Researchers asked nearly 600 pharmacists across the United States about their knowledge and recommendations regarding omega-3 fish oil supplements. They found that pharmacists have very different opinions about these supplements—some recommend them while others don’t. Most pharmacists who do recommend fish oil are concerned about the quality and accuracy of what’s actually in the bottles. The study shows that pharmacists need better training and clearer information to help patients make informed decisions about fish oil supplements.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Do pharmacists recommend fish oil supplements to customers, and what do they know about them?
  • Who participated: 583 licensed pharmacists from five different state pharmacy groups and two specialty pharmacy networks across the United States
  • Key finding: About 64% of pharmacists recommend fish oil supplements (mainly for heart health), but 95% of those who recommend them worry that the products may not contain what the label says they do
  • What it means for you: If a pharmacist recommends fish oil to you, they likely believe it could help your heart health. However, you should know that even pharmacists—the experts—have concerns about whether fish oil products are accurately labeled and contain the right amounts of the active ingredients

The Research Details

Researchers created an online survey and sent it to pharmacists who were members of state pharmacy associations and specialty pharmacy networks. The survey asked about their knowledge of fish oil supplements, whether they recommend them to customers, what they tell patients about side effects, and their concerns about product quality. A total of 583 pharmacists completed the survey. This type of study is called a cross-sectional survey because it takes a snapshot of what people know and do at one point in time, rather than following them over months or years.

Pharmacists are one of the most trusted sources of health information for the public. Understanding what they know and recommend about fish oil supplements is important because it affects the advice patients receive. If pharmacists have inconsistent knowledge or practices, patients might get different information depending on which pharmacy they visit.

This study has good strengths: it surveyed a large number of pharmacists (583) from multiple states and different pharmacy settings. However, the study only shows what pharmacists reported doing, not what they actually do in real practice. Also, pharmacists who chose to complete the survey might have different views than those who didn’t respond, which could bias the results.

What the Results Show

About 64% of pharmacists said they recommend fish oil supplements, while 28% said they don’t recommend them. The main reasons pharmacists recommend fish oil are for heart health and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood). When pharmacists do recommend fish oil, they don’t always talk about side effects—only 41% said they always or often discuss side effects with customers. The most common side effects pharmacists mentioned are fishy odor and stomach problems. Interestingly, 42% of pharmacists mentioned bleeding as a possible side effect, and 37% mentioned that fish oil could interact with other medications. Almost 95% of pharmacists who recommend fish oil expressed concerns about the quality of the products available. The biggest quality concerns were incorrect labeling and uncertainty about whether products contained the strength or amount of omega-3s listed on the bottle.

The survey revealed that pharmacists feel they need better education and resources about fish oil supplements and dietary supplements in general. Many pharmacists expressed frustration about the lack of clear guidelines to help them make recommendations. The study also showed that pharmacists’ practices varied widely—some always counsel patients about side effects while others rarely do, and some are very concerned about product quality while others seem less worried.

This study adds to existing research showing that dietary supplements are not as strictly regulated as prescription medications. Previous research has found that supplement products often don’t contain what the label claims, which matches the concerns expressed by the pharmacists in this survey. The finding that pharmacists lack clear guidelines aligns with broader concerns in healthcare about the need for better evidence and education regarding supplements.

The study only surveyed pharmacists who were members of specific pharmacy associations or networks, so the results might not represent all pharmacists in the United States. Pharmacists who chose to answer the survey might have different views than those who didn’t respond. The survey asked what pharmacists reported doing, not what they actually do in their daily work, so there could be a difference between what they said and their real practices. The study doesn’t include information about patient outcomes or whether fish oil recommendations actually helped patients.

The Bottom Line

If you’re considering taking fish oil supplements, talk to your pharmacist or doctor first. Ask them about the specific product they recommend and why. Make sure to discuss any other medications or supplements you take, since fish oil can interact with blood thinners and other drugs. Look for products from reputable manufacturers and consider asking your pharmacist about the product’s quality and whether it’s been tested by third parties. (Confidence: Moderate—based on expert concerns rather than direct patient studies)

This research matters most for people considering fish oil supplements, pharmacists, and doctors who recommend supplements. It’s especially relevant for people with heart disease, high triglycerides, or those taking blood-thinning medications. People should be cautious about assuming all fish oil products are the same or equally effective.

If fish oil supplements do help with heart health, benefits typically take several weeks to months to appear. Don’t expect immediate results. If you don’t notice any benefit after 2-3 months, discuss this with your pharmacist or doctor.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you take fish oil supplements, track the brand name, dose, and date started. Also note any side effects (like fishy aftertaste or stomach upset) and any changes in energy levels or how you feel. Record this weekly to spot patterns.
  • Before starting fish oil, use the app to document your current medications and supplements. Then share this list with your pharmacist to check for interactions. After starting fish oil, use the app to set reminders to take it consistently and to note any side effects you experience.
  • Set monthly check-ins to review whether you’re experiencing any benefits and whether side effects are manageable. Track your adherence (whether you’re taking it as recommended). After 3 months, review your notes with your pharmacist to decide if the supplement is working for you and if you should continue.

This research describes what pharmacists know and recommend about fish oil supplements, but it does not provide medical advice. Fish oil supplements are not regulated as strictly as prescription medications, and their effectiveness varies. Before starting any supplement, including fish oil, consult with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take blood-thinning medications, have bleeding disorders, or are scheduled for surgery. This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.