How Much Fish Oil Should I Take
If you are interested in taking fish oil and are wondering how much fish oil you should take, you must first ask yourself what is it you hope to achieve from taking fish oil. The benefits of fish oil are practically endless however there are many different fish oil dosages for different expectations. Remember, fish oil is taken orally (by mouth).
How much fish oil should I take if I just want to be all around healthier?
Are you healthy? For example, if you are a healthy individual, with no pre-existing medical conditions, it is often recommended to start out taking .5-1.8 grams of fish oil a day. This recommendation is given by the American Heart Association and has been determined through data obtained from several studies indicating that this dosage is sufficient for reducing death from cardiovascular disease. However, in the eyes of many health experts, this recommendation is very conservative and may not offer the many health benefits fish oil has to offer. More on this below.
Do you have a pre-existing health condition? One good thing about the AHA is that they offer dosage recommendations to those with pre-existing health conditions, particularly those who have suffered from cardiovascular disease. They recommend 1 gram of fish oil a day for those who have suffered a past heart attack. While this is a very low dosage, it is important to remember that fish oil could have adverse side effects mixed with certain medications. Fish oil can increase circulation and have a blood thinning effect so it is important to consult with your doctor before taking fish oil, especially if you are taking blood thinners or have a blood clotting disorder.
How much fish oil should I take if I want to boost performance?
Before I continue, please be mindful that any information found on this site is for informative purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet. With that being said, there is supportive evidence to suggest that fish oil can boost mental and physical performance in a variety of ways.
Are you an athlete looking for an edge? Athletes, depending on what sport, often times break down their bodies while training. This breaking down of the body is often called inflammation. The great thing about fish oil is that it is anti-inflammatory in nature and will help to negate the effects of inflammation. Think of fish oil as a “natural anti-inflammatory”. In the body’s fight to combat inflammation and the effects of training, omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) levels in the body can become deficient. For healthy athletes, it is recommended that 5-10 grams of fish oil be taken daily, spread throughout the day with meals. Please see fish oil for athletes for more information.
Do you suffer from depression or other cognitive ailments? Fish oil, namely the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, has been shown to help treat depression and help elevate mood. The National Institute of Health recommends that 9 grams of fish oil be taken a day to help combat depression.
Summary
Unfortunately the answer to the question, “How much fish oil should I take” does not have a simple answer. You must first decide what you hope to achieve from taking fish oil and then consult with your doctor or health care practitioner before embarking in this endeavor. What is clear however, is that fish oil has many dose dependent benefits.