I've had very little positive to say about Omega XL over the years, whether it's deceptive marketing practices, their ridiculous pricing or simply the fact that they've managed to charge double the price of a standard fish oil and offer a product that's half as effective there is basically nothing positive to say at all.
Now, not every fish oil supplement is going to be better than Omega XL, but most are going to be. Some standard omega 3 supplements may be worse, because your body uses EPA and DHA, which is only present in algae and fish oils.
We've got a breakdown of good joint supplements and omega supplements here.
So What Is The Omega XL Sales Pitch?
Omega XL is a dietary supplement marketed as a "superior source" of omega-3 fatty acids, primarily derived from green-lipped mussel oil. However, this simply isn't the case.
| Feature | Omega XL | Fish Oil Supplements | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Green-lipped mussel oil | Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines | Source determines the type and quantity of omega-3 fatty acids provided. |
| Key Omega-3 Content | Minimal EPA and DHA | Rich in EPA and DHA | Look for 500mg of EPA and DHA at least.. |
| Transparency | Proprietary blend, unclear quantities | Clearly labeled EPA and DHA amounts | Transparent labeling helps ensure you're getting an effective dose. |
| Price | ~$58.99 for 60 capsules (30-day supply) | ~$20-$30 for a 30-60 day supply of high-potency fish oil | Omega XL is significantly more expensive relative to its actual omega-3 content. |
| Legal/Regulatory Issues | Subject to class action lawsuits and FDA warnings | Generally well-regulated (with third-party certifications) | Legal actions and FDA warnings raise concerns about deceptive marketing or unverified claims. |
| Effectiveness Evidence | Minimal independent research | Supported by numerous clinical studies | Fish oil has strong evidence for its role in reducing inflammation and supporting cardiovascular health. |
| Dosage | Typically 2-4 capsules daily | 1-2 capsules daily (depending on concentration) | Fish oil is more concentrated, requiring fewer capsules for effective dosing. |
| Cost Per Day | ~$3.78 | ~$0.50-$1.00 | Fish oil is more affordable and provides better value for omega-3 intake. |
| Other Ingredients | Claims additional fatty acids and olive oil-like profile | May include vitamins (D, E) or antioxidants | Fish oil supplements often add complementary nutrients to enhance benefits. |
Composition and Efficacy:
Omega XL: Claims to contain a proprietary blend of over 30 fatty acids, including omega-3s. However, quite a few independent analysis have been done on omega xl now and they've shown small amounts of omega fatty acids, with a chemical profile similar to olive oil.
Fish Oil Supplements: Obviously there's varying quality, but most fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, these supplements are rich in EPA and DHA, the primary omega-3 fatty acids associated with anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits.
Omega XL Legal and Regulatory Concerns:
In 2017, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Great HealthWorks, the distributor of Omega XL, alleging deceptive advertising practices related to monthly subscriptions. The lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed in 2018, with reasons undisclosed.
Additionally, in June 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter to Great HealthWorks for making unsubstantiated drug claims about Omega XL, indicating regulatory concerns over its marketing practices.
FDA
Fish Oil vs Omega XL Cost and Value:
Omega XL is priced starting at $48.99 and up for a bottle containing 60 capsules, translating to a daily cost of about $3.28. Considering it's generally worse quality than standard fish oil, this is a clear loss for Omega XL.
Recommendation:
Considering the legal issues, regulatory warnings, and cost concerns associated with Omega XL, consumers may find better value and efficacy in reputable fish oil supplements. Look for the DHA and EPA content, and avoid Omega XL.
At this price point you can even get all in one products that have full doses of Omega and dozens of other joint supporting ingredients (generally I recommend FlexAgain for most people).
Or if you want a straight up omega brand, Joint Buddy and Nordic Naturals both make good fish oil.
These supplements are generally well-studied, offer transparent ingredient profiles, and provide substantial amounts of EPA and DHA, contributing to overall health benefits.