When comparing high-potency fish oils, the “Total Fish Oil” figure on the front label is the weight of the oil, not the EPA and DHA inside it. The numbers that matter are on the Supplement Facts panel.
Both Sports Research Triple Strength and Viva Naturals Triple Strength list their omega-3s as triglycerides (TG or rTG) rather than ethyl esters (EE), according to the brands. Their dosing and sourcing differ, so they suit different preferences.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which cost you nothing extra. Products are compared using the information on their labels and, where available, published test reports.
Core takeaway
On the label math the two cost almost the same per 1,000 mg of EPA + DHA: $0.36 for Sports Research and $0.35 for Viva Naturals. The real difference is the dose and the pill count. Sports Research gives 950 mg of EPA + DHA in one softgel, so a 90 count bottle lasts 90 days. Viva Naturals gives 2,070 mg of EPA + DHA per two-softgel serving, so its 90 count bottle lasts 45 days. Prices are Amazon US.
| Quick pick | Sports Research Triple Strength | Viva Naturals Triple Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | 🏆 Convenience | 💊 High dosing |
| Dose | 1 softgel daily | 2 softgels daily |
| Omega-3s | 1,040 mg per softgel | 2,250 mg per serving |
| EPA + DHA | 950 mg per softgel | 2,070 mg per serving |
| Source | 100% Wild Alaskan Pollock | Anchovies, Sardines, Mackerel |
| Check price on Amazon | Check price on Amazon |
Molecular form and bioavailability
Many fish oil products use ethyl ester (EE) forms. Both of these brands list their omega-3s in triglyceride form (TG for Sports Research, rTG for Viva Naturals). In a 2010 trial of 72 volunteers, blood omega-3 levels rose more with rTG oil than with ethyl ester oil (Dyerberg et al.). That trial measured absorption over two weeks, not health outcomes.
More on this trap in What’s Actually in a 1,000 mg Fish Oil.
Supplement Facts side by side
| Per serving | Sports Research Triple Strength (1 softgel) | Viva Naturals Triple Strength (2 softgels) |
|---|---|---|
| Fish oil | 1,250 mg | 2,500 mg |
| Total omega-3 | 1,040 mg | 2,250 mg |
| EPA | 690 mg | 1,500 mg |
| DHA | 260 mg | 570 mg |
| EPA + DHA | 950 mg | 2,070 mg |
The label math
- EPA + DHA per serving: Sports Research 690 + 260 = 950 mg. Viva Naturals 1,500 + 570 = 2,070 mg.
- Per softgel: Sports Research 950 mg of EPA + DHA. Viva Naturals 1,035 mg (2,070 / 2), so the two are close per softgel. The daily dose differs because Viva’s serving is two softgels.
- Servings per bottle (90 softgels): Sports Research 90 servings. Viva Naturals 45 servings.
- Sports Research, $30.71: $0.34 per serving, $0.36 per 1,000 mg EPA + DHA, $0.49 per 1,000 mg EPA, $1.31 per 1,000 mg DHA.
- Viva Naturals, $32.95: $0.73 per serving, $0.35 per 1,000 mg EPA + DHA, $0.49 per 1,000 mg EPA, $1.28 per 1,000 mg DHA.
- EPA to DHA ratio: Sports Research 2.65 to 1. Viva Naturals 2.63 to 1.
Head-to-head comparison
| Metric | Sports Research Triple Strength | Viva Naturals Triple Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Triglyceride (TG) | Re-esterified triglyceride (rTG) |
| Serving size | 1 softgel | 2 softgels |
| Fish oil per serving | 1,250 mg | 2,500 mg |
| Total omega-3 per serving | 1,040 mg | 2,250 mg |
| EPA per serving | 690 mg | 1,500 mg |
| DHA per serving | 260 mg | 570 mg |
| EPA + DHA per serving | 950 mg | 2,070 mg |
| EPA : DHA | 2.65 : 1 | 2.63 : 1 |
| Fish listed on label | Alaskan Pollock | Anchovy, Sardine, Mackerel |
| Third-party testing | IFOS (report linked below) | IFOS, as listed by Viva (not verified here) |
| Bottle size | 90 softgels (90 servings) | 90 softgels (45 servings) |
| Price (Amazon US, October 2026) | $30.71 | $32.95 |
| Cost per serving | $0.34 | $0.73 |
| Cost per 1,000 mg EPA + DHA | $0.36 | $0.35 |
| Cost per 1,000 mg EPA | $0.49 | $0.49 |
| Cost per 1,000 mg DHA | $1.31 | $1.28 |
Cost per serving favors Sports Research only because its serving is half the size. Per 1,000 mg of EPA + DHA the two are within a cent of each other, and which one costs less depends on the price on the day you buy, so check both before you click.
Pros and cons
Sports Research Triple Strength
Pros
- Single-softgel serving, so it is the easiest daily routine
- 690 mg EPA in one softgel
- A 90 count bottle lasts 90 days at the label dose
- $0.34 per serving
- Wild Alaska Pollock, which the brand states is MSC certified sustainable
Cons
- Lower daily dose: 950 mg EPA + DHA against 2,070 mg for Viva
- DHA is 260 mg per softgel
- Softgel contains fish gelatin, so it is not for vegetarians or vegans
- Cost per 1,000 mg is no cheaper than Viva ($0.36 against $0.35)
Viva Naturals Triple Strength
Pros
- 2,070 mg EPA + DHA per serving, including 1,500 mg EPA
- Slightly lower cost per 1,000 mg of EPA + DHA ($0.35) and of DHA ($1.28)
- 1,125 mg of omega-3 per softgel
- Blend of smaller fish: anchovies, sardines, mackerel
- IFOS third-party testing listed
Cons
- Two softgels a day
- A 90 count bottle lasts only 45 days at the label dose
- $0.73 per serving
- A higher dose does not suit everyone
Sourcing and third-party testing
Both brands list third-party testing through IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards), which checks omega-3 content, oxidation, PCBs, dioxins and heavy metals. If you want to see how these oxidation metrics compare with premium European formulations, see our breakdown of Nordic Naturals vs. Carlson Labs.
- Sports Research uses 100% wild-caught Alaskan Pollock, and the brand states it is MSC certified sustainable. The IFOS report we reviewed is for a 2018 lot (expiry 09/2020) and shows a total oxidation value of 5.85 against an IFOS limit of 19.5. That is an old lot, not a report for the bottle you would buy today, so check the current report for your lot.
- Viva Naturals lists a blend of anchovies, sardines and mackerel. Viva lists IFOS third-party certification on its product listing; we have not opened a Viva report, so check its current report for the oxidation value.
Dose and safety
The FDA has concluded that dietary supplements providing no more than 5 g per day of EPA and DHA combined are safe when used as recommended, and has said it cannot determine safety above that amount (FDA letter and NIH fact sheet). The NIH reports that two large trials using 4 g per day of omega-3 supplements for several years slightly increased the risk of atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) in people with or at high risk of cardiovascular disease. At the label serving, Sports Research gives 950 mg and Viva Naturals gives 2,070 mg of EPA + DHA a day. Talk to your doctor before taking fish oil if you use blood thinners, have a heart rhythm condition or are pregnant. Higher doses do not suit everyone. See our guide to why the right omega-3 dose matters.
Verdict: which should you buy?
- Choose Sports Research if you want your omega-3s from Alaskan Pollock in one softgel a day (1,040 mg per softgel, 690 mg of it EPA) and a bottle that lasts 90 days.
- Choose Viva Naturals if you want a higher EPA and DHA dose per serving (1,500 mg EPA / 570 mg DHA) and do not mind taking two softgels daily.
👉 Check the Current Price of Sports Research on Amazon
👉 Check the Current Price of Viva Naturals on Amazon
FAQ
Which has more EPA and DHA?
Viva Naturals gives 2,070 mg of EPA + DHA per two-softgel serving, against 950 mg in one Sports Research softgel. Per softgel the two are close: 1,035 mg for Viva and 950 mg for Sports Research.
Which costs less?
Per 1,000 mg of EPA + DHA they are almost equal: $0.36 for Sports Research and $0.35 for Viva Naturals. Per serving Sports Research is $0.34 and Viva is $0.73, because Viva’s serving contains more than twice the EPA + DHA.
How long does a bottle last?
At the label serving, a 90 count Sports Research bottle lasts 90 days and a 90 count Viva Naturals bottle lasts 45 days.
Are both in triglyceride form?
Yes, according to their labels and listings. Sports Research lists its omega-3s as triglycerides (TG) and Viva Naturals as re-esterified triglycerides (rTG). Neither is listed as an ethyl ester.
Where can I read more about Sports Research?
See our Sports Research Triple Strength review for the full label math and the 30, 90 and 180 count prices. Considering krill oil instead? We ran the same label math in Fish Oil vs. Krill Oil: Which Gives You More EPA and DHA for the Money?
Sources
- Sports Research Omega-3 Fish Oil 1250mg, Wild Alaska Pollock, Amazon US listing and product label: Supplement Facts, pack sizes and price, viewed October 12, 2026
- Viva Naturals Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil, Amazon US listing and product label: Supplement Facts and price, October 2026
- IFOS report for a 2018 lot (UC180666) of Sports Research Triple Strength
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Omega-3 Fatty Acids fact sheet
- FDA: letter on EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids (Docket FDA-2014-Q-1146), including the 5 g per day safety conclusion
- Dyerberg J, Madsen P, Møller JM. Bioavailability of marine n-3 fatty acid formulations. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids, 2010
Prices are Amazon US prices as of October 2026 and change often, so check the listing before you buy. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This article is educational and is not medical advice.