Omega-3 fatty acids

How much omega-3 is too much?

Updated 9 Nov 2026

Short answer

No upper limit has been set in the US or the EU.[1][2] EFSA found no safety concern for adults at up to 5 g of EPA and DHA a day, or 1.8 g of EPA alone. For the general population, about 1 g of DHA alone a day raises no concern.[2] At 2 to 6 g of EPA and DHA a day, LDL cholesterol rose by about 3%.[2]

US experts noted that 2 to 15 g a day might lengthen bleeding time.[1] In two large trials, 4 g a day for several years slightly raised atrial fibrillation in people with heart disease or at high risk of it.[1] US supplement labels should not recommend more than 2 g a day.[1]

Sources (2)

  1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. ods.od.nih.gov
  2. Scientific Opinion on the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). European Food Safety Authority, 2012. efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com

More about omega-3 fatty acids

What are omega-3 fatty acids?What is the difference between ALA, EPA and DHA?What are omega-3 fatty acids used for?Which foods are high in omega-3?Are omega-3 supplements safe?Does plant omega-3 (ALA) protect the heart?

For education; not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before you start, stop or change a supplement.