Essential Fatty Acids are crucial to the maintenance and support of our bodies, since our bodies don't produce them, the only source of Essential Fatty Acids is through the foods we eat, usually fish and oils. The two primary EFAs are known as linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3). It can be difficult to get enough fatty acids, especially with today's low-fat diets.

 Choosing the Right Fish Oil Supplements?

The first consideration is purity. Unfortunately the oceans are heavily polluted and many fish are contaminated with toxic waste products particularly heavy metals such as mercury. Good quality fish oils will be guaranteed free of all environmental pollutants and heavy metals.

Another factor in purity is how much of the fish oil is actually Omega 3 fish oil. A low proportion of Omega 3 Oils generally means a poor quality oil. A good quality oil generally can be expected to contain at least 50-70% omega 3 oils. Another small factor is amount of saturated fat content. Saturated fat can be bad for the heart and circulation. Good quality fish oils will have zero or close to zero saturated fats.

Additives can be seen as bad or good depending on your point of view. In general it is probably better to take supplements with no additives such as artificial preservatives, colorings, flavorings and sweeteners.
Artificial additives could be counterproductive and have possible links to behavioral problems such as hyperactivity themselves. 

However some people may find flavored oils and capsules more pleasant. Try to find one with natural additives such as flavorings if this is the case. Some capsules may rarely contain wheat, dairy, starch or yeast so be aware if you are allergic to any of these things. Additives are often a sign of poor quality fish oil though. Good quality oil has practically no fishy taste.