Proper Dosage of Fish Oil

Fish oil supplements are very popular now that health-conscious consumers are aware that they contain high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, which provide numerous health benefits. However, just because a substance is good for you does not mean you should consume too much of it. Before supplementing with fish oil, know the possible interactions and dosing recommendations, along with the health benefits.

Benefits of Fish Oil

• Some of the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, as listed by the National Institutes of Health, include lowering triglycerides, preventing heart disease, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke, preventing the buildup of arterial plaque, preventing abnormal heart rhythms and lowering blood pressure. While you will also reap these benefits if you consume fatty fish such as cod, salmon, mackerel and tuna, some people are not fond of eating fish and would rather take fish oil capsules. Before you start adding them to your dietary intake, however, be aware of dosage recommendations.

Precautions When Supplementing

• Fish oil can interact with other medications. It can cause some to work more effectively, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs or medications to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, but it can also cause negative side effects when combined with others. For example, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that if you are taking blood thinners, even aspirin, taking fish oil capsules can thin your blood even further. So if you are on any medication, speak to your physician about possible drug interactions and side effects.

Recommended Dosage

• There is no official recommended daily allowance of fish oil intake, but the American Heart Association has released its own recommendations. These depend upon your current state of health and any current risk factors.

  If you are healthy, with no current medical conditions or medications, you can safely take up to 3 g of Omega-3s from fish oil per day. Even if you are healthy, the AHA states that taking any more than that per day should only be done under the supervision of your doctor, since it can have a blood-thinning affect. If you are an adult with heart disease, the AHA suggests 1 g of Omega-3 from fish oil daily. Finally, if you are an adult with high cholesterol, take 2 to 4 g daily. If you have high cholesterol and heart disease, speak to your doctor about whether you should stick with the 1 g of Omega-3 per day, or use the upper level of 2 to 4 g per day.