NORSAN
NORSAN makes natural, non-concentrated omega-3 from Norway: liquid oils, capsules and vegan algae oil. Below we explain how the fish oils and the algae oil differ, what a daily dose gives you and how to take the oil.Read more →
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Natural fish oil and algae oil from a Norwegian omega-3 specialist
NORSAN is a Norwegian company that works with one nutrient: omega-3. The fish oils come from small wild-caught fish such as sardines, mackerel and anchovies, processed in Norway within hours of the catch. The vegan line uses oil from Schizochytrium micro-algae instead. You will find broader ranges in our full brand overview, but few brands narrow their focus this far.
Natural oil, not a concentrate
Most fish oil softgels contain a concentrate. The oil is chemically processed so more EPA and DHA fit into one capsule. NORSAN leaves the oil in its natural triglyceride form, the same fat structure you get from eating fish, with more than 50 fatty acids still present. The trade-off is volume. A natural oil needs a tablespoon, or four capsules, to reach a high daily dose where a concentrate needs one softgel. If four capsules a day annoys you, the liquid is the simpler route.
Liquid oil, capsules and algae oil
- Liquid fish oil: one tablespoon with a meal, high in EPA, blended with organic olive oil and a few drops of lemon oil.
- Capsules: four per day, practical when you travel. The shell is bovine gelatine, so not suitable for vegetarians.
- Vegan algae oil: one teaspoon a day, higher in DHA, with vegan vitamin D3 added.
EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart, from 250 mg per day. Every NORSAN option clears that mark comfortably, so your choice is about routine and taste rather than reaching a threshold. Our wider omega-3 range offers lighter daily doses if that suits you better.
Freshness is what to check in any fish oil
Fish oil oxidises when it meets oxygen, and rancid oil is where fishy burps come from. NORSAN processes its oil in an oxygen-free environment and publishes a TOTOX value, the total oxidation figure, of around 10. Lower means fresher. Olive oil rich in polyphenols and rosemary extract act as natural antioxidants in the bottle. The practical consequence for you: keep the opened bottle in the fridge and finish it within the period on the label.
Why we stock NORSAN
We judge a brand on the form, the dose and what it leaves out. NORSAN holds up on all three: a natural triglyceride oil instead of a concentrate, a daily dose you can read straight off the label, and antioxidants that protect the oil rather than sweeteners that mask it. It is not the cheapest omega-3 on our shelves, and we would rather say that plainly. You are paying for freshness and for a dose many budget capsules never reach. We buy directly from the brand, and every batch passes our compliance team before it goes live. Read how we select our brands.
Who it suits
NORSAN fits you if you rarely eat oily fish and want a high daily dose without swallowing a handful of softgels. It also fits if taste has put you off fish oil before, because a fresh oil has little smell of its own. If you avoid animal products, the algae oil is the direct route to EPA and DHA and sits alongside our other vegan-friendly supplements. Be realistic about timing: a measurable change in your omega-3 status usually takes two to three months of daily use.
Frequently asked questions
Who is NORSAN and what do they make?
NORSAN is a Norwegian company that makes omega-3 supplements and little else. The fish oils come from small wild-caught fish, mainly sardines, mackerel and anchovies from the Atlantic, and are purified and bottled in Norway. There is also a vegan line based on oil from Schizochytrium micro-algae. The range covers liquid oils, capsules and an algae oil, so you can pick the format that fits your routine.
What does natural, non-concentrated fish oil actually mean?
Many fish oils are concentrates: the oil is chemically reworked so more EPA and DHA fit into a single capsule. NORSAN skips that step and keeps the oil in its natural triglyceride form, the same fat structure found in fish, with more than 50 fatty acids present. The practical difference is volume rather than quality. You take a tablespoon of oil or four capsules instead of one small softgel to reach the same intake.
Which NORSAN option should I choose?
It comes down to how you want to take it and whether you avoid animal products.
| Option | How you take it | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid fish oil | Tablespoon with a meal | Highest dose, no pills |
| Capsules | Four capsules with a meal | Travel, dislike of oil |
| Vegan algae oil | Teaspoon with a meal | Vegans, higher DHA |
The capsule shell is bovine gelatine, so vegetarians and vegans should take the algae oil.
Does it taste fishy, and how do I take the oil?
A fresh oil has little smell or taste of its own, which is why NORSAN reports its oxidation value. Most people take the oil straight from the spoon with breakfast. If you would rather not, stir it into a smoothie, orange juice or a salad dressing; do not heat it. Take it with or just after a meal, because fat helps absorption. Store the opened bottle in the fridge.
How much omega-3 do adults in the UK need?
The UK has no official reference intake for omega-3. Guidance is given as oily fish portions instead, with an upper limit for supplements.
| Group | Oily fish per week |
|---|---|
| Most adults | At least 1, max 4 portions |
| Pregnant or breastfeeding | At least 1, max 2 portions |
| Portion size | About 140 g cooked |
| EPA and DHA from supplements | Up to 5 g a day considered safe |
Is NORSAN suitable for vegans and vegetarians?
The algae oil is, the fish products are not. The vegan oil is made from Schizochytrium micro-algae grown in tanks rather than harvested from the sea, and it is naturally higher in DHA than in EPA. It also carries added vegan vitamin D3, which you may already be covering with a separate daily vitamin D supplement, so check your total before doubling up. The fish oil capsules use bovine gelatine shells.
How long before I notice anything?
Omega-3 works by building up in your cell membranes, so nothing happens overnight. If you measure your omega-3 index, a clear shift usually takes two to three months of daily intake, and it drops again if you stop. Some people notice taste and digestion improve within days compared with an older, cheaper fish oil, but that is about the freshness of the oil, not about your omega-3 status.
Can I take it if I use blood thinners or am pregnant?
Speak to your GP first in both cases. High-dose omega-3 can affect how long it takes blood to clot, so it matters if you take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicine. In pregnancy, NHS advice is to avoid cod liver oil because of its vitamin A content, and to limit oily fish to two portions a week. A purified fish oil or algae oil is a different product from cod liver oil, but your midwife or GP should confirm what fits your situation.
