CAN A PERSON TAKE TOO MUCH FISH OIL? MY HUSBAND TAKES 8 TABLETS A DAY 2500MG EACH
11/10/08 12:34pm
Hi Gloria,
The American Heart Association recommends taking 2 to 4 g of EPA + DHA (omega 3's) daily, under physician's care only, for individuals that need to lower triglycerides. High doses, > 3 grams/day, can result in excessive bleeding. If your husband is supplementing 20 grams daily, I recommend he speak with his MD to determine the appropriate treatment for his situation and to assess risk.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD, LN
The Heart of Health - Heart Health and Weight Loss Tips
2/10/10 5:12pm
I have read that too much fish oil can increase your risk of strokes. Studies on groups that eat lots of fatty fish (eg. eskimos) have shown a lower incidence of heart disease, but a much higher incidence of stroke. I am not a doctor, but I would guess the blood thinning properties of fish oil would be involved in the higher stroke rate. Too much of anything is not good. I limit my fish oil to 1 or 2 capsules a day (so a total of 1000mg-2000mg). I am a healthy male in my 30's so maybe the requirement might be different for older people or people with heart disease.
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By GLORIA— Last Modified: 05/26/11, First Published: 11/07/08
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