That kind of depends who you ask. Up to 3 capsules per day is the suggested dosage on the label of most of the health grade oils, but most companies are still unaware of all the benefits it can bring. We Zoners think we need more...
*Update: Natures Own now suggest 6 capsules a day.
Dr Sears' suggests we adjust our supplementation to our state of health, and to always take the least amount that will maintain a state of wellness.
Firstly he warns against taking more than 4 capsules of health food grade oil per day for fear of undesirable contaminants. He does think this amount is better than nothing.
His scale of recommended dosage refers solely to pharmaceutical grade oil and starts with a maintenance dose of 2.5 grams for healthy people, which is 4 capsules of ultra refined pharmaceutical grade oil - equivalent to 8 capsules of health grade oil. And he recommends more and more depending on the severity of the condition being fought - up to 25 grams per day1 for serious neurological diseases.
I'm not elaborating here, but if you have a problem you think omega-3 fish oil might help please read The Omega Zone.
Again, please first check with your doctor if you take any medications.
If you can afford the good oil of course go for it, start on 4 capsules per day and read The Omega Zone if you think you want more.
If Dr Sears' oil is beyond your budget the Blackmores oil is cheaper and just as good, and I personally believe the benefits of health grade fish oil far outweigh its risks so I consider the comparably priced molecularly distilled Microgenics oil a good option too.
But! Please make your own decision based on all the information you can muster.
If you're going to try it perhaps start on 1 or 2 capsules per day (2 to 4 health grade capsules), then if no gastric side effects show2 progress to 4 per day (try 6 to 8 health grade capsules). Dr Sears' recommended maintenance dose of 2.5 grams is equivalent to 4 concentrated pharmaceutical grade capsules or 8 health grade capsules.
I try to take 4 Dr Sears or Blackmores capsules every day.
It doesn't matter what time of day you take your oil, and all at once is fine. We do recommend taking it with a meal or snack containing some fat to ensure this valuable nutrient isn't wasted as a source of energy.
If you're suffering from smelly burps try taking them just before bedtime.
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If you are taking a prescription medication you should never change diet or supplementation without consulting your doctor, because any dietary change (for better or worse) will affect the metabolism of that prescription drug.