Kirkland Signature Natural Fish Oil Concentrate with Omega-3 Fatty Acids – 400 Softgels

I gave this product a look after reading that it was Consumer Reports recommended fish oil supplement.

Upon receipt I found no DHA / EPA Info on the bottle. Called Costco’s Vitamin info line and was told that each capsule contains 9 – 12.5% DHA and 18 – 22% EPA.

Assuming the minimum, each 1,000 mg capsule contains
DHA: 1000 * .09 = 90 mg
EPA: 1000 * .18 = 180 mg

Assuming the maximum, each 1,000 mg capsule contains
DHA: 1000 * .125 = 125 mg
EPA: 1000 * .22 = 220 mg

I try to get 1.5 grams of DHA per week and taking three of these daily, as the bottle recommends, accomplishes this in a very cost effective manner.

Not a day goes by that I don’t use these gelcaps, ever since my stroke 6 years ago. Not only that, but now I also purchase them for my mother. who just turned 80 in July. Her doctor said her cholesterol results lowered over 40 points in just 2 months after starting to use this product. My results changed dramatically from high triglycerides + high blood pressure to an average range within normal limits. Both doctors said to keep this regimen since it is definitely helping because diets alone and medications weren’t enough to give these kind of results.

I was impressed with the order because of two features…professional packing and extra gelcaps (increased from 300 to 400) compared to my last purchase from another seller.

I researched this product a lot and strength quality was also improved in this order…my last order came in a manila folder without any kind of cushioning…this one came in a box with airpad protection. I will definitely re-order from this seller next time

I have only been taking the pills for about a month now, so I can’t necessarily say how well they work. I can say that I was really happy to see how big this bottle was when it arrived. Well worth the price!

Update November 2008:
I have now been taking these pills for 8 months and in a recent check-up the doctor told me my cholesterol was at amazing levels.

My 2008 cholesterol levels:
Total Cholesterol = 175 mg/dl (recommended below 200 mg/dl)
HDL Cholesterol = 95 mg/dl (recommended above 50 mg/dl)
LDL Cholesterol = N/A (below 100 mg/dl)

The doctor specifically told me that it was amazing for a 30 year old male to have an HDL of 95 and an LDL that was so low it did not register.

My 2007 cholesterol levels:
Total Cholesterol = 198 mg/dl (recommended below 200 mg/dl)
HDL Cholesterol = 61 mg/dl (recommended above 50 mg/dl)
LDL Cholesterol = 127 (below 100 mg/dl)

Aside from taking these pills my diet has remained the same. This suggests that these pills have done wonders for my cholesterol levels

While less scientific, I have also witnessed the following benefits
- Better Skin (less breakouts/more even color)
- Less joint pain (I have had bad knees from years of Running)
- Stronger hair
- More energy (I used to always want a nap at 3pm)

This change in my body was gradual and there is great potential that it was a result of other things in my life. I won’t claim these pills are a miracle substance, however, the cholesterol improvement alone should be enough proof that these pills are worth adding to your diet

Smells like fish every time you open up the bottle. One good thing about it is that you don’t taste it.

Some health info from Supplement Facts label

1 softgel 3 times daily with full glass of water, preferably after a meal.

Calories 10
Calories from fat 10
Total fat 1g
Saturated fat .5g
Polyunsaturated fat .5g
Monounsaturated fat 0g

Cholesterol 10mg
Natural Fish Oil Concentrate 1000mg
Omega-3 Fatty Acid with EPA+DHA and other Omega-3′s 300mg

Ingredients: Fish Oil Concentrate, Gelatin, Glycerin, Water, Tocopherol
Contains: Fish (Anchovy and Sardine) and Soy.

No artificial colors
No artificial flavors
No Yeast
No Gluten

Be healthy!

Fish Oil has been proven helpful in vascular health and with cholesterol. Kirkland is a trusted brand name of supplements and vitamins. It is recommended that an individual gets 1,000 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids per day. More won’t hurt, but additional amounts have not proven beneficial. In fact, some reports claim that keeping the dosage at 1,000 mg is MOST beneficial. With Kirkland products, you are guaranteed quality and consistently. Especially good if you are not a big fish eater like myself. There is also no odor. I would recommend using a search engine to learn all you can about vitamin supplements. This one product is the most cost effective.

UPDATE: Doctors now say that you need 1,000mg of EPA every day. If the bottle does not state the amount – avoid it. If it says 180mg of EPA, that’s five pills a day. Search on-line for Nutra Origin – its the best I have found since.

The product is great and is good for you, but you can get this exact product from Costco for only $9!

Kirkland is a Costco brand so just head to your nearest Costco if you have a membership there and save some money and time.

This particular size capsule and concentration seems to give the best value per dollar in terms of EPA and DHA (the “good stuff” as it were, in fish oil) delivered. I’ve gone through 3-4 of these large jars and have had no quality problems yet, most of them were purchased at Costco with the most recent ordered from Amazon.

There ARE more concentrated brands out there (i.e., more EPA/DHA per volume of oil/capsule) but they generally cost quite a bit more. Always do the math to find the cost of EPA/DHA per serving, and research to make sure the serving suggested actually corresponds to the therapeutic benefits you’re after!

Tips to avoid the dreaded “fish breath” – Keep these cold.-store in the fridge at least, if not the freezer. Take just before bed.

just so everyone knows. i was about to buy these here but noticed the brand and figured id check if costco has em. sure enough, they do and theyre like 8 something there for the same exact bottle. ill update this review after having taken them for a few weeks. ive never tried this stuff but ive heard great things.