This Is How Much Fish Oil You Should Really Take Every Day

We as humans need a variety of vitamins and minerals in order to keep our bodies effectively performing all the functions it does daily. Because we're not always able to get the recommended daily intake of the dietary elements our bodies need to thrive, fish oil and other supplements have become a popular way to substitute for what we may be missing in our day to day diet.

Fish oil is a popular dietary supplement, as it contains a wide variety of well-rounded health benefits. Studies show that fish oil has the potential to help support eye health, cardiovascular health, and may even improve or prevent the development of certain mental health disorders (via Healthline). These benefits are due to the fact that fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), both of which play an important role in things such as cardiovascular function, neural function, as well as healthy fetal growth (via U.S. National Library of Medicine).

Fish oil is extracted from fish such as salmon or mackerel, and the omega-3s come from the plankton and other microorganisms they consume (via New York Times). The American Heart Association recommends eating fish twice a week, as this is the best way to most effectively absorb these nutrients (via Harvard Health Publishing). However, fish oil supplements can be an alternative way to get those omega-3 fats we need.

Experts recommend taking EPA and DHA at a combined daily amount of around 250 to 500 milligrams (via Healthline). Reading the label is especially important, as the number of milligrams of fish oil indicated on the front of the bottle does not mean it contains that same amount of omega-3s. Research indicates that 1,000 milligrams of fish oil generally contains about 300 milligrams of the suggested EPA and DHA combination. 

According to Bruce R. Bistrian, M.D. of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, it's advised not to exceed 1,000 milligrams of fish oil omega-3s in a day as this can increase the risk of blood thinning and potentially dangerous bleeding (via Harvard Health Publishing). Regularly consuming fish, or using a daily fish oil supplement, can be a great way to get our bodies the essential elements it needs. If you have any questions, concerns, or pre-existing health conditions, please consult with a medical professional before usage.