Fish oil, is it worth the calories?
TrishSeren
Posts: 587 Member
My skin professional, (by the way I don't have any skin issues) has recommended I take fish oil. I also have mild depression and anxiety and have heard it can help with that.
Whilst I have tried it in the past (my tummy did not agree with it) I thought I'd give it a go again. Until I realised the recommended dose is 10 capsules a day! That's 120 calories and when I'm on 1,400 a day that's a hell of a sacrifice just for fish oil capsules.
I do eat salmon sushi around once a week anyway, I could eat more oily fish but not really sure how to cook it. I don't even think you can buy mackerel in New Zealand.
Are fish oil capsules worth it really? Do you find it easier to just eat fish?
Whilst I have tried it in the past (my tummy did not agree with it) I thought I'd give it a go again. Until I realised the recommended dose is 10 capsules a day! That's 120 calories and when I'm on 1,400 a day that's a hell of a sacrifice just for fish oil capsules.
I do eat salmon sushi around once a week anyway, I could eat more oily fish but not really sure how to cook it. I don't even think you can buy mackerel in New Zealand.
Are fish oil capsules worth it really? Do you find it easier to just eat fish?
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Replies
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I'd be getting higher strength capsules. Have you tried Krill oil? Do you have the Bioglan brand over there? (I'm in Aus). They come in 1000mg strength and the recommended dose is 1-2 capsules per day.
In answer to your question... NO, i would not waste 120 on fish oil supps. The above brand is 10 calories per capsule.2 -
Christine_72 wrote: »I'd be getting higher strength capsules. Have you tried Krill oil? Do you have the Bioglan brand over there? (I'm in Aus). They come in 1000mg strength and the recommended dose is 1-2 capsules per day.
In answer to your question... NO, i would not waste 120 on fish oil supps. The above brand is 10 calories per capsule.
Oooo yes we do! Thanks for this
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If you decide to take it, make sure you research what you buy - fish oil is highly perishable and a lot of it comes on to the market already rancid - which isn't going to help anything. When I took it, I liked Barlean's (especially since they can come flavored, if you don't like fish burps), which was a liquid, but I believe there are some other reputable brands on the market as well. Alternately, you could see about upping your consumption of salmon and other fatty fish into your diet - if you're having trouble with supply in New Zealand, maybe look at cans or tins of fish?0
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Are you from NZ? We can buy mackerel here in tins at the supermarkets. But yes fish oil is amazing! It’s best to use liquid and use a syringe in mi opinion. My 3yo had a brain injury and fish oil and magnesium is amazing! Without it he becomes anxious, aggressive and gets quiet upset. With these supplements he’s a happy little boy!
Fish oil is a a good oil! You need the DHA ones. So it’s a good fat!
We also eat a lot of snapper but that’s just the benefit we have with being able to go fishing.
I was never a natural kind of person but after seeing these results I’m definitely converting! I think fish oils will be amazing if you get depression!
The one we use is ethical nutrients high strength fish oil adults take 7mls a day. Every 5ml has 4.6g omega 3, 1.9g EPA, 927mg DHA.1 -
I've never heard a recommended dose of 10 capsules...0
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chelseanoah8876 wrote: »Are you from NZ? We can buy mackerel here in tins at the supermarkets. But yes fish oil is amazing! It’s best to use liquid and use a syringe in mi opinion. My 3yo had a brain injury and fish oil and magnesium is amazing! Without it he becomes anxious, aggressive and gets quiet upset. With these supplements he’s a happy little boy!
Fish oil is a a good oil! You need the DHA ones. So it’s a good fat!
We also eat a lot of snapper but that’s just the benefit we have with being able to go fishing.
I was never a natural kind of person but after seeing these results I’m definitely converting! I think fish oils will be amazing if you get depression!
The one we use is ethical nutrients high strength fish oil adults take 7mls a day. Every 5ml has 4.6g omega 3, 1.9g EPA, 927mg DHA.
Thanks! What supplement do you use? Glad to hear you've found it useful for your 3yo brain injuries are not fun! 0 -
What on earth kind of dose are you taking that requires 10 capsules? I take 1200- 2000 mg (2-3 capsules) which runs me 30-50 calories and it's absolutely worth it to me. I take it for mild/moderate depression and I don't feel amazing on it, but when I forget or run out & don't have more in the house, I really notice it.2
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I take nordic naturals fish oil, tasteless. I give it to my dog, too. I started taking it for all kinds of reasons. Vision, hair, skin...some brands are better than others. Can I tell a difference, ayup. It's the one thing I won't give up and every calorie is absolutely worth it. But I've never heard of a medical doctor recommending more than the optimal daily dosage.1
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I take with food; never had tummy issues or fish burps.
https://www.iherb.com/pr/Carlson-Labs-Wild-Caught-Super-Omega-3-Gems-1-200-mg-100-30-Soft-Gels/2799
2 capsules = 20 calories
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After my car accident, my neuro recommended high dose fish oil to help recover from a brain injury. I was taking Alterra Neuromega - Omega 3 5000mg 1tsp = 41 calories/5gr fat.2
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Typically fish oil dosage is 3 capsules a day. Make sure it is a good quality fish oil. Fish oil is very good for you. The cardiologists at my job recommend it to almost everyone.0
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What on earth kind of dose are you taking that requires 10 capsules? I take 1200- 2000 mg (2-3 capsules) which runs me 30-50 calories and it's absolutely worth it to me. I take it for mild/moderate depression and I don't feel amazing on it, but when I forget or run out & don't have more in the house, I really notice it.
That's what the tub says, but I haven't because I don't think I can stomach that many.1 -
I take nordic naturals fish oil, tasteless. I give it to my dog, too. I started taking it for all kinds of reasons. Vision, hair, skin...some brands are better than others. Can I tell a difference, ayup. It's the one thing I won't give up and every calorie is absolutely worth it. But I've never heard of a medical doctor recommending more than the optimal daily dosage.
The doctor didn't advise a dosage, the tub says 10 a day.0 -
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kshama2001 wrote: »I take with food; never had tummy issues or fish burps.
https://www.iherb.com/pr/Carlson-Labs-Wild-Caught-Super-Omega-3-Gems-1-200-mg-100-30-Soft-Gels/2799
2 capsules = 20 calories
Thanks, looks like I can get that one here in NZ too.0 -
TrishSeren wrote: »I take nordic naturals fish oil, tasteless. I give it to my dog, too. I started taking it for all kinds of reasons. Vision, hair, skin...some brands are better than others. Can I tell a difference, ayup. It's the one thing I won't give up and every calorie is absolutely worth it. But I've never heard of a medical doctor recommending more than the optimal daily dosage.
The doctor didn't advise a dosage, the tub says 10 a day.
Can i ask what brand and how many mgs per capsule?0 -
4 grams/day omega-3 ethyl esters in the usual Max daily dose...are you & your MD doing math correctly (on the same page as far as what specific product he/she wants you to use as an omega-3 that is 10 caps/day)? I'm sensing some overkill...less is more1
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Christine_72 wrote: »TrishSeren wrote: »I take nordic naturals fish oil, tasteless. I give it to my dog, too. I started taking it for all kinds of reasons. Vision, hair, skin...some brands are better than others. Can I tell a difference, ayup. It's the one thing I won't give up and every calorie is absolutely worth it. But I've never heard of a medical doctor recommending more than the optimal daily dosage.
The doctor didn't advise a dosage, the tub says 10 a day.
Can i ask what brand and how many mgs per capsule?
^^^This. How many mgs are you taking, not how many capsules.
This prompted me to look at my label more closely, and now I'm really confused. I was going by the mg of the capsule and not the mg of the Omega 3s. That means I've only been taking 720 mg of Omega 3s, and am I correct that that's the number that matters?
Sorry for jumping on you about dosage, OP! Apparently I don't know what I'm doing, either
But I would still gladly take the calorie hit for the help it gives me with my depression. 0 -
Keto_Vampire wrote: »4 grams/day omega-3 ethyl esters in the usual Max daily dose...are you & your MD doing math correctly (on the same page as far as what specific product he/she wants you to use as an omega-3 that is 10 caps/day)? I'm sensing some overkill...less is more
She didn't say a specific brand, the dosage is what is recommended on the tub.0 -
These are the directions, it says for skin health 10 capsules a day. They're 1000mg capsules with 300mg of Omega 30 -
Rx versions:
"Epanova: Each 1 g capsule contains at least 850 mg of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including multiple omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] being the most abundant).
Lovaza: Each 1 g capsule contains the combination of EPA (~465 mg) and DHA (~375 mg) ethyl esters.
Vascepa: Icosapent ethyl contains ethyl esters of an omega-3 fatty acid, EPA, obtained from fish oil. It contains ≥96% EPA and does not contain DHA. Historically, mixtures containing both EPA and DHA have increased LDL cholesterol in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia. However, studies have suggested that icosapent ethyl has not caused significant increases in LDL cholesterol while significantly decreasing triglyceride levels (Bays 2011; Miller 2011).
Brand Names: International
Agemo (PK); Dualtis (GB); Epax (EC); Equiplen (PE); Nebbaro (GB); Omacor (AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BH, CR, CY, CZ, DE, DO, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, GT, HN, HR, HU, IE, IL, KR, KW, LK, LT, LU, LV, MT, MY, NI, NL, NO, PA, PL, PT, QA, RO, RU, SA, SI, SK, SV, TH); Omakor (UA); Omaron (KR); Triomar (IL); Ysomega (FR)"
-Lexicomp online
Might want to check if it's formulary first before asking MD for an Rx...Not sure if it's available in New Zealand, possibly under AU (Australia) brand name OMACOR0 -
Someone mentioned Krill Oil. Krill Oil is a natural way to combine Astaxanthin with Omega 3s. I take them separately but together (way more Astaxanthin that way). Astaxanthin is the most powerful carotenoid, by far. Not even close with others. A lot of research is coming out regarding taking Astaxanthin and Omega 3s together being much more beneficial. Here's just one study mentioning activation of the Nrf2 Pathway (a natural way your body reduces oxidative stress). I like taking them separate as opposed to Krill Oil because I get a lot more Astaxanthin that way (it also has other benefits for health).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24157545
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cwolfman13 wrote: »I've never heard a recommended dose of 10 capsules...
"My current generic recommendation is the middle level, 10X1 gram capsules per day for 3 grams total fish oil. This should provide maximal benefits (in terms of partitioning and health) with minimum negatives. Individuals trying to control a specific excessive inflammatory condition may wish to experiment with higher doses (15X1 grams capsules or 3-4 tsp Carlson’s fish oil per day)."
https://bodyrecomposition.com/nutrition/qa-2.html/0 -
I take Natures Bounty, in the 1200 mg Omega 3 per softgel. For one serving (2 gels) it provides 2400 mg of Omega 3's (DHA and EPA combined), with 25 calories. If I wanted to get to 3,000 I would take 3, but haven't noticed much difference for me on 2 versus 3.
Note, it took me forever to find one OTC with such a high EPA/DHA content so I wouldn't have to take tons of them a day.1 -
I take Natures Bounty, in the 1200 mg Omega 3 per softgel. For one serving (2 gels) it provides 2400 mg of Omega 3's (DHA and EPA combined), with 25 calories. If I wanted to get to 3,000 I would take 3, but haven't noticed much difference for me on 2 versus 3.
Note, it took me forever to find one OTC with such a high EPA/DHA content so I wouldn't have to take tons of them a day.
That's a really good point. You can find 1000 mg pills that only have 300 mg of actual EPA/DHA. Normally, the more expensive the pill, the higher the EPA/DHA in it. Even for my dogs, I buy one that has around 900 mg of combined EPA/DHA in it. If you look at the grocery store sales, you can usually buy them when they are Buy One/Get One Free. I only buy my Fish Oil supplements like that.
My wife doesn't like the fish taste. There are also several new brands of vegan (Algae derived) Omega 3s that are really great quality coming in the market now. They are usually a bit pricier but the price is coming down rapidly.0 -
I take Natures Bounty, in the 1200 mg Omega 3 per softgel. For one serving (2 gels) it provides 2400 mg of Omega 3's (DHA and EPA combined), with 25 calories. If I wanted to get to 3,000 I would take 3, but haven't noticed much difference for me on 2 versus 3.
Note, it took me forever to find one OTC with such a high EPA/DHA content so I wouldn't have to take tons of them a day.
I know each brand can have different potencies, but are you sure about yours? Nature's Bounty is what I have, and thought it was 1200 mg/serving, but the omega 3s are only 720 mg/serving.
Never mind... found the ones you're talking about online. One thing though, I've been doing some reading and for depression it sounds like you want one with a high EPA/DHA ratio, and apparently this brand doesn't distinguish. The info I found said to avoid brands that don't specify the breakdown.0 -
I don't want to speak for her but I would assume it's this one. It has to be HUGE though.
https://www.iherb.com/pr/Nature-s-Bounty-Fish-Oil-2-400-mg-90-Coated-Softgels/32268?gclid=CjwKCAjwspHaBRBFEiwA0eM3kU-wHcSLVW2kzTY2mxN67x4GpCEdWgh5PdpO_A1_AcX6ccYrAzLsmxoCdvQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds0 -
MikePfirrman wrote: »I don't want to speak for her but I would assume it's this one. It has to be HUGE though.
https://www.iherb.com/pr/Nature-s-Bounty-Fish-Oil-2-400-mg-90-Coated-Softgels/32268?gclid=CjwKCAjwspHaBRBFEiwA0eM3kU-wHcSLVW2kzTY2mxN67x4GpCEdWgh5PdpO_A1_AcX6ccYrAzLsmxoCdvQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Yes, thanks, I found it! But due to the concerns I mentioned above, I think I'm going to research it a little more thoroughly. 0 -
Yes, that is the one. I see the breakdown is a little vague, 26-30% EPA, 17-20% DHA, so you may be right. I don't fish burp so I am happy
Not too big (next to quarter). Sorry for the blurry pictures, not my fortay with one hand. I'm GenX.
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Yes, it's worth the calories and I don't even count them because I didn't give it a 2nd thought.1
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