Omega-3
Over-the-counterWhat is Omega-3?
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats your body needs but cannot make on its own. You must get them from food or supplements. The three main types are EPA, DHA, and ALA. EPA and DHA come from fish and marine sources. ALA comes from plant sources like flaxseed and walnuts.
These fats play important roles throughout your body. They help build cell membranes in your brain and eyes. They also support heart health and help control inflammation. Many people do not get enough omega-3s from diet alone. This is especially true for those who eat little fish or seafood.
Omega-3 supplements come in several forms. Fish oil is the most common source. Other options include krill oil, algae oil, and flaxseed oil. The amount of EPA and DHA varies by product. Always check the label to see how much active omega-3 each dose contains.
Thank you for signing up.
You are on the list. We will reach out as soon as online pharmacy services are available.
Rite Aid pharmacy is back, now online
Get notified when online pharmacy services are available in your state.
Common uses
- Supporting heart health and reducing risk of heart disease
- Lowering triglyceride levels in people with high blood fats
- Reducing inflammation throughout the body
- Supporting brain function and mental health
- Promoting eye health and reducing dry eye symptoms
- Supporting joint health in people with arthritis
- Helping with prenatal development during pregnancy
How it works
Omega-3 fatty acids work by becoming part of your cell membranes. They make these membranes more flexible and improve how cells communicate. In your heart, they help reduce triglycerides by decreasing the liver's production of these fats. They also help prevent blood clots and reduce inflammation in blood vessel walls.
In your brain, omega-3s support the structure of neurons and help them signal more effectively. They influence neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. These are chemicals that affect mood and behavior. Omega-3s also produce compounds called resolvins and protectins. These substances help your body turn off inflammation after an injury or infection heals.
Taking Omega-3? Monitor your levels.
Screen for 1,200+ health conditions
Dosage information
Most adults take 250 to 500 mg of combined EPA and DHA daily for general health. For high triglycerides, doses of 2,000 to 4,000 mg per day may be used. Some prescription omega-3 products contain even higher doses. Always read the supplement label carefully. The total fish oil amount differs from the actual EPA and DHA content. Take omega-3 supplements with meals to improve absorption and reduce fishy aftertaste. Start with a lower dose and increase gradually if needed.
Side effects
- Fishy aftertaste or bad breath
- Upset stomach or indigestion
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Mild headache
- Unpleasant fishy burps
High doses may increase bleeding risk, especially if you take blood thinners. Contact your doctor if you notice unusual bruising or bleeding. Stop taking omega-3 supplements before surgery. Some people experience allergic reactions if they have fish or shellfish allergies. Choose algae-based omega-3 if you have seafood allergies.
Drug interactions
- Blood thinners like warfarin, apixaban, or aspirin may increase bleeding risk when combined with high-dose omega-3
- Blood pressure medications may have stronger effects when taken with omega-3 supplements
- Contraceptive pills may reduce the triglyceride-lowering effects of omega-3
- Fish or shellfish allergies may cause reactions to fish-based omega-3 supplements
- Vitamin E may work together with omega-3 to prevent oxidation
Blood test monitoring
If you take omega-3 for high triglycerides, regular blood tests help track your progress. A lipid panel measures triglycerides, cholesterol, and related blood fats. Most doctors recommend testing every 3 to 6 months when starting omega-3 therapy. Once your levels stabilize, annual testing may be enough. Some people also monitor omega-3 levels directly through specialized blood tests. This measures the actual amount of EPA and DHA in your red blood cells. The omega-3 index test shows if you are getting enough from your supplement and diet.
Related blood tests
Taking Omega-3? Monitor your levels.
- Track how your body responds
- Catch side effects early with blood work
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Most omega-3 supplements are available over the counter without a prescription. You can buy fish oil, krill oil, and algae oil at pharmacies and health stores. However, high-dose prescription omega-3 products exist for people with very high triglycerides. Talk to your doctor about which type is right for you.
You may see triglyceride improvements in 2 to 4 weeks with consistent use. Brain and mood benefits may take 6 to 12 weeks to become noticeable. Joint and inflammation improvements often appear after 8 to 12 weeks. Blood tests can confirm changes in your omega-3 levels and triglycerides.
EPA and DHA are both omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources, but they work differently in your body. EPA primarily supports heart health and reduces inflammation. DHA concentrates in your brain and eyes, supporting cognitive function and vision. Most supplements contain both in varying ratios.
Many people can meet omega-3 needs by eating fatty fish 2 to 3 times per week. Good sources include salmon, mackerel, sardines, and herring. Each 3-ounce serving provides about 1,000 to 2,000 mg of omega-3. If you rarely eat fish, supplements help fill the gap.
Omega-3 supplements effectively lower triglyceride levels, often by 20 to 50 percent. Higher doses of 2,000 to 4,000 mg daily work best for this purpose. Talk to your doctor about testing your triglyceride levels before and during omega-3 therapy. Prescription omega-3 products may be needed for very high levels.
A lipid panel tracks your triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL levels. Testing every 3 to 6 months helps monitor your response to omega-3 therapy. An omega-3 index test measures EPA and DHA levels in your red blood cells. This confirms you are absorbing enough from your supplement.
High doses of omega-3 may slightly increase bleeding risk, especially above 3,000 mg daily. This matters most if you take blood thinners or have bleeding disorders. Tell your doctor about omega-3 use before surgery or dental procedures. Most people at typical doses have no bleeding issues.
Look for products that list the exact amounts of EPA and DHA per serving. Choose supplements tested by third parties like USP, NSF, or IFOS. These tests check for purity and confirm the omega-3 content matches the label. Enteric-coated or flavored versions reduce fishy aftertaste.
People with fish allergies should avoid fish oil and krill oil supplements. Algae-based omega-3 supplements provide EPA and DHA without any fish or seafood. These work just as well and are safe for people with seafood allergies. They are also suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
You can take omega-3 supplements at any time of day. Taking them with your largest meal improves absorption and reduces stomach upset. Splitting the dose between morning and evening meals works well for higher doses. Consistency matters more than timing, so take them when you will remember daily.