Fish Oil

An average fish oil capsule contains 250 mg DHA+EPA. At Arctic Blue we also have fish oil variants that contain a much higher dose.

This can vary greatly from person to person and depends on various factors such as your diet, your health and your body weight. A minimum dose is 200 mg, and for specific health goals this can rise to as much as 3000 mg. People who want to know exactly first take an Omega-3 index test. We explain it further here.

For specific health goals such as heart or brain, the dosage advice is between 500-1000 mg DHA+EPA. For blood triglycerides and blood pressure this is higher, at 2000 and 3000 mg DHA+EPA respectively. On the other hand, this is also determined by your current Omega-3 status (your Omega-3 index). You can measure it with an Omega-3 index test. We explain it further here.

Depending on the intended effect, this is between 4 and 12 weeks. However, this also depends on your daily intake and your current Omega-3 status (your Omega-3 index). You can measure it with an Omega-3 index test. We explain it further here.

Yes. That food must contain fat, though. The best absorption takes place after the largest meal.

Vitamin D, like omega-3, is fat-soluble and is absorbed better when you take it with fat. If you take it together with fish oil, you improve the absorption of vitamin D. That is why omega-3 and vitamin D are often combined in one product.

You usually do not notice an omega-3 deficiency directly, but there are clear signals, and also ways to measure it objectively. Due to Dutch legislation, the signals may not be mentioned. With the Omega-3 Index test, a blood test you can do yourself, you measure the percentage of EPA and DHA. This is a measure of the % Omega-3 in your entire body. A healthy value is between 8% and 12% of the total fatty acids. If you eat little or no oily fish, there is a good chance that your Omega-3 status is off.

In general, fish oil is safe with normal use, but some people may experience mild side effects. Taking it on an empty stomach can cause stomach complaints or loose stools. Take the oil after the main meal. Stomach complaints can also be the result of a rancid (poor quality / oxidised) oil. Very high doses (> 3000 mg EPA+DHA per day) have a mild blood-thinning effect. This is not a problem. However, if you take blood thinners, you will need to discuss your Omega-3 use with your doctor. Very high doses (> 3000 mg EPA+DHA per day) are also good for blood pressure. Positive with high blood pressure, but in combination with blood pressure medication, monitor your blood pressure.

The safe upper limit for fish oil depends on the amount of EPA and DHA (the active omega-3 fatty acids). It does not depend on the total amount of oil. The official guideline in Europe is that up to 5,000 mg (5 g) EPA + DHA per day from supplements is safe for adults.

Yes, Arctic Blue fish oil is safe during pregnancy, and can even have important benefits for the development of the baby. Arctic Blue products never contain vitamin A (which can be harmful in higher doses). The EFSA (European food authority) advises 250 – 450 mg DHA + EPA per day during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In an ideal world, a woman has an optimal Omega-3 index (status) before becoming pregnant. More information in this blog.

Yes, fish oil is suitable for children, provided the dosage is adjusted to their age and weight. It can even offer important benefits for the brain, heart and eyes. Arctic Blue has special products for (small) children, such as liquid oil and gummies.

Yes, fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) can interact with certain medicines, especially at high doses. In general it is safe, but it is good to know about these possible interactions. Very high doses (> 3000 mg EPA+DHA per day) have a mild blood-thinning effect. At normal doses (up to 3 g EPA + DHA/day) this is usually not clinically relevant, but at higher doses the bleeding tendency can increase. If you take blood thinners (acenocoumarol, phenprocoumon, warfarin, apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, aspirin), you will need to discuss your Omega-3 use with your doctor or pharmacist. Very high doses (> 3000 mg EPA+DHA per day) are also good for blood pressure. Positive with high blood pressure, but in combination with blood pressure medication (ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics), monitor your blood pressure.

Taking fish oil on an empty stomach can cause stomach complaints. Take the oil after the main meal. Stomach complaints can also be the result of a rancid (poor quality / oxidised) oil. Arctic Blue oil is not oxidised and will never cause burping. We therefore offer a 100% no fish burp guarantee.

You can recognise the good quality of a fish oil by a number of important characteristics. The most important is origin/purity; where does the fish come from? Arctic Blue fish oil is guaranteed to come from Arctic seas. Freshness/oxidation is also important. A fish oil should never cause burping; this is a sign of oxidation or even rancidity. Arctic Blue therefore offers a 100% no fish burp guarantee thanks to our low Totox value. Third, Arctic Blue has MSC certification with the blue label. Proof that the oil is made from wild fish from sustainable fisheries. Fourth, all Arctic Blue Omega-3 products are in the natural triglyceride form for optimal absorption.

Yes, fish oil can turn rancid (oxidise). That is an important quality point to watch out for. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are very sensitive to oxygen, light and heat. Through oxidation, the oil loses its effect and can even cause stomach complaints or burping. At Arctic Blue we measure the peroxide value and anisidine values, which together are a measure of the Totox value (Totox). Arctic Blue oil is not oxidised and will never cause burping. We therefore offer a 100% no fish burp guarantee. Arctic Blue oil has good freshness, which is maintained by natural vitamin E and C-containing antioxidants and rosemary extracts that are added to the oil during production.

It is important that liquid oil is stored in the refrigerator after opening. A bottle must be made of dark glass for optimal protection of the omega-3 fatty acids, which are sensitive to light, oxygen and heat. Capsules should be stored dry and out of direct sunlight. In summer they can also be kept in the refrigerator. Arctic Blue also has special storage jars for capsules.