While these generalized recommendations are helpful, they fail to account for a number of known genetic and environmental variables that affect how efficiently the body metabolizes omega-3s, and often lead to considerable variation between individuals. 6 Coupled with the evidence that larger doses of EPA and DHA are safe, well-tolerated, and more effective for increasing omega-3 blood levels than modest doses, it stands to reason that many individuals would benefit from consuming a considerably higher dose than those recommended. 7 Omega-3 content: Look for supplements that contain around 250 mg to 500 mg of combined EPA and DHA per serving. Some products may also contain ALA, a form of omega-3 fatty acid found in plants that’s converted to EPA and DHA in small amounts. Borchgrevink, C. F., Skaga, E., Berg, K. J., and Skjaeggestad, O. Absence of prophylactic effect of linolenic acid in patients with coronary heart-disease. Lancet 7-23-1966;2(7456):187-189. View abstract. Amminger, G. P., Berger, G. E., Schafer, M. R., Klier, C., Friedrich, M. H., and Feucht, M. Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in children with autism: a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study. Biol.Psychiatry 2-15-2007;61(4):551-553. View abstract.

Fish oil supplements that combine omega-3 fatty acids with other ingredients, like CoQ10 or vitamin D, can be a great choice to help support brain function. The increase in peroxisomes of β-oxidation of fatty acids in the liver also contributes to the fall in triglycerides, by reducing the quantity of free fatty acids available for their synthesis. The inhibition of this synthesis lowers VLDL. Omega 3-acid-ethyl esters 90 is not indicated in exogenous hypertriglyceridaemia (type 1 hyperchylomicronaemia). There is only limited experience in secondary endogenous hypertriglyceridaemia (especially uncontrolled diabetes). Bairati, I., Roy, L., and Meyer, F. Double-blind, randomized, controlled trial of fish oil supplements in prevention of recurrence of stenosis after coronary angioplasty. Circulation 1992;85(3):950-956. View abstract. Limitations of our study include that we did not adjust for multiple tests and that our findings in subgroup analysis are based on subgroups which were not randomly assigned in the original RCTs, both of which might reduce the validity of our results. Additionally, the definition of no depression or mild to moderate depression may vary between the studies as it was adopted from the study authors’ assessment.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW article

Arab, K., Rossary, A., Flourie, F., Tourneur, Y., and Steghens, J. P. Docosahexaenoic acid enhances the antioxidant response of human fibroblasts by upregulating gamma-glutamyl-cysteinyl ligase and glutathione reductase. Br J Nutr 2006;95(1):18-26. View abstract.

Omega-3 supplementation is an easy and helpful process to increase your intake of this essential nutrient if you do not get enough from whole food sources. If you consume animal products, you can take fish oil in softgel, liquid, and gummy forms. They’re available in a range of price points and dosages. Archer, S. L., Green, D., Chamberlain, M., Dyer, A. R., and Liu, K. Association of dietary fish and n-3 fatty acid intake with hemostatic factors in the coronary artery risk development in young adults (CARDIA) study. Arterioscler Thromb.Vasc.Biol 1998;18(7):1119-1123. Comorbidities may have a moderating impact on the effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation, possibly limiting beneficial effects of n-3 PUFAs only to non-comorbid patients [ 64]. However, our subgroup analysis did not indicate differences between subgroups by comorbidity status. This is in line with other meta-analyses [ 23, 67]. All individuals, regardless of age or health status, are encouraged to undergo blood testing and work with a physician who can make personalized recommendations based on their unique dietary needs. However, in the absence of personalized testing, we have provided general daily recommendations for guidance.These fatty acids play an important role in supporting heart, eye, and brain health, and for lowering inflammation and cholesterol, among other benefits.

EPA is possibly safe when taken as part of an oil from algae (algal oil) for up to 12 weeks. But taking EPA and other omega-3 fatty acids in doses greater than 3 grams daily is possibly unsafe. These higher doses might slow blood clotting and increase the chance of bleeding. Limit intake from supplements to no more than 2 grams daily unless approved by a healthcare provider. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Pharmacy product

Warstedt K, et al. (2016). High levels of omega-3 fatty acids in milk from omega-3 fatty acid-supplemented mothers are related to less immunoglobulin E-associated disease in infancy.

So what does fish oil do exactly, and why should we consider incorporating a high-strength omega-3 into our day-to-day regimen? Appel, L. J., Miller, E. R., III, Seidler, A. J., and Whelton, P. K. Does supplementation of diet with 'fish oil' reduce blood pressure? A meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. Arch Intern Med 6-28-1993;153(12):1429-1438. View abstract. Arteaga, A., Villanueva, C. L., Skorin, C., Guasch, V., Solis, de Ovando, Velasco, N., Acosta, A. M., and Leighton, F. [Dyslipidemic patients with coronary cardiopathy. Effect of different doses of OMEGA-3 fatty acids on serum lipids and lipoproteins]. Rev Med Chil. 1993;121(6):618-625. View abstract. Borgeson, C. E., Pardini, L., Pardini, R. S., and Reitz, R. C. Effects of dietary fish oil on human mammary carcinoma and on lipid- metabolizing enzymes. Lipids 1989;24(4):290-295. View abstract.

GNC Triple Strength EPA 1000mg Minis: Support Heart Health & Mood*

It’s worth noting that while CoQ10 supplements have been linked to benefits for heart health, exercise performance, and more, most studies suggest a dose of at least 100 mg per day. Because this supplement only provides 30 mg, people interested in the benefits of CoQ10 may need to take an additional supplement.