How Much Fish Oil Do You Need to Be Healthy?

I think it’s safe to say that just about everyone has heard about the healthful benefits of adding fish oil to your diet. The Omega 3 Fatty Acids it contains, has been linked to positive effects in humans including lower blood pressure, lower triglycerides and overall cholesterol levels, and even possible reducing the effects of certain types of cancers including colon, breast, and prostate cancer. It has been included in numerous medical studies as being INCREDIBLY helpful in lowering the risk of heart disease for those that have taken significant amounts of Omega 3 over their lifetime. This begs the question, “How much is enough?”

The answer can be tough and there is perhaps no EXACT answer, but a few variables must be looked at when deciding on how much of it is enough for you is.
First of all, let’s look at how age can play a role. Younger people need a higher dose of fish oil than older folks do. This is likely due to the fact that younger people have higher metabolisms and are more active. This results in their bodies burning off higher amounts of calories and fats that they ingest. Older people on the other hand, are usually more sedentary and don’t need quite as much fish oil to achieve the same benefits from taking the supplement.

Another factor that plays a role in researching the amount of fish oil you may need in your diet is the quality you are taking. It is readily available in capsule and liquid form anywhere that vitamins are sold, but not all is created equal. The fact is the quality and concentration of fish oil over the counter can vary greatly. You’ll want to choose a quality fish oil that is at least health food store grade, and preferably pharmaceutical grade. The higher quality of it, the less you will have to ingest to experience the health benefits.

Finally, the last factor to consider when deciding what dosage of fish oil to take pertains to your particular medical condition. For instance, if you have high cholesterol, or a high risk of heart disease or high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe a higher than normal dose for you. This is for your DOCTOR to decide though, as it is not advised to self prescribe more than is recommended on the product label itself.

The GENERAL rule of thumb is to take between 2.5 and 3.5 grams of fish oil per day. It is recommended that you visit with your doctor and discuss with it including both the positive and potentially negative effects of taking fish oil. Included in your diet in the right amount, containing omega 3 fatty acids can be one of the smartest and most healthy things you ever do for yourself and your body.