When to take Omega-3: before or after meals?
When to take Omega 3: before or after meals?
Dear Mr. Roger,
the best strategy is to take Omega 3 during meals that contain a good source of fat. In this way it can achieve a twofold goal:
- Maximize the absorption of Omega 3
- Reduce the risk of possible side effects of taking
Since Omega 3 is in fact a fat, taking it together with another source of fat promotes itsabsorption.
Regarding, on the other hand, the possible side effects of Omega 3 (particularly if derived from fish), these are mild and infrequent ailments that in between 0.1 and 1 percent of those who take them concern the digestive system. These can be, for example, episodes of poor digestion or nausea; in particular, it happens that after intake there is an aftertaste of fish that may not be welcome. Intake at meals helps to eliminate any such discomfort.
You can decide for yourself at which meal to take them. In fact, the effect sought is not immediate, but long-term; therefore, it is not necessary to take them at a specific time of the day, and for this same reason I recommend that you take them at least 2-3 months - a sufficiently long time to be able to appreciate their effect. In this regard, I remind you that, subject to specific contraindications to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, Omega 3 supplements are considered safe products up to a total intake of 5 grams of Omega 3 per day.
In case he has to take several capsules, he can also choose whether to take them all at one time or at different meals. On the other hand, should she have to deal with side effects, gradually increasing the dosage may be another good strategy to eliminate them.
Identifying the timing and mode of intake that is most congenial to her can help her take her supplements regularly and, as a result, get as much benefit from supplementation as possible. The only case in which I would advise her, regardless of her other needs, to take the capsules at dinnertime is if she is taking Omega 3 within supplements designed to control cholesterol, such as Cardiol® Forte. In fact, for products taken for this purpose, it is generally recommended that they be taken in the evening hours.
Sincerely,
Dr. Silvia Soligon, PhD
