Supplements are only necessary if your diet lacks these foods or if recommended by a healthcare provider.
-Yes, most healthy adults can take omega-3 supplements for a year, but it’s important to follow recommended guidelines and consult a healthcare professional before starting.
-For a 23-year-old female with a normal BMI, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends 250–500 mg of combined EPA and DHA daily.
-Avoid exceeding 3,000 mg per day unless advised by a doctor, as high doses may cause side effects (NIH).
-Meeting your omega-3 needs through food is ideal. Foods like salmon, mackerel, sardines, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are good sources and provide other nutrients too.
-You can easily include omega-3-rich foods in your meals—try recipes like pan-fried salmon with rice combos, chia seed pudding, or smoothies or oatmeal made with walnut and flaxseed for variety and taste.
Next Steps
As a dietitian, I can help you evaluate your diet, suggest practical ways to increase omega-3 intake from food, and guide you on safe supplementation if needed to achieve your health goals.