However, not everyone knows that the time to drink fish oil can greatly affect the absorption and biological efficiency of this nutrient.
According to nutritionists, fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids, mainly EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), which are dissolved in oil. Therefore, drinking fish oil during or right after a main meal, especially a meal with fat, will help increase the absorption of this nutrient. Drinking on an empty stomach not only reduces the effectiveness but can also cause digestive discomfort, leading to heartburn and nausea.
Dr. Andrew Weil, an integrative medicine expert at the University of Arizona (USA), recommends: Fish oil should be eaten with meals containing good fats such as olive oil, avocado or fatty fish, to increase the absorption of DHA and EPA into the blood. Many people drink Omega-3 in the morning with a light, low-fat meal - this reduces absorption efficiency".
In addition to absorption factors, the timing of taking Omega-3 also depends on the purpose of use. If you take it to support your brain, increase concentration and improve your mood, you should drink it in the morning. This is the time when the body needs a lot of energy and alertness to function. Meanwhile, if the goal is to improve sleep or reduce chronic inflammation, drinking it in the evening can help regulate melatonin and reduce inflammatory reactions at night.
A study by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) also shows that using Omega-3 at a certain time every day - whether morning or evening - has a more stable effect than using it regularly or at different times.
At the usual dose, healthy adults should take about 250-500 mg EPA + DHA/day. In case of cardiovascular disease, arthritis or high blood fat, a higher dose may be prescribed according to the doctor's instructions. Do not increase the dose arbitrarily because it can dilute blood, especially when taking anticoagulants.