Can you take two fish oil capsules at once?
Answer
Yes, and with most products it is necessary rather than optional, because they need two or three capsules to reach 250mg of combined EPA and DHA. Check what one capsule provides first.
Key takeaways
- Is it safe?
- At ordinary intakes yes. Higher intakes are a GP question, particularly with anticoagulant medication.
- Is it necessary?
- With many products yes, because one capsule does not reach the 250mg combined threshold.
- How do I know?
- Add EPA and DHA per capsule from the panel and divide 250 by the total.
It depends entirely on the product
The authorised claim applies at 250mg of combined EPA and DHA a day. Whether that takes one capsule or three depends on what each capsule contains, which is on the panel rather than the front of the pack.
Futuro Labs Omega 3 Fish Oil provides 180mg EPA and 120mg DHA per mini softgel, which is 300mg combined, so one clears it. A product providing 90mg combined per capsule needs three, and taking two of those still falls short.
Whether doubling beyond the threshold helps
There is no authorised benefit above 250mg at these intakes, because the claim applies at that figure with no graded version above it.
Sports research often uses one to three grams a day, which is research rather than a recommendation. Reaching that from a standard product means six or seven capsules, which changes the cost, the pack duration and the reason for buying it.
When to be careful
Anyone taking anticoagulant medication, anyone with a bleeding disorder, and anyone coming up to surgery should raise higher omega 3 intakes with a GP before starting. That is a genuine caution rather than a formality.
For everyone else, taking two capsules of a product that needs two is simply following the label, and taking two of a product that needs one is spending twice as much for no authorised benefit.
The full version
- How many fish oil capsules a day for a rugby player?The conversion table and why the answer depends on the product.
- How much omega 3 a day if you train hard?Where the higher figures come from and what standing they have.
The product
Futuro Labs Omega 3 Fish Oil
Futuro Labs Omega 3 Fish Oil is the 180mg EPA and 120mg DHA one at 17p a day. One mini softgel gives 300mg combined, clearing the 250mg threshold for the authorised heart claim.
- 300mg combined EPA and DHA per softgel
- Batch tested to ISO 17025 standards
- Deodorised mini softgel, one a day
- Bovine gelatin shell, not vegetarian
Sharper Rugby is published by Futuro Labs. If you buy through this link Futuro Labs earns from the sale. Prices are set by Amazon.
Questions players ask
Can I take two at once?
Yes, and with many products it is necessary to reach the 250mg threshold.
Does two do more than one?
Only if one does not reach 250mg combined. Above that there is no graded benefit.
Who should be careful?
Anyone on anticoagulants, with a bleeding disorder, or coming up to surgery.