I thought I knew all that there is to know about fish oil. But there’s more to it than just EPA and DHA—not all fish oils are alike. Learn about what distinguishes a really high-quality fish oil from the rest of the pack in this piece from my friends at Big Bold Health, makers of my preferred fish oil, Omega-3 Rejuvenate.
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The Case for a Better Fish Oil
Fatty fish have long been central to conversations about brain health and longevity. As a cornerstone of top diets for cognition and lifespan, cold-water species like salmon and cod are rich in the omega-3 fats docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)—nutrients tied to brain structure, immune control, and overall longevity. Yet few realize that most commercial fish oils, though marketed for these benefits, lose much of their natural value through heavy processing.
How Most Fish Oil Is Made
Globally, fish oil production relies heavily on Peruvian anchovy, a historically overfished species shipped thousands of miles before reaching consumers. During processing, oils undergo degumming, neutralization, bleaching, esterification, and deodorization—steps that can strip away essential vitamins and alter the natural structure of marine lipids. The result: a highly refined product far removed from the nutritional profile of real fish.
A Better Way: Alaskan Cod and Salmon Oils
Big Bold Health takes a different approach. Their oils are sourced 100% from Alaskan waters using a proprietary, minimally processed approach designed to preserve nutrient integrity. Cod livers are extracted directly on fishing vessels and flash-frozen to prevent oxidation, while salmon oil is obtained sustainably from wild-caught fish. Together, these oils provide a broad spectrum of lipids, vitamins, and immune-active compounds that more closely mirror the benefits of whole fish.
Beyond Omega-3s
The combination of Alaskan cod and salmon oils delivers not only EPA and DHA, but also pro-resolving mediators that help resolve excess immune activation and nervonic acid, a rare lipid critical for maintaining the myelin sheath around neurons. Because the oils are minimally processed, they retain natural vitamins D and A, supporting both immune and brain health.
Final Thoughts
Fish oil will remain a supplement staple, but the future lies in quality over quantity. Health isn’t just about maximizing omega-3s—it’s about preserving the full complexity of nature’s design. Choosing a minimally processed, Alaskan-sourced fish oil is one of the best ways to support your brain, your immune system, and the planet’s marine ecosystems.
