How Much Fish Oil to Consume Daily?

Fish oil has been consumed in an indirect form, in the form of eating fish, since the beginning of mankind, In the 1970s, All-on-Omega-3 reports that scientists discovered that fish oil differed from cod liver oil and contains some essential omega3 fatty acids such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These omega 3s may be able to lower the amount of low-density (bad) cholesterol and raise the level of high-density cholesterol (good cholesterol). All-on-Omega 3's report that fish oil may also delay end-stage renal failure, be good for your heart, and have other beneficial health properties as well.

Dosage

The dosage of fish oil is not an exact science. Some guidelines do exist, but these are subjective at best. Studies done by the Mayo Clinic which were conducted in 1994, suggest recommended dosages of EPA and DHA which can be used to format dosage guidelines for fish oil. The Mayo Clinic recommends 1.9 grams of EPA per day, and 1.4 grams of DHA per day. Most normal fish oil supplements, which are sold in capsule form, contain 120 milligrams of DHA and 180 milligrams of EPA. Thus, one capsule daily should meet the recommended EPA and DHA guidelines set forth by the Mayo Clinic. There is little to suggest that taking more fish oil could be dangerous for most patients. In some cases, All-on-Omega 3 reports that people have consumed fish oil at the rate of three gm a day, while some others have consistently consumed even more, with no adverse side effects.

Children and Pregnant Women

Dosage for children is also one 1 gram capsule per day. In pregnant women, however, fish oil is to be avoided. Fish oil should also to be avoided in people who are on NSAIDs; those who are on a dose of blood thinners; those with uncontrolled high blood pressure and those with suppressed immune system.

Other Factors

There is no one single right answer for how much fish oil you should consume daily. This is dependent on many factors, such as the actual concentration of the omega 3 fatty acids in the fish oil, and your personal situation and health condition. Consult with your doctor if you are on any other drugs, for possible drug interactions, and ensure you follow the dosage instructions on the fish oil product you purchase.