What Does Take 3 Tablets Daily Mean For Fish Oil?

In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses how to take medicine that says "take 3 tablets daily".

Apr 19, 2018

Karoly asked

I bought a pack of Omega 3, 6, 9 today and it says take 3 tablets daily. I’m just not sure how? 3 tablets at once for example with breakfast or 1 tablet three times a day. And it doesn’t tell the energy and that kind of information. Can you help about that? 

Answer

When directions read "take 3 tablets daily", that is intended to mean take 3 tablets all at once. If you were supposed to take it in divided doses, the directions would read "take 1 tablet by mouth three times daily".

Fatty Acid Supplements

Healthaid Omega 3 6 9 is a fatty acid supplement used to aid in the health of your cardiovascular system, brain function and your overall health and development.  It contains three different fatty acids, Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega- 9.  Omega-3 and Omega-6 are considered essential fatty acids, which means they are not produced by the body.  Omega-9 is a non-essential fatty acid since the body can produce Omega-9. 

Healthyaid Omega 3 6 9 capsules can be taken all at one time with food.  Should stomach upset be a problem even when taking with food, you can separate the dosing of the capsules and take one with each meal for example.  

Information on energy or the amount of calories per capsule was not available on the manufacturer's website.  When looking at similar health supplements from other manufacturers, the calories (or Kcal in UK) is between 30-45 calories for all 3 capsules.  Below is some additional information on Omegas 3, 6 and 9.

Omega-3

DHA and EPA are two Omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish.  Some of the conditions Omega-3 fatty acids have been used in include:

  • Heart disease
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Lupus
  • Migraine prophylaxis
  • Psoriasis
  • Raynaud's syndrome
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Bipolar disorder

The Omega-3 fatty acids are generally well tolerated with nausea, vomiting, fish aftertaste, gas, loose stools and headache being the most reported side effects.  Patients at an increased risk of bleeding, such as those on anti-cogulation therapy, should be careful when consuming Omega-3s.  High doses can cause an increased risk of bleeding.

Omega-6

Omega-6 fatty acids include:

  • Linoleic acid: Found in vegetable oil like corn, evening primrose seed, safflower and soybean oil
  • Gamma-linolenic acid: Found in evening primrose seed and black currant see oil
  • Arachidonic acid: Found in animal fats and fish

Omega-6 fatty acids are used to:

  • Lower risk of coronary heart disease
  • Lower total cholesterol
  • Lower LDL ("bad cholesterol") cholesterol levels
  • Increase HDL ("good cholesterol") levels
  • Reduce cancer risk

Omega-6 fatty acids can raise triglyceride levels.  Patients with high triglyceride levels should ask their health care provide before taking.

Omega-9

Oleic Acid is an Omega-9 fatty acid.  It can be found in the following sources:

  • Olive Oil
  • Canola Oil
  • Safflower Oil
  • Nut oils like macadamia nuts
  • Almonds

This is considered a non-essential fatty acid since the body can produce it when needed.

When taking Healthaid Omega 3 6 9, all three capsules can be taken at the same time with a meal.  Should stomach upset occur, the dose can be separated so 1 capsule can be taken with each meal. 

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