What does 1000mg of omega 3 actually give you?
Answer
Usually the fish oil weight rather than the omega 3 in it. The authorised benefit attaches to 250mg of combined EPA and DHA, which a 1000mg softgel may or may not contain.
Key takeaways
- What is the 1000mg?
- Almost always the fish oil weight. EPA and DHA are two fatty acids within that oil.
- What benefit does it correspond to?
- None directly. The claim attaches to 250mg of combined EPA and DHA, which has to be read off the panel.
- How much EPA and DHA is in it?
- Anywhere from about 90mg to 300mg depending on the product, which is a threefold range at the same headline weight.
The number on the front is the wrong one
A 1000mg fish oil softgel is describing the weight of oil in the capsule. Fish oil is a mixture, and EPA and DHA are two fatty acids within it whose proportion varies with the species, the processing and whether the oil was concentrated.
So two 1000mg softgels can differ threefold in what actually matters. One may provide 300mg of combined EPA and DHA and another 90mg, and the front of pack looks identical.
What the benefit actually attaches to
EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart, with the effect obtained at a daily intake of 250mg of combined EPA and DHA. That is the only claim a standard strength product realistically carries.
Futuro Labs Omega 3 Fish Oil is a 1000mg softgel providing 180mg EPA and 120mg DHA, which is 300mg combined and clears the threshold at one capsule for 17p a day. A 1000mg softgel providing 90mg combined needs three.
What it does not correspond to
No joint claim, no inflammation claim, no recovery claim and no performance claim exist for omega 3 at any dose. The DHA claims for brain function and vision each need 250mg of DHA alone, which a standard softgel does not reach.
So a 1000mg fish oil, whatever it contains, corresponds to one authorised benefit if it reaches the threshold and to none of the things the category is usually marketed on.
The full version
- How to spot an underdosed fish oilThe four tells and the arithmetic that settles it.
- How much EPA and DHA do you need a day?Every figure that exists and what standing each has.
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
What does 1000mg mean on a fish oil?
The oil weight, not the omega 3 in it.
How much EPA and DHA is in it?
Anywhere from about 90mg to 300mg depending on the product.
What benefit does it give?
The authorised heart claim, if the combined EPA and DHA reaches 250mg a day.