There is no established upper limit of omega-3 intake. According to the NIH, the FDA have suggested that people should take no more than 3 g per day of DHA and EPA combined. Over long periods, scientists say that omega-3 can reduce immune system function because it lowers the body's inflammatory responses.
Studies show that taking fish oil over several weeks, months, or even years can increase levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood ( 3 , 4 ). However, adjusting the timing of supplementation can help prevent some of the side effects linked to fish oil.
When taken by mouth: Fish oil is likely safe for most people in doses of 3 grams or less daily. Taking more than 3 grams daily might increase the chance of bleeding. Fish oil side effects include heartburn, loose stools, and nosebleeds. Taking fish oil supplements with meals or freezing them can reduce these issues.
For most adults, WHO recommends a daily intake of 1.1–1.6 grams (1,100–1,600 mg) of omega-3 fatty acids. However, it may be necessary to increase the dosage if you are pregnant, nursing, or at risk of heart disease ( 84 ).
Now that we know that the omega-3 supplement does not show its beneficial effects immediately, it is important to be consistent and take it over a period of at least three months, to see results.
The answer to your question about whether you can skip fish-oil supplements depends greatly on your willingness to eat a sufficient amount of fish each week, along with your health status and disease risk.
Most adults should eat at least 8 ounces or two servings of omega-3-rich fish a week. A serving size is 4 ounces or about the size of a deck of cards.
Omega-3 is an essential part of the diet and supplements like fish oil have been associated with a number of health benefits. However, consuming too much fish oil could actually take a toll on your health and lead to side effects such as high blood sugar and an increased risk of bleeding.
So, how much Omega-3 per day should you consume? Many doctors often recommend 1000 to 1200 mg of fish oil, because that amount of fish oil contains the total amount of Omega-3s the doctor wants you to consume.
Expert Analysis. All individuals should aim to consume approximately 2 servings of fatty fish per week as part of a heart-healthy diet. Routine use of non-prescription fish oil is not recommended for primary or secondary prevention of CVD.
In general, omega-3 helps to reduce risks of heart diseases and cancer. However, women benefit more as omega-3 protects against certain conditions that affect only women such as menstrual pain, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Fish oil supplements are a popular alternative for those looking to relieve joint pain. It is made up of omega-3 fatty acids which contain anti-inflammatory properties. These fatty acids play a role in providing pain relief to many of your body's joints.
Answer: Long-term use of fish oil is safe as long as the daily dose is not too high and the fish oil is not contaminated, as discussed in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review.
How long does it take for omega-3's to work? Levels of omega-3's build up quickly in the body once you take supplements. But it may take 6 weeks to 6 months to see a significant change in mood, pain, or other symptoms. What brands of omega-3's should I consider?
Although there are popular myths that taking fish oil lowers your cholesterol, it does not. It will lower your triglycerides, may modestly raise your HDL (which is a benefit), but can actually raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol, which is not a benefit.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommend adults take between 500–1,000 milligrams of omega-3 per day. However, other countries and organizations recommend different doses. The amount of ALA in omega-3 supplements can depend on the type of supplement and the manufacturer.
People taking blood pressure medication should talk to a doctor before trying these supplements. Blood clotting: Omega-3s might also affect blood clotting, so people with clotting disorders, bleeding disorders, and those taking clotting medication should talk to a doctor before supplementing with fish oil.
People can take fish oil capsules with water during a meal. If a person typically does not eat much fat at breakfast, they may wish to wait until lunch or their evening meal before taking it. Some people experience gastrointestinal side effects when taking fish oil.
Older adults and the elderly typically shouldn't take more than 250 milligrams of EPA and DHA daily. However, when treating high triglycerides, your doctor may recommend up to 15 grams if you have high blood pressure and as much as 10 grams if you have rheumatoid arthritis.
Adding Omega-3s to Your Diet
The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least once a week. Some studies have shown greater benefit from getting omega-3s from food as opposed to supplements. If you're a fish-lover — or just don't feel like taking fish oil in pill form — that's fine.
Symptoms of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency include fatigue, poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings or depression, and poor circulation. It is important to have the proper ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 (another essential fatty acid) in the diet.
Currently, the recommended amounts for how much ALA omega-3 per day your body needs include 1.6 grams for men and 1.1 grams for women each day. Many health organizations have released their own guidelines for omega-3 intake. Most generally range between 250–500 milligrams of combined EPA and DHA daily.
New research finds that taking omega-3 supplements is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation in people with a high risk of, or existing, heart disease.
Eating oily fish is best, but your doctor might recommend a fish oil capsule. If you've had a heart attack, a prescription dose of omega-3s may help protect your heart. Some studies show fewer heart attacks and fewer heart disease deaths among heart attack survivors who boosted their levels of omega-3s.