Table 1.

American Heart Association (AHA) Recommendations for Fish Oil*

Patient PopulationRecommendations
Patients WITHOUT documented coronary heart diseaseEat a variety of (preferably fatty) fish at least twice a week. Include oils and foods rich in α-linolenic acid (flaxseed, canola, and soybean oils; flaxseed and walnuts)
Patients WITH documented coronary heart diseaseConsume approximately 1 g of EPA+DHA per day, preferably from fatty fish. EPA+DHA supplements could be considered in consultation with the physician.
Patients who need to lower triglycerides2–4 g of EPA+DHA per day provided as capsules under a physician’s care.