Fish Oil Dosage

It is generally recommended that you only take fish oil with your healthcare provider's approval and supervision. The fish oil dosage will vary depending on why you are taking the supplements. Because the manufacturing of supplements (such as fish oil) is not closely regulated, it is important to choose a trustworthy manufacturer for fish oil supplements. Your pharmacist can help you choose a reputable manufacturer.

 

An Introduction to Fish Oil Dosage

The recommended fish oil dose can vary depending on why you are taking fish oil supplements. In general, it is usually recommended that you take fish oil only under your healthcare provider's supervision. Because fish oil products can vary in the amount of omega-3 fatty acid they contain, the recommended doses are usually described in terms of omega-3 fatty acid content. In particular, fish oil dosages should be measured based on the content of two particular omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
 

Fish Oil Dosing for High Triglycerides

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that people who have
 high triglycerides take a fish oil supplement with 2 grams to 4 grams (2000 mg to 4000 mg) of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. There is no need to take all of this fish oil all at once; you may find that splitting it up into two daily doses may decrease some of the bothersome fish oil side effects. The AHA recommends that you take fish oil for this use only under the supervision of your healthcare provider.
 
(Fish Oil Dosage Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;