Omega-3 and fish oil: EPA, DHA, and how to read a label
Fish oil labels advertise big milligram numbers, but the useful detail is often how much EPA and DHA you get per serving. This guide demystifies the basics.
EPA and DHA vs total fish oil
A capsule might say 1,200 mg fish oil, yet only a fraction is EPA+DHA. Compare those two lines on Supplement Facts when you are choosing between bottles.
If you eat fatty fish twice weekly, you may already cover much of what people supplement for—again, personalize with your clinician, especially around cardiovascular risk.
Burps, oxidation, and storage
Enteric coatings, taking with meals, or refrigerated storage can help with tolerance and freshness depending on the product. Rancid oil smells sharply off—do not use it.
Surgery and bleeding risk conversations
High-dose omega-3 supplements can matter for bleeding risk around procedures. Always tell your surgical team what you take and follow their hold instructions.
This article is for general education only. It does not replace advice from a licensed healthcare professional.