Omega-3s and Your Heart They reduce triglycerides, a type of fat in your blood. They reduce the risk of developing an irregular heart beat (arrhythmias). They slow the buildup of plaque, a substance comprising fat, cholesterol, and calcium, which hardens and blocks your arteries.

Taking more than 3 grams daily might increase the chance of bleeding. Fish oil side effects include heartburn, loose stools, and nosebleeds. Taking fish oil supplements with meals or freezing them can reduce these issues. Consuming high amounts of fish oil from DIETARY sources is possibly unsafe.

Omega-3 fatty acids help all the cells in your body function as they should. They're a vital part of your cell membranes, helping to provide structure and supporting interactions between cells. While they're important to all your cells, omega-3s are concentrated in high levels in cells in your eyes and brain.

How much omega-3 fish oil is safe? The AHA says taking up to 3 grams of fish oil daily in supplement form is considered safe. Don't take more than that unless you discuss it with your doctor first.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that people with coronary heart disease or heart failure take omega-3 supplements containing EPA and DHA daily. More research is needed to establish the ideal dose, but most studies have used about 1,000 mg per day.

Omega-3s from fish and fish oil have been recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA) for the past 20 years to reduce cardiovascular events, like heart attack or stroke, in people who already have cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Recommended Intakes

The Bottom Line. A vast amount of research supports supplementing with fish oil. Though there are no conclusive recommendations, 250–500 mg per day of combined EPA and DHA - of which fish oil is an excellent source - is enough for most healthy people. Keep in mind that this will vary depending on your needs.

Side effects of omega-3 supplements are usually mild. They include unpleasant taste, bad breath, bad-smelling sweat, headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea. Several large studies have linked higher blood levels of long-chain omega-3s with higher risks of prostate cancer.

Indeed, having a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent heart disease, protect brain and eye health, and contribute to fetal development. However, studies into supplement use have produced mixed results, and it is unclear whether or not supplements are helpful.

However, keep in mind that omega-3 needs vary by individual. Some people may need to take more than others. The recommended intake of alpha-linolenic acid is 1.6 grams per day for men and 1 gram per day for women. In contrast, there are no official guidelines for the intake of long-chain omega-3s.

6 weeks to 6 months How long does it take for omega-3's to work? Levels of omega-3's build up quickly in the body once you take supplements. But it may take 6 weeks to 6 months to see a significant change in mood, pain, or other symptoms. What brands of omega-3's should I consider?