The recommended daily requirements of fish oil vary based on age and specific health conditions you may have. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, unsaturated fats that provide important health benefits. In the October 2006 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association," Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian writes, "For major health outcomes among adults, based on both the strength of the evidence and the potential magnitudes of effect, the benefits of fish intake exceed the potential risks." Omega-3 fatty acids are also found in found in walnuts, certain grains and green, leafy vegetables, including seaweed. Always consult with your physician before taking fish oil supplements.
Fish Oil Dosage for Adults
According to the Mayo Clinic, most Americans consume about 1.6 g of omega-3 fatty acids each day. That is well above the recommended daily dosage. The World Health Organization recommends that healthy adults consume about .3 g to .5 g daily. Most Americans receive their omega-3 fatty acids not from fish, but from vegetable oils, such as sesame and safflower oil. The American Heart Association recommends that adults with no history of heart disease consume two servings of fish per week. Every 3.5 ounces of fish has about 1 g of omega-3 fatty acids.
Fish Oil Dosage for Children and Pregnant Women
There are no recommended fish oil dosing requirements for children, although some baby formula brands do include omega-3 fatty acids, according to the Mayo Clinic. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also advises that "Some fish and shellfish contain higher levels of mercury that may harm an unborn baby or young child's developing nervous system." Pregnant women and women who are trying to become pregnant should also limit their intake of fish. Instead, choose alternative sources of omega-3 fatty acids, including flax seed, walnuts and green, leafy vegetables.
Fish Oil Dosage for Health Conditions
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, different health conditions require different does of fish oil. The NIH recommends 1 to 4g fish oil if you have high triglycerides. Fish oil contains two type of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. For hypertension, or high blood pressure, the NIH recommends 2 g of EPA and 1.4 g of DHA. The recommended dosage for rheumatoid arthritis is 3.8 g per day of EPA and 2 g of DHA. If you have heart disease, the recommended dosage is .6 to 3.7g of DHA and .3 to 6 g of EPA. For weight loss, the NIH recommends .66 g of EPA and .6 g of DHA daily.
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