What Happens When You Take Fish Oil for 90 Days?
Fish oil supplements provide the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Taking them for about three months can change omega-3 levels in your body, but the effects depend on the dose, diet, and your health.
7 things you may notice
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Your EPA and DHA levels increase
With regular use, these fatty acids become incorporated into cell membranes. -
Triglycerides may decrease
This is one of the better-established effects of higher-dose omega-3 therapy. The effect depends on the dose and your starting triglyceride level. -
You may experience fishy burps or indigestion
Heartburn, nausea, loose stools, and an unpleasant aftertaste are possible. -
Your blood pressure may change slightly
Some studies find modest reductions, although results vary and fish oil isn’t a substitute for blood-pressure treatment. -
LDL cholesterol can sometimes increase
The effect depends on the formulation and individual response, so a lipid test is more informative than assuming fish oil will improve every cholesterol measurement. -
You shouldn’t expect major weight loss
Fish oil isn’t a proven fat-burning supplement. -
Heart protection isn’t guaranteed
Evidence for ordinary over-the-counter fish oil supplements preventing heart attacks or strokes in generally healthy people is mixed. Prescription omega-3 products are used for specific medical indications and aren’t equivalent to typical supplements.
Who should be cautious?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, clopidogrel, aspirin, or another anticoagulant/antiplatelet medicine, particularly if you’re considering a high dose.
Food can be a good option
For many people, eating oily fish such as salmon, sardines, trout, or mackerel regularly provides omega-3s along with protein and other nutrients.
Bottom line: After 90 days, fish oil can raise EPA/DHA levels and, at appropriate doses, lower triglycerides. It isn’t a detox or guaranteed heart-health cure, and taking more isn’t necessarily better.
