SupplementWell-studiedEssential Fatty Acid

Omega-3

Also known as Fish Oil

Half-life

EPA: ~37 hours

What is Omega-3?

EPA and DHA from fish or algae oil. Potent anti-inflammatory effects on the cardiovascular system.

How Omega-3 works

EPA and DHA incorporate into cell membranes replacing arachidonic acid, reducing substrate for pro-inflammatory prostaglandins (PGE2, LTB4). EPA is a precursor to anti-inflammatory resolvins and protectins. DHA is a structural brain membrane component critical for cognitive function.

Benefits & uses

Reduces inflammation
Heart health / triglycerides
Brain & cognitive support
Joint support
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) delivery
Heart & brain support
Anti-inflammatory

Common uses: Cardiovascular health, anti-inflammation, cortisol reduction, brain function, mood, triglycerides.

LongevityRecoveryCognitive

Omega-3 dosage

Typical dose: 2–4 g combined EPA+DHA daily with meals. Triglycerides: ≥4 g/day (prescription Vascepa). Brain/mood: emphasize DHA 1000+ mg/day.

Omega-3 half-life

EPA: ~37 hours; DHA: ~46 hours (erythrocyte membrane incorporation)

Omega-3 side effects

Fishy breath/burps. Blood thinning at very high doses. Take with meals to reduce GI issues.

Fishy burps/breath — refrigerate or use enteric-coated capsules
Mild blood thinning at high doses (>4 g/day) — caution before surgery
May increase LDL (particle size improves but number may rise with low-quality fish oil)
Oxidized fish oil is worse than no fish oil — check freshness
Well tolerated
Fishy burps
May increase bleeding at high doses
GI upset

Warnings & monitoring

High doses can increase bleeding risk — caution with anticoagulants

Omega-3 interactions

with Aspirin
Caution · mild
Additive platelet inhibition — both reduce clotting through different mechanisms. At low aspirin doses this combination is widely used and generally tolerated; higher aspirin doses increase bleeding risk.
Timing: Low-dose aspirin (81 mg) with fish oil is generally safe; monitor for bruising
with Warfarin
Caution · moderate
High-dose omega-3 fish oil inhibits platelet aggregation and may potentiate warfarin's anticoagulant effect, increasing bleeding risk. Doses above 3 g/day significantly raise this risk.
Timing: Use fish oil at doses below 3 g/day if on warfarin; monitor INR more frequently