywhere - but rarely from the wild. It’s more commonly sourced from fish farms that raise larger fish like tuna. 

Whatever the case, it’s more likely that this type of fish oil is exposed to industrial waste and pollutants. These fish also have higher levels of heavy metals and other contaminants due to the fish feed and longer exposure to polluted waters.

In this sense, many of the omega 3 fish oil side effects can be avoided altogether by simply sticking with wild Alaskan fish oil. If nothing else you can at least enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re not inadvertently causing yourself more harm than good!

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Wild Alaskan fish oil has to abide by stringent U.S. fishing regulations and sustainable fishery management practices. Alaska's fisheries are required by law to operate sustainably, ensuring that the fish populations are not endangered by overfishing.  This helps maintain a balanced ecosystem, making Wild Alaskan fish oil a more environmentally friendly choice.

In contrast, regular fish oil sources can vary widely in their environmental impact but tend to share a common theme of contributing to overfishing and the destruction of marine habitats. The lack of regulation in certain areas can lead to significant ecological disruption.

Nutritional Superiority

This is where you’ll notice the biggest difference between wild Alaskan fish oil vs fish oil derived from other sources - the bioavailability of the most important fatty acids. When it comes to how much omega 3 is in fish oil, you get a far better bang for your buck with wild-caught salmon from Alaska.

The natural, wild diet of Alaskan salmon leads to a higher content of EPA and DHA compared to farm-raised fish. The cold and clean Alaskan waters also encourage a better fat composition enhancing the quality of the oil.

Regular fish oil may have lower levels of omega-3s if the fish are farm-raised or if the oil is excessively processed. The processing needed to remove contaminants from oils sourced from polluted waters can also reduce the natural levels of EPA and DHA.

Pricing and Availability

We understand that you may be on a tight budget with other health supplements in your regimen, but the key takeaway from this conversation should be this: you get what you pay for, and health is wealth!

Wild Alaskan fish oil tends to be more expensive than standard fish oil due to the remote sourcing, stringent processing standards required to preserve purity, and the sustainable practices that need to be followed. 

However, its availability has increased as demand for high-quality, sustainable products has grown. You’re also enjoying peace of mind knowing you have a lower risk of being exposed to mercury, heavy metals, and other contaminants that are more common with regular fish oil.

So, is Wild Alaskan Fish Oil Better Than Regular Fish Oil?

Considering the factors of source purity, environmental impact, nutritional content, and overall sustainability, it’s safe to say that wild Alaskan fish oil is the superior choice. 

While it may come at a higher cost, the benefits of a cleaner, more ethically sourced product with potentially higher nutritional benefits justify the investment for those who prioritize quality and environmental sustainability in their supplements.

With a better understanding of the differences between regular fish oil vs wild Alaskan fish oil, you may be wondering - what is the best omega-3 fish oil on the market that’s sourced from the wild waters of Alaska? Your search ends at Smarter Vitamins! 

Discover the Benefits of Wild Alaskan Fish Oil Firsthand at Smarter Vitamins!

Experience the unparalleled quality of wild Alaskan fish oil with Smarter Vitamins. It’s derived from fish caught in the clean, uncontaminated waters of Alaska, providing a naturally pure source of Omega-3. These cold waters are home to fish that produce oil rich in nutrients, free from the pollutants that affect many other aquatic environments.

It undergoes strict testing standards to guarantee it is free of heavy metals, PCBs, and other contaminants. Our fish oil can be traced back to the source, too. You can place your order with confidence knowing you’re getting the most pure product available.

With our soft gel capsules, incorporating Wild Alaskan Fish Oil into your daily health regimen is effortless. Designed for optimal absorption and convenience, our capsules ensure that you receive all the benefits of Omega-3 without any fishy aftertaste.

With more than 800,000 happy customers and counting, you can trust that you’re shopping with a reputable company committed to elevating the lives of others. We manufacture our supplements in an FDA-registered facility while adhering to cGMP practices. 

Plus, you can place your order risk-free today - so what are you waiting for? Experience firsthand why we prefer wild Alaskan fish oil vs fish oil today!

Closing Thoughts on Regular Fish Oil vs Wild Alaskan Fish Oil

So, is wild Alaskan fish oil better than regular fish oil? After this comparison of regular fish oil vs wild Alaskan fish oil, the answer is clear. In looking at the two choices side-by-side for purity, nutritional content, environmental impact, and sustainability practices, wild-caught Alaskan salmon has an edge.

You can find more resources on how long does it take for fish oil to work, when is the best time to take omega 3 fish oil, cod liver vs fish oil, and how to tell if your fish oil is good quality in our blog.

Otherwise, it’s time you discovered firsthand why wild Alaskan fish oil is the #1 choice. Shop at Smarter Vitamins today and enhance your health while respecting the planet with sustainable, high-quality supplements that deliver results you can see and feel fast!