Omega-3 (EPA & DHA): Benefits, Dosage & Safety
Quick take: Omega-3s EPA and DHA support heart, brain, eye, and joint health. Most people fall short from diet alone. Look for transparent dosing, purity, and freshness to avoid fishy burps and oxidation.
What are Omega-3s?
Omega-3 fatty acids include EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), long-chain fats concentrated in cold-water fish. They integrate into cell membranes and influence inflammatory signaling, vascular tone, and neuronal function.
Supplement Facts (per softgel)
- Serving size: 1 softgel • Servings/container: 100
- Fish oil concentrate: 1,000 mg
- EPA: 180 mg
- DHA: 120 mg
- Calories: 10 • Total fat: 1 g (incl. polyunsaturated fat 0.5 g)
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Other ingredients: softgel (gelatin, glycerin, water) and vitamin E. Contains: fish (sardines, anchovies).
Why it matters
EPA and DHA are the bioactive omega-3s linked to heart, brain, and eye benefits—your body converts plant ALA very inefficiently. Transparent EPA/DHA mg per serving is non-negotiable.
Evidence-based benefits
Heart & vessels
Supports triglyceride reduction, healthy endothelial function, and a favorable anti-inflammatory balance.
Brain & mood
DHA is a membrane structural fatty acid in the brain and retina; adequate intake supports neuronal signaling and visual function.
Joints & recovery
EPA-forward profiles may help with exercise recovery and joint comfort via eicosanoid modulation.
Dosage & timing
- General wellness: ~250–500 mg/day combined EPA+DHA
- Targeted support: 1,000–2,000 mg/day EPA+DHA (work with your clinician)
- Take with meals that contain fat to improve absorption and reduce “fishy burps.”
Who should be cautious?
- People on anticoagulants or with bleeding disorders—consult your clinician
- Fish/shellfish allergy (product contains fish)
- Pre-op patients (often paused prior to surgery—medical advice required)
Quality: freshness & purity
Freshness (oxidation)
Low peroxide/anisidine values and nitrogen-flushed softgels help prevent rancidity (fishy taste is a red flag).
Purity (heavy metals/PCBs)
Look for third-party testing and sustainably sourced small fish (sardines/anchovies) to minimize contaminants.
Form
Natural triglyceride or re-esterified triglyceride forms are well-tolerated and absorbed; ethyl ester is common too—take with fat.
How to choose a fish oil
- Clear EPA/DHA amounts per serving (not just “1,000 mg fish oil”)
- Freshness metrics + third-party testing
- Responsible sourcing (sardines, anchovies)
- Transparent label; no proprietary blends
Upgrade your daily baseline — Omega-3 by Nutreska
Nutreska Omega-3 delivers 1,000 mg fish oil with EPA 180 mg and DHA 120 mg per softgel (sardines/anchovies) plus vitamin E for freshness. Burpless, transparency-first, and tested for purity—designed for people searching for “best fish oil supplement,” “mercury-free fish oil,” “burpless omega-3,” “EPA DHA dosage,” and “omega-3 for heart and brain health.”
- Mercury-safe sourcing: small fish (sardines/anchovies) + third-party testing.
- Freshness focus: oxidation controls to reduce fishy burps.
- Real EPA/DHA on label: no hiding behind “1,000 mg fish oil.”
- Absorption tips: take with a fat-containing meal for better uptake.
- Use cases: heart, brain, eyes, joints; great search topics: omega-3 for triglycerides, DHA for vision, EPA for mood.
Fish Oil (ours)
High EPA/DHA per softgel; widely studied; best value.
Krill Oil
Phospholipid form; typically lower EPA/DHA per capsule; higher cost.
Flax/ALA
Plant ALA; limited conversion to EPA/DHA—good add-on, not a replacement.
FAQ
Is 1,000 mg fish oil the same as 1,000 mg EPA+DHA?
No. “1,000 mg fish oil” is the oil weight. What matters is the EPA and DHA content (e.g., EPA 180 mg + DHA 120 mg per softgel).
How do I avoid fishy burps?
Take softgels with a meal containing fat; choose products with tight oxidation controls and enteric-coated or nitrogen-flushed softgels.
Can vegetarians get DHA?
Yes—algal oils provide DHA (and often some EPA) without fish. Conversion from ALA (flax/chia) to EPA/DHA is limited.
Is Omega-3 safe with blood thinners?
Omega-3s can influence platelet function. Always consult your clinician if you use anticoagulants or have bleeding risks.
Educational content only, not medical advice. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a condition, or take medications, consult your healthcare provider.