14 Frequently Asked Questions about Fish Oil

Health experts frequently recommend a fish oil dietary supplement as part of a good nutritional foundation. That is because fish oil supplements are an excellent source of two essential omega-3 fatty acids – eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Although both the World Health Organization and the American Heart Association currently recommend consuming at least 1-2 servings of fatty fish (high in omega-3s) each week, that might not be enough for maintaining good health.

New findings show that to achieve a desirable amount of EPA and DHA in your cell membranes, these long-held dietary recommendations might fall short and that, instead, three fish meals per week plus additional fish oil supplementation daily might be needed.1

EPA and DHA are important for overall health because of the host of health benefits they offer, such as:

• Maintaining healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels*
• Promoting cardiovascular health*
• Helping maintain normal blood pressure*
• Promoting joint health*
• Supporting a weight management program*
• Promoting eye health*
• Supporting a healthy respiratory system*
• Promoting mental focus*
• Helping maintain muscle mass in older adults*
• Promoting a healthy immune function*
• Supporting a positive mood*

Because the body does not make EPA or DHA on its own, we can only obtain these essential omega-3 fatty acids from diet, supplementation, or a combination of the two.

The so-called “oily” fish that contain considerable amounts of EPA and DHA are typically cold-water fish, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, lake trout, and albacore tuna.

Unfortunately, most individuals don’t consume enough of these kinds of fish to obtain the optimal amounts of these two vital omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil supplements can help fill that gap. But before you choose a fish oil supplement, here is what you should know so you can find a fish oil supplement that will meet your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fish Oil Supplements

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about fish oil supplements.

1. How much fish oil do I need?

According to a recent study,1 in order to consume an optimal amount of fish oil, you would need to eat at least three servings weekly of “oily” fish in addition to supplementing daily about 500 mg of EPA and DHA. Alternatively, if fish is not a part of your normal diet, then you should take a fish oil supplement daily that contains at least 900 mg of EPA and DHA.

2. Where do omega-3 fatty acids come from?

Omega-3 fatty acids typically come from the oil of cold-water fish such as anchovy, sardines, mackerel, and other “oily” fish. However, some omega-3 fatty acids can be extracted from certain types of algae or extracted from krill, a small crustacean that makes up part of the diets of penguins, as well as whales, seals, and other aquatic mammals. Precursors to EPA and DHA can come from nut, seed, and vegetable oils (such as flaxseed oil), but the body’s conversion to EPA or DHA is not always easy to achieve.

3. Is it safer to take fish oil supplements than eat fish due to mercury concerns?

Certain fish species may contain higher levels of mercury, and whole fish are not always tested for contaminants. High-quality fish oil supplements, however, are typically purified and tested for heavy metals, including mercury, making them a safer option for consistent omega-3 intake.

4. What things are fish oil supplements tested for?

Because purity is directly related to efficacy, Vital Nutrients fish oil supplements are formulated using fish oil sourced from small, non-accumulating fish, which are less likely to store toxins. Advanced purification and distillation processes are used to help reduce contaminants such as heavy metals, PCBs, and dioxins.

5. What other forms of fish oil supplements are there besides gelcaps?

Although fish oil supplements are most commonly manufactured as gelcaps, there are fish oil supplements that come in other dispensing formats. For example, a liquid fish oil supplement is a great option for individuals who would have difficulty swallowing a gelcap, such as young children or the elderly.

6. Is fish oil supplementation safe for athletes?

Fish oil supplementation can be beneficial for athletes due to its support for heart health, muscle recovery, and joint function*. Athletes should choose supplements that are third-party tested and certified to ensure they are free from banned substances.

7. When is the best time to take a fish oil supplement?

Generally, you can take a fish oil supplement any time during the day. However, it is recommended to take a fish oil supplement with a meal, because taking any supplement on an empty stomach can cause some people to feel nauseous. Fat-soluble supplements – which fish oil supplements are – are also better absorbed with a meal.

8. I don’t like the aftertaste of a fish oil supplement. What are my options?

Not many people enjoy the fishy aftertaste that some fish oil supplements can have. To minimize this, choosing a flavored liquid fish oil, freezing softgel capsules before consumption, or taking supplements with meals can help reduce the aftertaste. In most cases, the “fish burps” tend to decrease and often go away with regular use.

Mikio Health fish oil supplements offer omega-3 fatty acids in higher amounts per serving than many other fish oil supplements on the market and are available in a variety of formulations designed to address different health needs and concerns. In addition to supporting heart and brain health, these fish oil supplements may offer additional benefits.*

If you are seeking support for a specific health concern, then below are the frequently asked questions specific to fish oil supplements and health benefits.

9. If I am seeking support for better energy production and antioxidant support, which fish oil supplement is best for me?

Mikio Health Omega-3 Fish Oil provides EPA and DHA from 100% pure fish oil to support brain function, heart health, joint health, eye health, and overall immunity. High levels of EPA and DHA help promote cognitive performance and cardiovascular wellness while supporting the body’s natural inflammatory response.

10. If I am seeking support for bone health and joint health, which fish oil supplement is best for me?

Mikio Health Omega-3 Fish Oil, with a high EPA content, helps support the body’s normal inflammatory response in muscles and joints, making it suitable for active individuals and those focused on joint health.

11. If I am seeking a well-balanced fish oil supplement, then which fish oil supplement is best for me?

A well-balanced EPA-to-DHA formula supports heart health, brain function, insulin response, mood balance, and weight management.

12. If I am seeking support for healthy cholesterol levels and triglyceride metabolism, which fish oil supplement is best for me?

Fish oil supplements with higher EPA content can help support healthy cholesterol levels and triglyceride metabolism by promoting the body’s normal fat-processing pathways.

13. If I want to use fish oil to support skin health, which fish oil supplement, is best for me?

Omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA help support skin hydration and maintain the skin’s natural barrier, offering protection against environmental stressors.

14. If I want a fish oil supplement for my children to take, which fish oil supplement, is best for my family?

Omega-3 supplements are also suitable for families, as EPA and DHA support healthy brain development, eye health, and immune function when taken in age-appropriate amounts.

Reference

1. Jackson K, Polreis J, Tintle N, et al. Association of reported fish intake and supplementation status with the omega-3 index. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acid 2019 March;142:4-10. [Epub ahead of print]