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Fish oil for triglycerides

Goal: To lower high triglycerides: the doses of EPA and DHA that trials used, and how much the blood level fell.

Each protocol describes what studies used, for one goal or for one group of people. It is not advice for you: talk to a doctor before you start a supplement.

Updated 4 Nov 2026
Dose

A Cochrane review included 0.5 g to more than 5 g of EPA and DHA a day.[1] The American Heart Association reviewed 4 g a day of prescription products, which give more than 3 g of EPA and DHA.[2]

Form

Mostly capsules with EPA and DHA.[1] Purified EPA and mixed EPA and DHA appear about equal at lowering triglycerides.[2]

How long

12 weeks showed a fall in one trial.[3] The Cochrane review included trials of 12 to 88 months.[1]

What studies found

A Cochrane review found about 15% lower triglycerides, with high-certainty evidence.[1] Purified EPA lowered them by 21.5% at 4 g a day and 10.1% at 2 g.[3] At 4 g a day, EPA and DHA lowered very high levels by 30% or more.[2]

Ask a doctor first

EPA and DHA products can raise LDL cholesterol in people with very high triglycerides.[2] At 4 g a day, trials found more atrial fibrillation.[4] Prescription products differ from supplements.[5]

People with high triglycerides, or who take a blood thinner, should ask a doctor or pharmacist first.[4][5]

References

  1. Omega-3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Abdelhamid AS, Brown TJ, Brainard JS, Biswas P, Thorpe GC, Moore HJ, et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2020. PMID 32114706
  2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Management of Hypertriglyceridemia: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association. Skulas-Ray AC, Wilson PWF, Harris WS, Brinton EA, Kris-Etherton PM, Richter CK, et al. Circulation, 2019. PMID 31422671
  3. Efficacy and safety of eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester (AMR101) therapy in statin-treated patients with persistent high triglycerides (from the ANCHOR study). Ballantyne CM, Bays HE, Kastelein JJ, Stein E, Isaacsohn JL, Braeckman RA, et al. Am J Cardiol, 2012. PMID 22819432
  4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. ods.od.nih.gov
  5. Omega-3 Supplements: What You Need To Know. NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2024. www.nccih.nih.gov