Eskio Fish Oil: Honest Review
Eskio is a Scandinavian fish oil brand that positions itself as a premium, pharmaceutical-grade omega-3 supplement. The brand originates from Norway and is commonly found in Baltic and Nordic pharmacies. If you are searching for "Eskio," you are probably weighing it against other fish oil options — so this guide gives you the facts, not marketing.
Who This Is For
Anyone considering buying Eskio fish oil, or looking for a reliable omega-3 supplement in the Estonian market. After reading, you will understand what makes Eskio different (and where it falls short), and you will know how to evaluate any fish oil product on your own.
TL;DR
- Eskio uses wild-caught fish from cold Nordic waters, processed in triglyceride form for better absorption
- EPA+DHA per capsule varies by product line (typically 300-600mg combined per capsule)
- Price is higher than budget fish oils but competitive with other pharmacy-grade brands
- Third-party purity testing is a genuine advantage — most Eskio products test below detectable limits for mercury and PCBs
- For most people, what matters is total EPA+DHA per day, not the brand name
What Is Eskio?
Eskio produces several omega-3 product lines, including liquid fish oil and softgel capsules. The brand emphasizes:
- Nordic sourcing: Fish from Norwegian and Icelandic waters (anchovy, sardine, mackerel)
- Molecular distillation: A purification process that removes heavy metals and environmental contaminants
- Triglyceride form: The natural form of fish oil, which studies show absorbs 50-70% better than the cheaper ethyl ester form (Dyerberg et al., 2010)
- Added vitamin D: Some Eskio products include vitamin D3 (typically 10mcg / 400IU), relevant in northern climates
Eskio Product Comparison
| Product | EPA | DHA | Form | Vitamin D | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eskio-3 (liquid) | ~750mg/5ml | ~500mg/5ml | Triglyceride | Yes (10mcg) | €18-22 |
| Eskio-3 capsules | ~300mg | ~200mg | Triglyceride | Some variants | €15-20 |
| Eskio Kids | ~200mg | ~130mg | Triglyceride | Yes | €14-18 |
Note: Exact values vary by batch and formulation. Always check the label.
How to Evaluate Any Fish Oil
Before deciding on Eskio or any alternative, here are the four things that actually matter:
1. EPA+DHA Content Per Serving
This is the single most important number. Many cheap fish oils advertise "1000mg fish oil" per capsule, but only deliver 300mg of actual EPA+DHA. The rest is other fats.
Target intakes:
- General health: 500-1000mg EPA+DHA daily (EFSA recommendation)
- Anti-inflammatory / athletic: 2-3g EPA+DHA daily (Philpott et al., 2019)
- Cardiovascular (medical): 3-4g EPA daily (Skulas-Ray et al., 2019)
2. Form (Triglyceride vs Ethyl Ester)
Triglyceride form (rTG) absorbs significantly better. A direct comparison study found 50-70% higher bioavailability for triglyceride-form fish oil versus ethyl ester (Dyerberg et al., 2010). Eskio uses triglyceride form — this is a real advantage.
3. Purity and Testing
Fish can accumulate mercury, PCBs, and dioxins. Reputable brands test through independent labs like IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards). Eskio products generally score well on purity, though not all product lines carry the IFOS certification.
4. Oxidation (Freshness)
Oxidized fish oil is not just unpleasant — it may cause harm. Check:
- Peroxide value (PV): should be under 5 meq/kg
- Anisidine value (AnV): should be under 20
- TOTOX value: should be under 26
If your capsules taste strongly of fish, they may be oxidized. Eskio's liquid products include antioxidants (typically lemon flavor with vitamin E) to slow oxidation.
Eskio vs Other Fish Oils
| Feature | Eskio-3 | Budget Fish Oil | Nordic Naturals | Carlson |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPA+DHA per serving | ~1250mg (liquid) | ~300mg | ~1100mg | ~1000mg |
| Form | Triglyceride | Usually ethyl ester | Triglyceride | Triglyceride |
| Third-party tested | Yes | Rarely | Yes (IFOS) | Yes (IFOS) |
| Price/month (therapeutic dose) | €18-22 | €8-12 | €25-35 | €20-30 |
| Available in Estonian pharmacies | Yes | Some | Rare | Rare |
When Eskio Makes Sense
- You prefer a locally available, pharmacy-grade product
- You want triglyceride form without mail-ordering from abroad
- You value the added vitamin D (relevant in Estonia's low-sun climate)
When to Consider Alternatives
- You need very high EPA doses (3g+) — concentrated EPA-only products may be more cost-effective
- Budget is the primary concern — generic triglyceride-form fish oils are available for less
- You want IFOS-certified products — check specific Eskio product lines for this
Common Mistakes When Buying Fish Oil
1. Looking at total fish oil instead of EPA+DHA. "1000mg fish oil" means nothing if only 300mg is EPA+DHA. Always check the back label.
2. Storing fish oil in warm places. Heat accelerates oxidation. Refrigerate opened bottles of liquid fish oil. Keep capsules in a cool, dark place.
3. Expecting overnight results. It takes 4-8 weeks for omega-3s to meaningfully change your cell membrane fatty acid profile (Browning et al., 2012). Patience is required.
4. Taking fish oil on an empty stomach. Fat-soluble supplements absorb better with meals, especially meals containing fat (Lawson & Hughes, 1988).
5. Ignoring the omega-6 side. Adding omega-3 helps, but reducing excessive omega-6 from seed oils is equally important for improving your ratio (Simopoulos, 2002).
FAQ
Is Eskio worth the premium price?
For the triglyceride form and pharmacy availability in Estonia, yes — it is reasonably priced compared to other rTG fish oils. But if you can access Nordic Naturals or Carlson online, you get similar or better quality at comparable prices.
Can I give Eskio to children?
Eskio Kids is specifically formulated for children. The liquid form is easier for young kids. DHA is particularly important for developing brains (Stonehouse, 2014). Follow the dosing on the label.
Is liquid or capsule form better?
Liquid is more cost-effective per mg of EPA+DHA and absorbs slightly faster. Capsules are more convenient and avoid the fishy taste. Results are equivalent at the same dose.
How long does an opened bottle of Eskio liquid last?
Use within 2-3 months after opening. Keep refrigerated. If it develops a strong fishy smell, it has likely oxidized — discard it.
Do I still need fish oil if I eat fish twice a week?
Two servings of fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, herring) per week provides roughly 500-1000mg EPA+DHA — enough for basic health. Supplementation is mainly needed for anti-inflammatory or therapeutic doses, or if your fish intake is inconsistent.
Estonia-Specific Notes
Eskio products are widely stocked in Apotheka and Südameapteek pharmacies across Estonia, typically €15-22 per bottle. Online retailers like MaxFit.ee often carry a broader selection of omega-3 products including higher-concentration options. Given Estonia's latitude (limited sun October through March), the vitamin D inclusion in Eskio products is a practical bonus.
References
1. Dyerberg, J., Madsen, P., Moller, J.M., Aardestrup, I. & Schmidt, E.B. (2010). Bioavailability of marine n-3 fatty acid formulations. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, 83(3), 137-141.
2. Philpott, J.D., Witard, O.C. & Galloway, S.D.R. (2019). Applications of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for sport performance. Research in Sports Medicine, 27(2), 219-237.
3. Skulas-Ray, A.C., Wilson, P.W.F., Harris, W.S., et al. (2019). Omega-3 fatty acids for the management of hypertriglyceridemia. Circulation, 140(12), e673-e691.
4. Simopoulos, A.P. (2002). The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 56(8), 365-379.
5. Browning, L.M., Walker, C.G., Mander, A.P., et al. (2012). Incorporation of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids into lipid pools when given as supplements providing doses equivalent to typical intakes of oily fish. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 96(4), 748-758.
6. Lawson, L.D. & Hughes, B.G. (1988). Absorption of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid from fish oil triacylglycerols or fish oil ethyl esters co-ingested with a high-fat meal. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 156(2), 960-963.
7. Stonehouse, W. (2014). Does consumption of LC omega-3 PUFA enhance cognitive performance in healthy school-aged children and throughout adulthood? Evidence from clinical trials. Nutrients, 6(7), 2730-2758.
See also:
- Nutridream: Medical Nutrition Drinks — Who Needs Them and When
- Best Liver Restoration Supplement: Evidence-Based Comparison
- Crisps: Complete Guide 2026
---
Browse omega-3 supplements at MaxFit.ee
See also:



