How much fish oil should I take?
How much fish oil should be taken depends on the purity and type of product. For example you would need to take more mgs of fish oil than krill oil (the oil that's found naturally in krill, is extracted and sold as a nutritional supplement). This is because of the omega 3 is bound to phospholipids in krill oil. Generally for fish oil, you are aiming for 1 tsp of liquid comprised of 500-750 mg of DHA and EPA each. That is based on the rough values found on "pharmaceutical grade" fish oils. You really should take the recommended amount on the product you buy. Remember though, you should not try and load up all at once.
Just take the recommended amount and take it daily. The most important thing to remember is to increase your omega 3 levels. Omega 3 can make you so much healthier. You can change a chronic inflammatory life into an anti inflammatory life.
Omega 3 fish oil contains two active ingredients: EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid).
Most fish oils on the market contain both these ingredients in various quantities - the argument that has arisen concerns which of these essential nutrients you need, and which is better than the other. The simple answer to this is that both are vital nutrients, but they are each important at different stages of life; it is becoming clear in the scientific community that they both have different functions.
DHA is now thought to constitute the ‘building blocks’ of the brain, forming about 8% of the brain by weight - this is why it is important for pregnant mothers to ensure an adequate supply of DHA throughout pregnancy. DHA is also added to some infant milk formulas by some leading manufacturers, as an infant requires a lot of DHA in the first two years of life to support the growth of the brain.
EPA however is different; this essential nutrient is now considered by some leading doctors and professors in the UK as being the single most vital nutrient in the functioning of the brain and nerve stimulation.
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Thanks so much for this post. I personally think that you can take too much fish oil. You could consume too much mercury and there are other dangers in consuming too much fish oil.
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