Healthy Fish Oil Daily Allowance

Fish oil, one of the most in-demand nutritional supplements, is rich in essential fatty acids. These omega-3 fatty acids are not normally present in large amounts in the typical American diet.

Forms of Fish Oil

• Fish oil is available as a supplement in both liquid oil form and as a gelcap. Most people prefer the gelcap form since it doesn't have a "fishy" taste.

Usage Of Fish Oil

• According to the Mayo Clinic, scientific research supports the use of fish oil supplements to improve high blood pressure, prevent heart disease and possibly relieve rheumatoid arthritis. These are only some of the ways in which fish oil may be beneficial.

Daily Dosage

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says a dosage of up to three grams of fish oil daily is "generally regarded as safe." Supplement manufacturers recommend a varying dosage, anywhere from two to four 1,000-milligram capsules daily. Some physicians, such as Dr. Nicholas Perricone, a dermatologist who has written several books, suggest taking up to nine capsules a day.

Cautions

• Make sure that any fish oil supplement you take has been certified free of PCBs and other heavy metal contaminants, since many fish have been exposed to these toxins. Also, anyone taking anticoagulant medications should consult a doctor, since large doses of omega-3 fatty acids can have a blood-thinning effect.

Possible Side Effects

• The more fish oil you take, the more likely you will experience common side effects. These include stomach upset, diarrhea and unpleasant "fish burps." Limit the burps by taking fish oil before meals and by gradually increasing your intake.