Should Omega-3 Be Taken Daily?

If you are looking to supplement omega-3 (fish oil) into your daily diet but would rather not eat fatty fish from the source, then you can opt for a suitable omega-3 supplement. These are typically long, rounded-edge capsules filled with fish oil. You can buy omega-3 capsules as they are or you can opt for an omega-3 and Vitamin D complex; to give your brain and body additional support. If you decide to take omega-3 supplements over eating the recommended two portions of fatty fish per week, you can still take your omega-3 capsules once a day. EPA and DHA are two very important forms of omega-3 fatty acids, and therefore should be supplemented (in some way) into your daily diet. To make sure you are taking the right amount of EPA and DHA from your omega-3 supplements; you will want to steady your daily intake between 250 - 500 milligrams per day. So, can you take omega-3 daily? Yes, you can, so long as you have only taken the recommended amount (per day) and have been advised by your doctor to do so, everything should be fine. If you are about to begin taking omega-3 every day, or if you are thinking about it, then here is everything you’ll want to know beforehand…

What happens if you take omega-3 fish oil every day?

If you are taking an omega-3 complex (with vitamin D) or an omega-3 fish oil capsule every day then so long as you are staying within the daily recommendation, per mg, then you should not encounter any issues. In the beginning, a few minor side effects may be normal and should not last longer than a few days. To find out more about the side effects when you first begin taking omega-3 supplements, you can check one of our older posts for further advice. That post is titled: Is there any danger when taking omega-3? In addition to controlling your daily dosage, it's also advised that you speak to your GP or doctor first to ensure that the supplements will be right for you and your needs. After all, not everyone will find omega-3 fish oil suitable; individuals treated for bleeding conditions might want to speak to their doctor to find an alternative supplement or maybe advise them to wait until their condition is managed. Therefore, so long as you are taking omega-3 supplements correctly and have spoken it through with your doctor first, then you should encounter no issues. You might not be advised to take the supplement for extended periods as high doses of omega-3 over long periods can affect the body's inflammatory responses. That's why it's important to keep in mind your dosage, and duration of time and only pursue omega-3 if it’s been agreed with your doctor beforehand. 

How often should you take omega-3?

You can take between 250 - 500 milligrams of omega-3 every day as a safe and steady dosage, although exceeding this dosage is strongly discouraged. It’s important to not over-consume omega-3 as high doses over time can slow down our body's immune system and therefore affect your body's natural inflammatory response. If you are considering liquid fish oil, over an omega-3 capsule then this can also be taken daily but only 3 grams is necessary as any more than that, over time, could increase the chances of bleeding. Fish oil and omega-3 capsules are believed to be safe so long as you are taking them correctly and with your doctor's approval. 

Is it better to take omega-3 in the AM or PM?

There is no set time of day or restrictions on when you should take an omega-3 supplement or fish oil. The effects of taking them in the morning or the evening are not believed to differ, however, some might find it better to take them during the daytime as opposed to in the evening. Omega-3 and fish oil can leave a fish-like aftertaste in the mouth which might give you a dry mouth if taken right before bed. Whereas, if you are thinking about taking the supplement(s) first thing in the morning, you might be able to taste the fishy aftertaste for a while during your day. You might not always experience any unpleasant aftertaste or have any changes to your breath (odour) but these are points to consider when it comes to the time of day you will be taking your supplements. So, to clarify, you can take omega-3 or fish oil any time of the day in the morning or before bed; the choice is yours. Most individuals like to take their supplement(s) earlier in the day so that they do not forget during the day. So, in that case, the morning might be best to ensure you don't forget after a long day. However, if you want to take your supplements after dinner, say before bed, then you can. 

Can I take omega-3 before bed?

Yes, you can take omega-3 and liquid fish oil before bed if you so wish. Again you might want to be aware that the aftertaste could be a little unpleasant and may end up giving you a dry mouth. Therefore plenty of water is advised afterwards to wash away any lingering taste or even smell. Too much water before bed might upset your bladder and therefore disrupt your sleeping pattern; all things to consider if you do think about taking omega-3 or fish oil during the evening before bed. There are no rules on when you can take omega-3; day or night - the choice is yours.