Question about fish oil dose

[momof3kids]

Hi,

I'm just starting fish oil for the first time. I read up about it on the site here and found one by Nature Made brands that is 1200 mg per softgel with 216 mg EPA and 144 DHA per softgel. It says to take 2 softgels per "serving" which would make 2400mg with 432 EPA and 288 DHA per "serving"

So, my questions are: How many softgels should I take? When should I take them (all in the AM or spaced out through the day)? Should I start with a small dose and work up to two softgels or more, or should I just dive right in? Any side effects to look forward to?

I'm also taking 200mg Mag Citrate twice a day (one in the AM and one before bed)

Thanks!

"K"

p.s. Oh, I don't have a signature yet, but I'm not in W/D. I was a victim of a bad reaction to only 2 doses of Prozac weekly a few years ago (prescribed for post partum anxiety/depression). I am currently experiencing a great deal of anxiety and anxiety/panic symptoms related (I think) to life stressors and trying to help myself without SSRI's. Thanks

[momof3kids]

oh yeah...and how soon can I hope to see some improvement in symptoms with the fish oil?

THANKS!

[elisa]

Since the EPA is the most important I'd take at least 6 capsules daily if not more. Take them with a meal and start up slowly just as with other supplements. Some of us are taking quite a bit more of EPA.

Personally, I'm taking a liquid Omega 3 fish oil (lemon taste) from Nordic Naturals. It's purified and the ingredients in one teaspoon are:
EPA: 825 mg
DHA: 550 mg
Other Omega 3: 350 mg
Total Omega 3: 1725 mg
Oleic Acid (Omega 9): 290 mg
Vit E: 30 IU
So this one is pretty condensed!!

With supplements it can take a bit longer to take effect, especially when starting up slowly. One should notice a difference in a few days/week.

[momof3kids]

Wow, 6. OK, no problem. So, will it upset my stomach or anything if I just dive in with 6 tomorrow? Or should I start with 3 and work up to 6?

I'm really leaning towards just taking 6 right off the bat unless someone here thinks that's a bad idea.

Thanks for the advice!

[elisa]

Originally Posted by momof3kids

Wow, 6. OK, no problem. So, will it upset my stomach or anything if I just dive in with 6 tomorrow? Or should I start with 3 and work up to 6?

I'm really leaning towards just taking 6 right off the bat unless someone here thinks that's a bad idea.

Thanks for the advice!

Start with the 3 and see how it feels. If you feel fine for the next couple of days, increase it every day with 1 more pill until you reach the 6.

I found the capsules far more expensive than the liquid version and dislike swallowing capsules or pills. The liquid is also more potent, so more bang for the buck.

[Scott]

Originally Posted by momof3kids

Hi,

I'm just starting fish oil for the first time. I read up about it on the site here and found one by Nature Made brands that is 1200 mg per softgel with 216 mg EPA and 144 DHA per softgel. It says to take 2 softgels per "serving" which would make 2400mg with 432 EPA and 288 DHA per "serving"

if it says 2 softgels per serving you have to take 2 in order to get 1200mg (216epa/ 144dha). Not 2400 432/288.

[momof3kids]

Originally Posted by Scott

if it says 2 softgels per serving you have to take 2 in order to get 1200mg (216epa/ 144dha). Not 2400 432/288.

Actually, it listed "per serving" as 2400mg. I just did the math to figure out how much "per softgel" on my own by dividing it in half. (makes it easier for me to figure out how many to take, since its not the same as the recommended serving) Sorry for the confusion. I'm just a little hyper focused on details sometimes (gee...wonder why I have an anxiety problem ,eh?)

At any rate, I'm taking 5 softgels per day right now (2 morning, 1 afternoon, 2 bedtime) and getting about 1080 EPA that way. Is that enough? Once these run out I'm going to order some that you told me about when you PM'ed me.

Thanks again for all the help!

Oh, and I just finally added vitamin E (400IU), Zinc and Vit C (1000mg) today...had to wait for payday on those! )

[Scott]

that's probably more than enough... in fact if your anxiety is high you may want to cut down and see if it gets better. For some people omegas make anxiety worse. As for me i just started fish oil again so i'm only taking one pill, or 400mg of epa.