Valupak Omega 3 Fish Oil

Fish oil is one of the most widely researched and consistently taken dietary supplements in the UK, valued for its concentrated content of the omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Valupak Omega-3 Fish Oil capsules provide 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA per capsule, delivering a combined 300 mg of these long chain omega 3 fatty acids in each daily dose. EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart, and DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function and normal vision. Unlike cod liver oil, Valupak Omega-3 Fish Oil does not contain vitamins A or D, making it suitable for a wider range of adults including those who need to avoid vitamin A. Available without a prescription.

Valupak Omega-3 Fish Oil capsules contain concentrated fish oil extracted from the flesh of oily marine fish. The product is standardised to an 18:12 EPA:DHA ratio, meaning each capsule provides 180 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 120 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), for a combined total of 300 mg of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids per capsule.

Fish oil and cod liver oil are related but distinct products. Fish oil is extracted from the flesh of oily fish such as mackerel, sardines, anchovies, and herring. Cod liver oil is extracted from the liver of cod fish. Both provide EPA and DHA, but cod liver oil also contains significant amounts of vitamin A (retinol) and vitamin D, which are not present in standard fish oil. Valupak Omega-3 Fish Oil does not contain vitamin A or vitamin D. This is an important distinction for pregnant women and others who need to limit vitamin A intake.

The UK government recommends eating at least two portions of fish per week, including one portion of oily fish, as a practical way to obtain omega 3 fatty acids from the diet. For adults who do not regularly eat oily fish, a fish oil supplement can contribute meaningfully to EPA and DHA intake. Valupak Omega-3 Fish Oil provides 300 mg of combined EPA and DHA per capsule, which exceeds the 250 mg per day threshold referenced in EFSA-authorised health claims for EPA and DHA.

The health benefits of Valupak Omega-3 Fish Oil are derived from its EPA and DHA content. These long chain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have specific, well-documented roles in human physiology that are supported by EFSA-authorised health claims.

EPA and DHA: Heart Health

EPA and DHA together contribute to the normal function of the heart. This is an EFSA-authorised health claim established at a combined daily intake of 250 mg. Valupak Omega-3 Fish Oil provides 300 mg of combined EPA and DHA per capsule, meeting this threshold in a single daily dose. The cardiovascular benefit of omega 3 fatty acids has been one of the most extensively studied areas of nutrition research. The authorised claim reflects the established nutritional role of EPA and DHA in supporting normal cardiac function.

DHA: Brain Support and Vision

DHA specifically contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function and normal vision. Both claims are EFSA-authorised for DHA at a daily intake of 250 mg. Each Valupak Omega-3 Fish Oil capsule provides 120 mg of DHA. This contributes to the daily DHA intake needed to support normal brain function and normal vision as part of an overall varied diet. DHA is a major structural component of the brain and retina of the eye. It is incorporated into cell membranes throughout the nervous system and is particularly concentrated in brain grey matter and the photoreceptor cells of the eye.

EPA: Additional Roles

EPA contributes to the normal function of the heart and, together with DHA, supports the normal triglyceride levels that are part of normal cardiovascular health at higher supplemental intakes. Each capsule provides 180 mg of EPA. EPA is also a precursor to a range of eicosanoids involved in normal inflammatory regulation as part of the body's physiological processes. This is a nutritional role rather than a therapeutic anti-inflammatory claim.

Always follow the dosage instructions on the product label.

• Take one capsule daily, or as directed on the product label.
• Fish oil capsules are best taken with a meal to improve absorption of the omega 3 fatty acids and to reduce the chance of a fishy aftertaste or digestive discomfort.
• Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water.
• Take at the same time each day to maintain consistent omega 3 levels.
• Do not exceed the stated dose on the product label.
• If you take warfarin, antiplatelet medicines such as aspirin or clopidogrel, or any other blood thinning medicines, speak to your pharmacist or GP before taking fish oil supplements. At standard supplement doses, the anticoagulant effect is unlikely to be clinically significant for most people, but warfarin requires careful management and your anticoagulation clinic should be informed.

Valupak Omega-3 Fish Oil (18:12) Capsules

Each capsule provides fish oil standardised to an 18:12 EPA:DHA ratio. This delivers 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA per capsule, for a combined EPA and DHA content of 300 mg. The combined 300 mg per capsule exceeds the 250 mg per day threshold referenced in EFSA-authorised health claims for both the heart function claim (EPA and DHA combined) and the brain function and vision claims (DHA alone).

The recommended dose is one capsule per day. This provides a practical and well-tolerated daily contribution to omega 3 intake. Adults who eat oily fish regularly will obtain additional EPA and DHA from their diet. Those who rarely eat oily fish may benefit from a higher combined intake. Always check the product label for the current stated amounts per capsule.

Valupak Omega-3 Fish Oil is well tolerated by most adults at the recommended dose. Side effects are uncommon.

Possible Side Effects

• Fishy aftertaste or burping. This is the most commonly noted effect and is considerably reduced by taking the capsule with food.
• Mild gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, indigestion, or loose stools, particularly if taken on an empty stomach.

Speak to a Pharmacist or GP Before Taking If You:

• Take warfarin or any other anticoagulant medicine. Omega 3 fatty acids at higher doses may influence anticoagulant response. At the standard supplement dose, the effect is generally modest, but warfarin requires careful management.
• Take antiplatelet medicines such as aspirin or clopidogrel. The combined effect may increase bleeding risk.
• Are due to have surgery. Inform your surgical team that you take omega 3 supplements, as they may ask you to pause them before the procedure.
• Have a fish allergy. Fish oil is derived from fish and is not suitable for people with a fish allergy.

This Supplement May Be Suitable For:

• Adults who do not regularly eat oily fish and wish to supplement their daily EPA and DHA intake.
• Adults who want a fish oil supplement that does not contain vitamin A or vitamin D.
• Pregnant women who want an omega 3 supplement. Unlike cod liver oil, Valupak Omega-3 Fish Oil does not contain retinol (vitamin A) and is not contraindicated in pregnancy on this basis. Speak to your midwife or GP to confirm an appropriate omega 3 supplement during pregnancy.
• Adults who want a concentrated EPA and DHA source with a defined, label-stated amount per capsule.

This Supplement Is Not Suitable For:

• People with a fish or seafood allergy.
• People taking warfarin or anticoagulants, without first discussing with their pharmacist or GP.

Fish Oil vs Cod Liver Oil: Key Difference

Unlike cod liver oil, Valupak Omega-3 Fish Oil does not contain vitamin A (retinol) or vitamin D. This makes it suitable for pregnant women who need to avoid retinol, and for adults who already take separate vitamin D supplements and do not want to double up. If you specifically want vitamins A and D alongside omega 3 fatty acids, cod liver oil may be more appropriate. If you want a pure omega 3 source without additional fat-soluble vitamins, fish oil is the right choice. Both products provide EPA and DHA.

Fish oil at standard supplemental doses is generally safe alongside most medicines. The key considerations are:

• Warfarin and anticoagulants: omega 3 fatty acids at higher doses may influence coagulation. At one capsule per day (300 mg EPA and DHA), the clinical effect is generally modest. Always inform your anticoagulation clinic or pharmacist before starting.
• Antiplatelet medicines (aspirin, clopidogrel): combined antiplatelet effects may increase bleeding risk, particularly around surgery.

Valupak Omega-3 Fish Oil is a General Sale List product and does not require a prescription or pharmacist consultation. It can be purchased directly through Pharmacy Planet.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy. All products are genuine, properly stored, and handled by qualified pharmacy professionals. We stock a range of omega 3 and fatty acid supplements including the full Valupak cod liver oil range for adults who prefer a combined oil with vitamins A and D.

If you have questions about which omega 3 supplement is right for you, or how it fits with your current medicines, our pharmacy team is happy to help before you order.

Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat, as light and warmth can degrade the oil. Keep the container tightly closed after each use to protect capsules from air and moisture. Refrigeration is not required but may help preserve freshness once opened, particularly in warm conditions. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging. Full storage instructions are provided on the product packaging.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy committed to providing quality supplements and pharmacy products alongside clear, accurate information. We stock both pure fish oil products and cod liver oil products so customers can choose the formulation that suits their individual needs. All health claims on this page are EFSA-authorised for EPA and DHA. We follow all applicable GPhC, MHRA, and ASA regulations. We are committed to honest, evidence-based information that helps you make confident choices about your supplements. Our pharmacists are available to answer questions about any product we stock. We are committed to transparent, patient centred care.

References

1. NHS. Fish and shellfish. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-types/fish-and-shellfish-nutrition. Accessed May 2026.
2. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to EPA, DHA, and heart function, brain function, and vision. EFSA Journal. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com. Accessed May 2026.
3. Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). Advice on fish consumption. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sacn-advice-on-fish-consumption. Accessed May 2026.
4. NHS. Vitamins and minerals — Omega-3. https://www.nhs.uk. Accessed May 2026.
5. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Yellow Card — report a side effect. https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed May 2026.

Omega 3 and Fish Oil Capsules

The table below compares the five oil-based capsule supplements in the Vitamins range. All provide omega 3 or omega 6 fatty acids, but differ in oil type, strength, EPA and DHA content, and vitamin A status.

Important: This comparison is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. A prescriber will decide which treatment is suitable for you following an online consultation.