Recommended Intakes Of Fish Oil

Almost all adults can benefit from supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), two important omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, experts vary widely in their recommendations regarding the ideal dose of fish oil. Certain people, particularly those with medical conditions, may have an increased need for omega-3 fats. A nutritionist or physician may determine a person's ideal dose of fish oil based on a variety of factors, including diet and medical history.

Low Dose

For healthy adults with no history of heart disease, the World Health Organization (WHO) offers a relatively conservative estimate of an ideal fish oil dosage. WHO states that most adults benefit from 300 to 500mg of DHA and EPA daily.

Medium Dose

According to the American Heart Association, people with coronary heart disease benefit from taking 1g of DHA and EPA each day. This is a popular recommendation for people with hypertension and secondary heart disease.

High Dose

People with hypertriglyceridemia can successfully reduce serum triglyceride levels using high doses of fish oil. According to the American Heart Association, doses of 2,000 to 4,000mg of DHA and EPA can successfully reduce triglyceride levels, but these doses should only be considered under the guidance of a physician. High doses of fish oil are also popular among people with mental illness and inflammatory conditions.

Very High Dose

Practitioners may rarely recommend fish oil doses exceeding 4,000mg DHA and EPA. These may be useful for patients who are critically ill or suffer from malabsorption syndromes. However, high doses are associated with a significantly higher incidence of nausea, diarrhea and other side effects.

Megadose Therapy

Experts only recommend megadoses of fish oil in rare circumstances. These extremely high doses may total as much as15 to 20g of DHA and EPA each day. The National Institutes of Health warn that these "Eskimo amounts" increase the risk of hemorrhage and stroke.