Fish oil can help to lower high cholesterol, reduce swelling and inflammation, and even aid in easing symptoms of health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis. For people who take easy-to-swallow capsules of fish oil for health reasons, or simply to stay healthy in general, it's important to know a safe dosage when incorporating fish oil into your daily routine.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish oil provides a variety of benefits for your health, from its anti-inflammatory abilities to its lowering effects on triglycerides. Fish oil's positive effects on the body are because of the omega-3 fatty acids it contains. Two main omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid. Both EPA and DHA are naturally found in cold-water fish, including sardines, mackerel, salmon, halibut and tuna. The MedlinePlus website explains that there is about 1 g of omega-3 fatty acids per 3.5 oz. of fish.
Daily Recommendations
When considering the proper dosage of fish oil, you should consider the levels of omega-3 fatty acids within the oil. For adults, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends an intake of no more than 3 g a day of EPA and DHA, with 2 g coming from supplements. Though not all fish oils are the same, typical over-the-counter capsules will contain approximately 120 mg or .12 g of DHA, and 180 mg or .18 mg of EPA, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Recommendations for Health Issues
If you take fish oil for health problems, including high cholesterol, you should speak to your doctor for professional advice on the proper amount you should take. The American Heart Association recommends 1 g daily of supplements that contain DHA and EPA, like fish oil, for adult individuals with coronary heart disease, and 2 g to 4 g daily for adults with high triglycerides, providing that you speak to your physician first. The MedlinePlus website explains that using 4 g to 8 g of fish oil daily for two or more years may hinder the loss of proper kidney activity in individuals with the kidney disease IgA nephropathy.
Warnings
Fish can be naturally high in heavy metals, so when purchasing supplements, stick to certified fish oil that does not contain lead or mercury. Because of a risk of increased blood flow, the University of Maryland Medical Centers warns against taking more than 3 g of omega-3 fatty acids every day, unless directed by your doctor. Speak to your physician about fish oil dosages if you're taking a blood thinner, as fish oil may increase the thinning of blood. As there is no daily recommended amount established for youths, you should talk to a doctor about fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids for children.
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