How Much EPA and DHA Should You Take? Here Are Some Simple Guidelines

How much EPA and DHA should you take to prevent age-related diseases or to improve your current health and well-being?

This article looks at those questions in some detail. But, first, let's look at some of the things that it may be suggested for.

All dietary supplements are associated with some health benefits. It is safe to say that omega-3 dietary supplements are associated with more benefits than any other.

Just a few of the benefits include:

o Reduced risk of heart disease and factors that lead to it

o Improvement in depression, attention deficit disorder, difficulty concentrating, anxiety and stress-related symptoms

o Improved vision and reduced risk of age-related eye diseases, like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration

o Reduced joint pain, fatigue and stiffness in rheumatoid and osteoarthritis

o Beneficial for male infertility; improvement in sperm count and motility

o Beneficial for skin problems, including acne, eczema, psoriasis and sagging

So, let's start with this question.

How much EPA and DHA should you take for brain health?

Depression and related conditions have been attributed to low levels of DHA in the bloodstream, but the biggest benefits have been seen with supplements that contain both of the fatty acids.

However, the exact amount, the ideal daily intake, is still a subject of clinical research. Doctors that are knowledgeable in the subject recommend 2000-3000mg of fish oil every day, but the amount of omega-3s that will provide varies from one brand to the next. In the better brands, at least 50% of the total fats are omega-3s.

So, with 2000-3000mg of fish oil, you would be getting 1000-1500mg of total omega-3s. Positive results have been seen with similar amounts in some of the studies that have been completed, to date.

So, how much EPA and DHA should you take to reduce inflammation? The benefits seen in the areas of joint pain, skin problems and the reduced risk of heart disease have primarily to do with a reduction of inflammation. As with the omega-3 content, the anti-inflammatory activity of the supplements on the market varies greatly, but not solely because of the omega-3 content.

Recent studies have shown that a combination of the natural triglycerides and the concentrated esters have twice the anti-inflammatory activity of the standard supplements. So, logically, you would need to take half as much to see the same benefit.

If you are wondering how much EPA and DHA should you take for infertility issues, the standard recommended dosage of 2-3 capsules, 2000-3000mg per day, should be sufficient.

But, it is always wise to consult a doctor that is up-to-date with the research. As new research becomes available, recommendations may change.

Basically, the answer to the question is the same, regardless of why you are asking. As long as the omega-3 content is high, 2-3 fish oil capsule per day should be sufficient.

How much EPA and DHA should you take every day?

Take at least 1000mg of total omega-3s per day and you should see results, soon.