

That's a very important dose distinction since in fact, "omega-3 supplements are playing in the 200- to 1,800-milligram range of EPA plus DHA 99% of the time," Ferira adds. So what does this omega-3 and platelet relationship mean for everyday use of fish oil? "In reality, the blood-thinning effect of fish oil actually occurs at absurdly high levels of EPA plus DHA, 10 grams plus, which by the way, no supplement even comes close to containing," Ferira previously shared with mbg. That's because omega-3s can affect platelet activity.* However, out of an abundance of caution, people who are taking blood-thinning medications or who have specific health concerns related to bleeding should consult their doctor before taking fish oil to make sure their dosage doesn't interfere with their medications, Bland notes. It's a sign of oxidation."Īs far as side effects go, "There are no serious side effects from taking a lot of fish oil other than mild gastrointestinal concerns at high doses," Bland says. (Worth noting: mbg's omega-3 potency+ provides 1.5 grams of triglyceride EPA and DHA in each serving-a dose that's strong enough to support these needs.)*Ī major complaint of taking fish oil is flavor and "fishy burps," but a high-quality fish oil should not have a "fishy" aftertaste, Bland says.įerira couldn't agree more, adding that " fish oil shouldn't make you burp…that's not a good sign of the quality of the oil." What's more, as she previously shared on the mindbodygreen podcast, "If your fish oil smells funny-fishy, sour, or it's very yellow-these are signs of bad purity.

Speaking of being mindful of daily nutrition needs, Ferira shares, "a high-quality omega-3 supplement delivering EPA and DHA in meaningful amounts is a true daily essential, right up there with an effective D3 supplement and a comprehensive multivitamin."įurthermore, if you're looking to promote healthy triglyceride levels and support overall heart health in a targeted way, Young says that thoughtfully formulated fish oil can help.* "Fish oil can be very helpful to cover nutrient gaps," she says.

"You definitely want to supplement during those times unless you're eating tons of oily fish." (That would be rare for most pregnant women trying to be careful about contaminants like heavy metals.)Ĭording also suggests fish oil for individuals that just don't like fish. "I will often recommend for someone who is trying to conceive or is already pregnant," she says. Whether or not you should take fish oil really depends on your individual goals, Cording explains. "The science to date demonstrates that marine omega-3s EPA and DHA are whole-body relevant and important for every cell," concludes Ferira, adding "That's why it's genuinely concerning how underconsumed these healthy fats are in our nation." If heart and healthy pregnancy benefits aren't enough to turn your head, a 2019 meta-analysis from Translational Psychiatry reveals that supplementing with omega-3s has been linked to healthy mood balance and resilience as well.* Finally, the omega-3s found in fish oil can support your musculoskeletal health by helping regulate bone turnover to promote calcium balance and bolstering joint mobility and comfort.* The EPA and DHA in fish oil are essential for a healthy heart in fact, a 2019 science advisory from the American Heart Association (AHA) states that research suggests EPA and DHA support healthy levels of triglycerides (i.e., a type of fat in your blood).* What's more, according to the FDA, consuming at least 800 milligrams of EPA and DHA together daily may even lower your risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD) by lowering blood pressure.*†ĭHA is also a critical nutrient during pregnancy, as it's involved in the healthy development of the central nervous system.* Worth noting: A 2018 Nutrients study linked higher DHA levels during pregnancy with better problem-solving skills in babies at 12 months, demonstrating how essential proper DHA intake truly is during pregnancy (for both baby and mother).* The omega-3s in fish oil are also "used by the immune system to help modulate a healthy immune response in all organs of the body,"* he adds. Fish oil has plenty of incredible health benefits, thanks to its concentrated dose of omega-3s.įor starters, these oils "have been shown to promote a healthy inflammatory response and support heart and blood circulation function,"* says clinical biochemist and renowned father of functional medicine Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D., FACN, CNS.
