Supplement forms

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils are typically provided as soft gel capsules. They usually contain oil and have a coating that makes them easy to swallow (at least for adults).

Advantages

• available in specific doses, so taking the
   correct amount is easy
• easy to store and carry
• elegant appearance
• popular with certain groups.

Disadvantages

• difficult to swallow for children and some elderly people
  
• perceived to be 'medicinal' or 'unnatural' (compared to food) by some consumers.

Popular with consumers, chewable capsules are ideal for:

• adults who do not like the aftertaste associated with fish oil
• children or elderly people who cannot (or dislike to) swallow soft gel capsules.

Advantages

• no unpleasant taste or smell when using neutral or flavoured fish oils
• available in specific doses, so taking the correct amount is easy
• convinient - no water needed, and easy stored and carry (e.g. on holiday)
• good for people who cannot easily swallow whole pills, e.g. due to a sore throat
• target group specific (e.g. can be flavoured to make them mor attractive for children)
• chewable shell protects the oil from oxidisation, preserving both the taste and the potency of the active ingredients.

Disadvantages

Once the enclosed oil has been released by byting onto the capsule, the capsule casing must then be chewed or swallowed, which some people find unlpleasant.

Find out more about our range of MARIS OMEGA-3 raw materials for chewable capsules.

MARIS OMEGA-3 ingredients for liquid supplements have no 'fishy' taste or smell; a neutral sensory profile is very important.

Many children's supplements come in liquid form.

Advantages

• the best 'bioavailability' of all the supplements
• much easier to swallow than soft gel capsules
• rapidly absorbed by the body
• good for people who have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules
• can be mixed with food or drink.

Find out more about our range of MARIS OMEGA-3 raw materials for supplemental liquids.

Many supplements are available in powder form, including fish oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Advantages

• allow dosages to be adjusted easily
• can be dissolved into drinks (such as fruit juice or milk) or stirred into cereals, muesli and other dry or wet foods
• good for people who can't swallow capsules or tablets.

Find out more about our range of MARIS OMEGA-3 raw materials for supplemental powders.