Before you try it for yourself, it’s important to understand how to take fish oil effectively. Fish oil is a popular supplement that can be purchased in liquid, capsule and pill form.

Fish oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids for those who find it difficult to source sufficient amounts of omega-3 fatty acids from their regular diet. Fish oil may be beneficial for many bodily functions such as muscle activity and cell growth. Fish oil is also popular for its anti-inflammatory properties.  (1)

What makes fish oil a helpful supplement?

Some studies have suggested that fish oil supplements may help to reduce pain, relieve joint tenderness and improve morning stiffness in people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. (1)

How much fish oil should you take per day?

While there is currently no set recommendation for the amount of fish oil you should take per day, we can use the recommendations for total omega-3 intake as well as EPA and DHA. 

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic) are omega-3s which have been positively linked to brain development and function. If your fish oil supplement is made using sea algae, it likely contains EPA and DHA. (2)

• The recommended daily intake of combined EPA and DHA is 200-500mg.
• 1,000mg of fish oil typically provides around 300mg of combined EPA and DHA. (2)
• The recommended daily intake of total omega-3 is 1,100mg for women and 1,600mg for men. (4)
• It is generally accepted that up to 3,000mg of fish oil per day is safe for healthy adults to consume. (3)

Are Omega 3 supplements and fish oil the same?

Fish oil is not the same thing as an omega-3 supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in flaxseed, walnuts and dark leafy greens in addition to fish oil supplements. While fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, it also contains additional fatty acids aside from omega-3. 

Is fish oil blood thinning?

Research has shown inconclusively that ingesting more than 10,000mg of fish oil may thin the blood, however most fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acid doses of no more than 1,000mg. If you are taking fish oil as directed, you can consider yourself safe from any blood-thinning effects. (5)  

As always, we recommend that you speak to your GP or other health professional before taking any action regarding your health. Supplements have a wide range of potential effects and it's important to ensure that they are right for you.

Other unique benefits of fish oil

Improved heart health

Fish oil may be beneficial in helping to prevent heart disease and heart attacks. Studies have found that the more fish in your diet, the lower the risk of death from stroke or heart disease. Researchers have found that subjects treated with fish oil supplements after experiencing a heart attack went on to have a 29% reduction in fatal cardiac arrhythmias. (6)

Cognitive Function Benefits

DHA contained in fish oil supplements have been linked to protecting people against degenerative brain disorders. (6)

Personal considerations when choosing a new supplement

Before beginning any new vitamin or supplement regime, speak with your doctor or health professional to ensure you’re taking the right supplements for your needs. Fish oil supplements should be taken under doctors supervision, particularly if you have a seafood allergy. (1)

Some of the best Fish Oil supplements - 

Click here to view all Fish Oil / Omega 3 Supplements

Summary

Supplementing a healthy diet with fish oil may assist with cognitive function, blood pressure and heart health, among other benefits. If you think fish oil might be right for you, speak to a GP or other health professional to find the optimum dosage for your situation. 

CAUTIONS

Always speak with your doctor before taking any action regarding your health. Supplements have a wide range of potential effects and it's important to ensure that they are right for you. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.

Fish oil supplements should be taken under doctors supervision, particularly if you have a seafood allergy.

References

1. Mayo Staff Clinic (2020) Fish oil, Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-fish-oil/art-20364810 (Accessed: March 4, 2023). 
2. MS, S.O.B. (2023) Fish oil dosage: How much should you take per day?, Healthline. Healthline Media. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fish-oil-dosage#dosages (Accessed: March 4, 2023). 
3. Marine Oils (no date) National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30000958/ (Accessed: March 4, 2023). 
4. Office of dietary supplements - omega-3 fatty acids (no date) NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/#en30 (Accessed: March 4, 2023). 
5. Is fish oil a blood thinner? - blog: Everlywell: Home Health Testing Made Easy (no date) Everlywell. Available at: https://www.everlywell.com/blog/vitamins-supplements/is-fish-oil-a-blood-thinner/ (Accessed: March 4, 2023). 
6. Is fish oil good for you? pros and cons, nutrition information, and more (no date) WebMD. WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-fish-oil (Accessed: March 4, 2023). 

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