How Much Fish Oil Should You Take?

Why and How Should You Take Fish Oil?

Fish oil is good for your body. It helps your heart, eyes, and brain work better. One of the key benefits of fish oil is its ability to fight inflammation, which is why many people incorporate it into their daily routine.

Doctors often tell folks to eat more fish or take fish oil pills. This is because fish oil has omega-3 fats that our bodies need but can't make on their own.

To get the most out of fish oil:

• Eat fatty fish like salmon twice a week
• Or take fish oil pills daily
• Make other healthy choices too, like moving more and eating less junk food
• Talk to your doctor about the right amount for you

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Some people with very high-fat levels in their blood may need special fish oil medicine from a doctor. This stronger stuff can help lower those fat levels.

Understanding EPA and DHA: Key Components of Fish Oil

EPA and DHA are the long chain of Omega-3 fatty acids and are easily available in fatty fishes like salmon mackerel and sardine. These fatty acids are essential for the proper functioning of cells in the heart and brain throughout the body’s functions.

EPA assists in decreasing the inflammation in the body and enhancing the health of the heart and DHA is important in the growth and functioning of the brain and eyes.

According to Toni Abelseth, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and owner of Midwest Psychiatric Care:

Researchers believe that omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, are crucial for brain health because they help maintain cell membranes in the brain. Studies suggest that lower DHA levels are linked to Alzheimer's disease and increased protein deposits in the brain. Conversely, higher DHA levels seem to protect brain volume and cognitive function in healthy older adults. These neuroprotective properties are the main reason why I recommend omega-3 supplements to most of my patients, although some drug-drug interactions do need to be considered.

Recommended Fish Oil Dosage Guidelines

For general health maintenance, health authorities recommend a daily intake of 250-500 mg of combined EPA and DHA. For specific conditions, such as heart disease or high triglycerides, higher doses may be necessary.

Dosage for Specific Conditions

For Heart Health

The American Heart Association suggests that people with coronary heart disease consume about 1,000 mg of EPA and DHA daily, preferably from oily fish.

If triglycerides are high, following a diet of 2,000-4,000 mg daily under medical care can lower them by up to half within 1-2 months. It may also help boost good HDL cholesterol levels in the body.

READ ALSO: Ways To Lower Your Triglycerides

For Mental Health

For Joint Health

Dosage Recommendations for Different Populations

Children

Omega-3 is vital in the growth and development of both children and adults. Health authorities set the daily allowance by age and state of health, nevertheless, children should intake between 50-100 mg of DHA daily.

Pregnant and Nursing Women

Omega-3s play a key role in pregnancy, and there are a few points to keep in mind when picking your supplement. Pregnant women should consume around 300 mg altogether of EPA and DHA, with at least 200 mg of that being DHA, as it is vital for the healthy development of your baby’s brain and eyes.

Because fish oil supplements vary, some may have more EPA than DHA. Choose one rich in DHA when pregnant to benefit the baby’s brain.

Precautions for Pregnant Women

Do not take too much cod liver oil. It contains omega-3s, but it’s also a food rich in vitamin A, and having too much of vitamin A during pregnancy is risky.

Just a small teaspoon of cod liver oil is enough to give you your full recommended amount of vitamin A. Read what’s on the label and speak to your healthcare provider to make sure you’re safe.

You should always let your healthcare provider know before taking new supplements. They can help you choose a fish oil product that is safe and helps you and your baby.

READ ALSO: Is Fish Oil Safe for Pregnancy?

Health Benefits of Fish Oil

• Heart Health: Omega-3 fatty acids decrease triglycerides, ease hypertension, decrease the chance of cardiovascular disease, and enhance total heart health.
• Brain Function: DHA is part of the cerebrum and retina; it plays an important structural role. Sufficient intake enhances brain health, facilitates learning and memory, and could help in preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Mood Regulation: More specifically, EPA belongs to omega-3s, an evident tool in regulating the signs of depression and anxiety.
• Inflammation: EPA and DHA are important nutrients that can help relieve conditions such as arthritis or any inflammatory-related diseases.

Check out Dr. Berg’s insights on how omega-3 fish oil matter for your health:

Is Fish Oil better than other Omega 3 supplements?

Taking fish oil supplements helps you get EPA and DHA, which support both the heart and the brain. Certain formulas add vitamins A and D to bring additional health advantages.

There are omega-3 supplements made from fish, algae or from oils found in plants. Algae supplements provide both EPA and DHA, mainly DHA, while flaxseed oil contains ALA which the body often has difficulty changing into EPA and DHA.

While other sources of omega-3s are healthy too, fish oil contains more EPA and DHA than any other. If you don’t eat fish, algae is a suitable alternative as a source of DHA. Eating plant-based omega-3 foods helps, but doesn’t greatly increase EPA and DHA.

How to Choose the Right Fish Oil Supplement?

Selecting a high-quality fish oil supplement is essential for maximizing benefits and minimizing risks. Here are key factors to consider:

• Purity: Choose products that are purified to remove contaminants like mercury, lead, and other heavy metals.
• EPA and DHA Content: Check the Supplement Facts label for the amount of EPA and DHA per serving. A standard 1000 mg fish oil softgel typically contains around 300 mg of combined EPA and DHA.
• Source: Opt for supplements sourced from sustainable fisheries to ensure environmental responsibility.
• Form: Fish oil supplements come in various forms, including ethyl esters, triglycerides, and phospholipids. Triglyceride forms are generally considered more natural and better absorbed.

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Risks and Side Effects

While fish oil supplements offer numerous health benefits, excessive intake can lead to potential side effects. These may include:

• High Blood Sugar: Large doses of Omega-3s can affect glucose metabolism.
• Bleeding: High doses may increase the risk of bleeding, especially in individuals on blood-thinning medications.
• Low Blood Pressure: Fish oil can lower blood pressure, which might be problematic for people with already low blood pressure.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Some people may experience nausea, diarrhea, or indigestion.

Can Fish Oil Supplements Lead to Vitamin A Toxicity?

Although fish oil is often low in vitamin A, cod liver oil has a large amount, and a tablespoon covers the full daily requirement. High amounts of vitamin A may result in dizziness, nausea, increased skin sensitivity, and liver problems.

Check what vitamin A your supplements contain and don’t use more than needed, especially if you also eat vitamin A-rich foods. You need balance to ensure you let the omega-3 work safely on you.

Safety Considerations for Taking Fish Oil Supplements

While omega-3s are good for you, you can overdo it. Taking too much might cause bleeding problems or mess with how some medicines work. It's best to stick to what your doctor suggests.

Who Should Avoid Fish Oil

• People allergic to fish or shellfish
• Those taking blood thinners
• Anyone about to have surgery

Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Take It With

• Blood thinning drugs
• Some cholesterol medicines
• Birth control pills

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