Omega-3 Supplements: Health Benefits and Top Brands – Greatist

Omega-3s are fats that perform a number of super important functions in your body. You can get them by eating foods like fish and nuts, and you can get even more by taking omega-3 supplements.

Find out whether these supps are right for you and where to find them.

Best omega-3 supplements

Looking for the best supplements for getting more omega-3s? These are our top picks:

Omega-3s are types of polyunsaturated fats your body needs to function at its best.

There are three main types of omega-3 fats:

Foods like herring, sardines, salmon, and algae are rich in DHA and EPA. ALA is concentrated in plant foods like vegetable oil, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseed.

ALA can be used as-is for energy. But your body has to convert it into DHA and EPA before it can be helpful for other important functions.

DHA and EPA have a *lot* of other important jobs to do, including:

FYI: Even though your body can turn ALA into DHA and EPA, the conversion rate is very low. Only 0.5 to 5 percent of ALA converts into DHA, and 5 to 8 percent converts into EPA.

Try to get enough DHA and EPA directly through food or with a supplement.

How many omega-3s do you need daily?

Most folks can aim to get about 200 to 500 milligrams of EPA and DHA per day. Eating a few portions of fatty fish each week or taking an omega-3 supplement will get you there.

Some experts recommend taking between 2 and 4 grams of omega-3s per day to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Studies have shown that DHA and EPA supplements can benefit your health in a bunch of ways.

Not all inflammation is bad. Some inflammation is actually important for your health. Chronic inflammation, though, is a major cause of disease.

Research suggests that taking omega-3 supplements may help decrease inflammatory markers like interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor in some people. That could help reduce disease risk and improve overall health.

Omega-3s are strongly linked to heart health. Research suggests that taking omega-3 supplements may help decrease heart disease risk factors such as high triglyceride levels.

Research has found that omega-3 supplements can reduce triglyceride levels, both in general and in folks with an increased risk of heart disease.

Plus, omega-3s seem to have even more heart health benefits, including:

These effects may help reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

Just keep in mind that the omega-3 supplements you find at the store arent the same as prescription omega-3 products. Those have to come from a medical professional.

Omega-3s help support brain health in a few different ways.

Studies suggest that omega-3s may help protect against mental decline and improve brain function later in life.

Omega-3s play an important role in brain development as well. Thats why doctors recommend that you take an omega-3 supplement during pregnancy.

Omega-3s can benefit your health in many other ways too.

Taking omega-3 supplements may help improve symptoms of depression, reduce pregnancy complications, improve insulin resistance, and more.

OK, so omega-3s are crucial for health. But do you need to take them as a supplement?

If you eat at least two servings of omega-3-rich seafood (like sardines, salmon, mackerel, or herring) per week, you may not need an omega-3 supplement.

However, if youre not a seafood lover or you dont eat fish for ethical reasons, you might want to consider taking a supplement.

There are a few risk factors for developing low levels of DHA and EPA, including:

Your doctor may recommend a high dose fish oil supplement if youre at risk of developing heart disease or if you have an inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis.

If youre not sure if you should be taking an omega-3 supplement, contact a doctor or a registered dietitian for personalized advice.

If youre interested in taking an omega-3 supplement, its important to choose the right kind for you.

There are a few different types of omega-3 supplements:

Levels of DHA and EPA can vary among supplements, but most contain 500 to 1,200 mg per serving. Talk with your doc if you need dosing advice.

Always choose omega-3 supplements from trusted brands.

Pro tip: Keep your omega-3s in a cool, dark place. Some manufacturers even recommend keeping them in the fridge. Omega-3s are fats and can go rancid if they get too hot.

There are tons of omega-3 supplements on the market. Here are some great choices for both fish- and algae-based supplements:

Omega-3 supplements are safe for most people. According to the National Institutes of Health, even high doses of up to 5 grams per day have no apparent negative health effects.

Most people dont experience side effects when taking omega-3 supplements. But you may experience a fishy aftertaste or a bit of indigestion after popping a fish oil pill.

Keep in mind that omega-3 supplements may cause interactions with blood-thinning medications. High dose supplements could interfere with blood clotting.

If youre on blood-thinning medications, talk with your doctor before taking omega-3 supplements.

Omega-3s are super important for your health. While you can get these helpful fats from food, omega-3 supplements have been linked to some impressive benefits.

If you dont eat a lot of seafood (or many omega-3-rich foods in general), talk with a medical professional about omega-3 supplements. A supplement might be a good way to make sure youre getting enough omega-3s in your diet.

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Omega-3 Supplements: Health Benefits and Top Brands - Greatist