Fish Oil Health benefits, dosage, and side effects

3 min read Original article ↗

•Last Updated: November 5, 2025

Fish oil is a mix of mostly EPA and DHA derived from fatty fish. It reduces triglycerides, but does not seem to affect the rate of cardiovascular events. It appears to reduce the symptoms of depression and improve some painful, inflammatory conditions.

Last Updated:November 5, 2025

Research Snapshot

102 references on this page

241,836 participants in 142 trials and 19 meta-analyses

Overview

Dosage Information

Fish oil doses vary depending on the goal of supplementation. For general health, 250 mg of combined EPA and DHA is the minimum dose and can be obtained via fish intake. The American Heart Association recommends 1 g daily.

Since fish oil is a combination of two different fatty acids, these numbers reflect a combined total. Total eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) consumption should come from a mix of real food and supplements. The more EPA and DHA is provided by the diet, the less supplementation is required.

Fish oil can be taken throughout the day. To minimize the "fish burp" taste, take fish oil with meals.

Pregnant women should increase their intake of DHA by at least 200mg a day, as long as there is no risk of elevated mercury levels.

Supplements Demystified: Get Our Unbiased, Evidence-Based Guide

  • Uncover the truth about popular supplements like creatine, turmeric, garlic, zinc, melatonin, and more. Plus, we'll debunk myths surrounding multivitamins, testosterone boosters, and immune supplements.
  • Become a savvy supplement shopper. Learn how to spot the hidden signs of low-quality products and save money by avoiding ineffective supplements.
  • Demystify scientific studies. Develop the skill to sift through the jargon and make empowered decisions for your health.
  • Transform your lifestyle with easy-to-apply, practical health tips.
  • Bonus PDF: Also get Examine's Top 10 Most Popular Study Summaries over the past 12 months, covering gluten-free eating, calorie and time restricted eating, cognitive health, ashwaganda, muscle building, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Update History

November 5, 2025

Safety Information update

minor

September 4, 2025

Safety Information added

major

December 18, 2023

Updated one FAQ

minor

November 15, 2023

Full page update

major

November 2, 2023

Major FAQ and database update

major

Research Breakdown

The

Examine Research Breakdown

has been archived. The Examine team will be incorporating the information in this section throughout the site after a thorough review to ensure it is up to date.