How Much Fish Oil is Recommended – Learn Why it Varies

If you are wondering how much fish oil is recommended by doctors and other experts, you may be surprised to learn that the recommendations vary greatly. Some doctors are wary of suggesting supplementation at all.

The variables used to determine whether or not to recommend the supplement include a person's current state of health and the quality of the supplement. Only your personal physician can advise you about an appropriate dosage for a current health problem.

Supplement manufacturers typically recommend a daily dose of 2000mg, which is usually equivalent to two capsules. But, there's another problem.

The total omega-3 content varies from one brand to the next. The total DHA and EPA content varies, too.

DHA and EPA are two specific kinds of omega-3s. Studies concerning the health benefits of increased omega-3 intake have focused on DHA and EPA. Other types of omega-3s have not been studies.

Good brands provide as much as 500mg of omega-3s per 1000mg capsule. The "average" brand provides about 300mg.

When it comes to DHA content, the average brand provides only about 120mg. The better brands provide a minimum of 280mg, more than twice as much.

No minimum daily intakes have been set for DHA, but benefits have been seen in clinical studies at dosages of 500mg per day. So, how much fish oil is recommended by supplement manufacturers could provide an extra 500mg of DHA or not, depending on the brand.

Many healthcare practitioners focus on the benefits to the heart and cardiovascular system. But, the primary benefits of DHA are to the brain. DHA is needed by the brain to form new neurons and store new memories. It is particularly important to children, since it is essential for normal brain development.

Research indicates that EPA is important to brain health, too. In studies concerning depression, the best results were seen with supplements containing both EPA and DHA, as opposed to one or the other.

How much fish oil is recommended for depressive disorders? If you are currently taking anti-depressants, you should consult your doctor. Many people find that two capsules per day are helpful, as long as the DHA content is high.

In addition to the content of the supplement, you must also be concerned about purity. If the supplement contains contaminants like mercury or PCBs, the health risks could outweigh the benefits.

The better manufacturers provide all of the information necessary to promote confidence in the purity of their products. Many manufacturers are unconcerned about the issue. That's one of the reasons that how much fish oil is recommended by doctors may be none.

Independent evaluations have shown that some brands contain high levels of cancer-causing PCBs. PCB content is something that a person cannot detect, in any way. The only way to be sure of the purity is to look for a manufacture that posts a copy of their laboratory analysis on their website.

Now, you know a little more about how much fish oil is recommended. If you follow the supplement manufacturer's advice, be sure that they provide proof of purity.

Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.