Omega-3 (Fish Oil)
2000 mg · Daily
Robert
Founder, F*CK Getting Old — independent researcher, not a medical professional.
Last reviewed · 2 cited sources
Evidence
- Human Studies
- 150
- Animal Studies
- 60
- Clinical Status
- Dietary Supplement
- Confidence
- Moderate
- Long-Term Safety
- Well-established at typical doses; large clinical trials have shown mixed results on hard cardiovascular endpoints despite reliably lowering triglycerides
What this score is: a measure of how much research exists and how far along it is (animal-only vs. human trials, research-stage vs. FDA approved) — not how safe, effective, or worth trying a compound is. A low score usually means “early stage” or “understudied,” not “bad.” A high score doesn’t mean “better” for your goals than a lower-scored one.
This is not my personal rating of the compound, not a recommendation, and not medical advice. It’s a general research synthesis for informational purposes only, not a live literature count. See the linked research and talk to a licensed clinician before making decisions based on it.
Mechanism
EPA and DHA are omega-3 fatty acids incorporated into cell membranes throughout the body, with well-documented triglyceride-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects. Evidence for reducing cardiovascular events specifically has been more mixed in recent large trials than earlier observational data suggested.
Common Protocols
- 1–2 g combined EPA/DHA daily
- Take with meals to reduce fishy aftertaste and GI upset
Side Effects
- Fishy burps/aftertaste
- Mild GI upset
- Increased bleeding risk at high doses
Interactions
- Caution combining with blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin) due to additive bleeding risk — talk to a clinician if you’re on one
Practical Details
- Cost
- $
- Typical Dose
- 2000 mg
- Storage
- Refrigeration can reduce rancidity/fishy aftertaste; check label
Key Studies & Reviews
- Manson JE et al. (2019). Marine n-3 fatty acids and prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer (VITAL). N Engl J Med. PMID 30415637.
- Bhatt DL et al. (2019). Cardiovascular risk reduction with icosapent ethyl for hypertriglyceridemia (REDUCE-IT). N Engl J Med. PMID 30415628.
Search the Research
Omega-3 (Fish Oil) FAQ
What is the typical Omega-3 (Fish Oil) dosage?
Commonly reported protocols: 1–2 g combined EPA/DHA daily; Take with meals to reduce fishy aftertaste and GI upset. Our reference entry uses 2000 mg, Daily. These reflect protocols reported in research and user communities, not a medical recommendation — dosing should be decided with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Omega-3 (Fish Oil)?
Reported side effects include: Fishy burps/aftertaste; Mild GI upset; Increased bleeding risk at high doses.
Is Omega-3 (Fish Oil) FDA approved?
Omega-3 (Fish Oil) is sold as a dietary supplement. The FDA does not approve supplements for safety or effectiveness before they are sold, so third-party tested brands are worth seeking out.
How much research is there on Omega-3 (Fish Oil)?
Our evidence profile counts roughly 150 human and 60 animal studies, with moderate overall confidence. Long-term safety: Well-established at typical doses; large clinical trials have shown mixed results on hard cardiovascular endpoints despite reliably lowering triglycerides.
Does Omega-3 (Fish Oil) interact with other drugs or supplements?
Caution combining with blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin) due to additive bleeding risk — talk to a clinician if you’re on one.
Related compounds
EPA/DHA; cardiovascular and joint support