Triglyceride vs Ethyl Ester – Which Omega 3 Form is Right For You?

Why Form Matters

With vitamins and minerals, the forms they come in can easily affect how much they’re absorbed and how effective they are. This is especially true for fish oil, where the molecular structure of the fish oil form can lead to greater or lesser health benefits but also affect the rancidity and oxidation of fish oil as well.

Find out the difference between the two main types of fish oil forms and which one to take for more health benefits:

Triglyceride vs Ethyl Ester

The two main forms that fish oils can be found in are the Triglyceride form and the Ethyl Ester form.

The Triglyceride form is the natural form that fish oil is found in the fish. Although fish oil has to be converted to the Ethyl Ester form during processing, some manufacturers choose to leave it there to save costs. However, the Triglyceride form is safer, more stable and better utilised by the body.

Triglyceride Form Benefits

• Natural – The Triglyceride form is the naturally occurring form within fish and easily recognised as natural by the body.
• Bioavailable – As it’s recognised as natural, the triglyceride form is the most bioavailable.
• Greater Stability – This form is also the most stable as it includes a strong backbone to stabilise the rest of the molecule.

Ethyl Ester Form

• Artificial Form – This is the form that fish oil is converted to when fish oil is being processed.
• Reduced Stability – As the Ethyl Ester form is the broken-down version of the Triglyceride form it has less stability and a greater ability towards rancidity and oxidisation which can be recognised by an extremely fishy taste of the fish oil.
• Reduced Value – As the Ethyl Ester form is not as bioavailable it leads to lesser value for the price versus the product.

Nordic Naturals uses only the Triglyceride form in all their products to ensure the best fish oil and the greatest health benefits possible. Find out more and view the Nordic Naturals range here.