Fish oil is extracted from the fatty tissues of a variety of fish, including tuna, sardines and salmon. The main benefit of taking fish oil is for its rich omega-3 fatty acid content. Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for the body's health, but it can't produce them on its own. Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation and lower the risks of chronic disease, such as cancer and arthritis. It is best to take your fish oil dosage spread out through the day to avoid side effects and to help absorption. Talk to your physician before taking any new supplement.
Step 1
Divide your dosage of fish oil for the day. If you take 3,000mg of fish oil per day, plan on taking 1,000mg three times a day.
Step 2
Take your divided doses of fish oil with breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is best to take fish oil with meals to avoid side effects of heartburn, stomach upset and diarrhea.
Step 3
Take a dose of fish oil right before bed if you miss a dose at dinner time. You will most likely sleep through any uncomfortable side effects.
Tips and Warnings
- If you take fish oil in gel caps, put your daily dosage in the freezer the night before. Freezing fish oil gel caps will help prevent "fish burp," a common side effect when supplementing with fish oil.
- Fish oil may interfere with anti-clotting medications, such as warfarin. Talk to your doctor before supplementing with fish oil.
References
- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vitamins and Minerals"; Alan H. Pressman, Sheila Buff; 2007
- "The Emotional Revolution: How the New Science of Feelings Can Transform Your Life"; Norman E. Rosenthal; 2002
- Medline Plus: Fish Oil
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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