While there is a tendency for most bodybuilders to concentrate on protein supplements, there has been a neglect as far as other supplements are concerned notably fish oil supplements. For sure protein plays the most important role in building muscle but fats too are essential in any diet. Not every type of fat is the same, fish oil are the good type of fats rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids(EFAs) which are beneficial for the heart, eye, brain and joints. Healthy fats also play a key role in muscle building as they stimulate protein synthesis and also aid in fat burning.

One major reason of taking fish oil supplements is convenience because in order to get the daily recommended dosage of omega-3 fats, you'll need to consume lots of fish and rather the oily ones like sardines, herring, mackerel, trout, anchovies and salmon but this might not be practical for everyone. This is where fish oil supplements come into play as it's easier to swallow a couple of fish oil capsules everyday for your daily intake.

There are many brands and varieties of fish oil supplements on the market and I recommend you get a high quality one and pay more instead of getting a low quality one for less as a supplement is something you consume regularly so you'd want to have the best in your body. Here are some things to consider before buying fish oil:

You'd want a high concentration of omega-3 EPA(Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA(Docosahexaenoic Acid). For example if a fish oil says 1000 mg of omega-3 per serving, it doesn't necessarily mean you're actually getting 1000 mg of EPA and DHA. It's vital that you verify how much EPA and DHA you're getting as these are the most important. Nutritionists recommend a minimum of 1000 mg and a maximum of 3000 mg of omega-3 per day.

You'd want to know where the fish oil is derived from. What are the fish sources? Some fish oil supplements don't mention the fish sources and I prefer to stay away from these whereas some will mention from anchovies and sardines and this is better.

It's good to know if the fish oil has been third-party tested for environmental toxins like dioxins, heavy metals and PCBs to ensure purity and freshness. Some companies are also willing to give you a certificate of analysis upon request which testifies the quality of their product, so that's a sign of good faith. For me, third-party tested fish oil is fundamental as this definitely decreases your chances of triggering side effects and adverse reactions like itching, headaches, skin rash, dizziness and frequent "fish burps" which can result from taking low quality fish oil supplements.

One of the best fish oil supplements for bodybuilding I've come across which meets the above criterias is without any doubt Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega. The serving size is two softgels and you get 1,280 mg of omega-3 with EPA at 650 mg and DHA at 450 mg, so that's a good concentration there. You can easily take two softgels twice daily for a total of 2,560 mg of omega-3 (1,280 * 2). The fish sources are sardines and anchovies and it has been third-party tested for purity and freshness. It's an excellent product of pharmaceutical-grade quality with no fishy taste and aftertaste.

Nordic Naturals - Ultimate Omega, Support for a Healthy Heart, 180 Soft Gels (FFP) - fish sources derived from anchovies and sardines - 1,280 mg of omega-3 with EPA at 650 mg and DHA at 450 mg.

Nordic Naturals - Ultimate Omega, Support for a Healthy Heart, 180 Soft Gels (FFP)

Other Recommended High Quality Fish Oil Supplements

Viva Naturals Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplement, 180 Capsules - Highly Concentrated Fish Oil Omega 3 Pills, Burpless, 2,200mg Fish Oil/serving - fish sources derived from anchovies, sardines and mackerel - 2,000 mg of omega-3 with EPA at 1400 mg and DHA at 480 mg.

Viva Naturals Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplement, 180 Capsules - Highly Concentrated Fish Oil Omega 3 Pills, Burpless, 2,200mg Fish Oil/serving

Dr. Tobias Omega 3 Fish Oil Triple Strength, Burpless, Non-GMO, NSF-Certified, 180 Counts - fish sources derived from anchovies, sardines, mackerel, salmon and herring - 1,400 mg of omega-3 with EPA at 800 mg and DHA at 600 mg.

Dr. Tobias Omega 3 Fish Oil Triple Strength, Burpless, Non-GMO, NSF-Certified, 180 Counts

NATURELO Premium Fish Oil Supplement - 1100mg Triglyceride Omega-3 - One A Day - Best For Heart, Eye, Brain & Joint Health - 120 Softgels | 4 Month Supply - fish sources derived from wild-caught Alaskan pollock - 1,100 mg of omega-3 with EPA at 729 mg and DHA at 275 mg.

NATURELO Premium Fish Oil Supplement - 1100mg Triglyceride Omega-3 - One A Day - Best For Heart, Eye, Brain & Joint Health - 120 Softgels | 4 Month Supply