Omega-3: When to Take It & How to Track It

What is Omega-3?

Omega-3s are a family of fats found in foods and in the body. EPA and DHA come mainly from fish and seafood, while ALA comes from plant sources such as flaxseed, chia seeds and walnuts. Fish oil, krill oil and algal oil supplements are common ways to take EPA and DHA. Research suggests omega-3s from seafood may help some people with heart disease, while the evidence for supplements on many other conditions is mixed. Fish oil capsules are often taken once a day with a meal, and tracking them helps if you are also on blood pressure or blood-thinning medicines.

When to take Omega-3: general timing information

• Side effects are usually mild and include an unpleasant taste, bad breath, heartburn, nausea and stomach discomfort. [1]

• Omega-3 supplements might interact with blood thinners and blood pressure medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take either. [3]

• Fish liver oils such as cod liver oil also contain vitamins A and D, which can be harmful in excessive amounts. Count them if you take other vitamins. [2]

• For some conditions, the evidence is stronger for eating seafood than for taking supplements. [2]

How to set a Omega-3 reminder in Pillzy

1. 1

   Tap + in Pillzy and add your omega-3 product (fish oil, krill oil or algal oil) with the dose from the label.

2. 2

   Set Meal Timing to During meal if you find it sits better with food.

3. 3

   Choose Once daily and a meal you rarely skip.

4. 4

   If you take a blood thinner, add a note so you remember to mention fish oil at each review.

5. 5

   Mark it taken when the reminder arrives.