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Moderate evidenceHeart & metabolic

Salmon Oil

Unconcentrated whole fish oil from salmon. It raises omega-3 blood levels like any fish oil, but per capsule it delivers less EPA and DHA than concentrated products, so you need more of it.

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What the science says

  • Raising omega-3 status Moderate evidence

    A randomised crossover trial in 35 healthy adults compared four products at their label doses and found triglyceride-form salmon oil raised whole-blood omega-3 less than concentrated triglyceride or ethyl-ester fish oil, simply because its label dose supplies less EPA and DHA. A separate trial confirmed salmon oil capsules raise omega-3 index comparably to eating salmon when matched for dose.

  • Cardiovascular prevention Moderate evidence

    The 2020 Cochrane review of omega-3 supplementation, covering tens of thousands of participants, concluded that supplemental EPA and DHA have little or no effect on all-cause mortality or cardiovascular events, while consistently lowering triglycerides. Expect a lipid effect, not event prevention.

  • Advantage over other fish oils Limited evidence

    There is no trial showing salmon oil outperforms other fish oils on any clinical outcome. Its selling points, natural triglyceride form and accompanying astaxanthin, have not been shown to translate into better results.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseFor raising omega-3 status, aim at total EPA plus DHA rather than capsule count: 250–500 mg/day for general intake, 2–4 g/day for triglyceride lowering. Salmon oil often supplies only 300–400 mg per gram, so several capsules are needed.
SafetyCommon effects are fishy burps, reflux and loose stools; taking it with food and refrigerating helps. Doses above about 3 g/day mildly increase bleeding time, which is relevant with anticoagulants and before surgery. High-dose omega-3 has been associated with a small increase in atrial fibrillation risk in trials. Avoid with fish allergy, and prefer products tested for oxidation and contaminants.

How to take it

TimingTiming does not matter for effect; pick a time you will remember daily.
With food?Take it with the largest fat-containing meal of the day, which improves absorption and cuts fishy repeats.
Worth knowingJudge products on milligrams of EPA plus DHA per serving, not on capsule count or 'salmon' on the front label.

Interactions

With medications

  • warfarin, DOACs, aspirin and clopidogrel

    Doses above about 3 g/day of EPA plus DHA mildly prolong bleeding time. tell your doctor before using high doses and stop before surgery

  • blood-pressure medication

    High-dose omega-3 lowers blood pressure a few mmHg on top of the drug. monitor your blood pressure when starting a gram-level dose

With other supplements

  • garlic, ginkgo, high-dose vitamin E

    Antiplatelet effects are additive. avoid stacking them at high doses around surgery

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Is salmon oil better than regular fish oil?

No trial shows salmon oil outperforms other fish oils on any clinical outcome, so the evidence for an advantage is limited. Salmon oil is unconcentrated, so it delivers less EPA and DHA per capsule and raised blood omega-3 less than concentrated fish oil at label doses.

Does salmon oil prevent heart disease?

The 2020 Cochrane review found supplemental EPA and DHA, as in salmon oil, have little or no effect on mortality or cardiovascular events while consistently lowering triglycerides. From salmon oil, expect a lipid effect, not event prevention.

How much salmon oil should I take per day?

Dose salmon oil by EPA plus DHA, not capsule count: 250–500 mg/day for general intake or 2–4 g/day for triglyceride lowering. Salmon oil often supplies only 300–400 mg per gram, so you need several capsules.

Can I take salmon oil with blood thinners?

Salmon oil above about 3 g/day of EPA plus DHA mildly prolongs bleeding time, so tell your doctor if you take warfarin, DOACs, aspirin or clopidogrel, and stop before surgery. High-dose omega-3 has also been linked to a small increase in atrial fibrillation risk.

Scientific references

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