Fish oil

An average fish oil capsule contains 250 mg of DHA+EPA. At Arctic Blue, we also offer fish oil variants that contain much higher doses.

This can vary greatly from person to person and depends on various factors such as your diet, your health, and your body weight. The minimum dosage is 200 mg, and for specific health goals, this can be increased to as much as 3000 mg. People who want to know exactly what they need should first take an Omega-3 index test. We explain this in more detail here.

For specific health goals such as heart or brain health, the recommended dosage is between 500-1000 mg DHA+EPA. For blood triglycerides and blood pressure, this is higher at 2000 and 3000 mg DHA+EPA respectively. On the other hand, this is also determined by your current Omega-3 status (your Omega-3 index). You can measure this with an Omega-3 index test. We explain this in more detail here.

Depending on the desired effect, this can take between 4 and 12 weeks. However, it also depends on your daily intake and your current Omega-3 status (your Omega-3 index). You can measure this with an Omega-3 index test. We explain this in more detail here.

Yes. That food must contain fat. The best absorption takes place after the largest meal.

Vitamin D, like omega-3, is fat-soluble and is better absorbed when taken with fat. Taking it together with fish oil therefore improves the absorption of vitamin D. That is why omega-3 and vitamin D are often combined in a single product.

An omega-3 deficiency is not usually immediately noticeable, but there are clear signs, as well as ways to measure it objectively. Due to Dutch legislation, these signs cannot be mentioned. With the Omega-3 Index test, a blood test that you can do yourself, you can measure the percentage of EPA and DHA. This is a measure of the percentage of omega-3 in your entire body. A healthy value is between 8% and 12% of total fatty acids. If you eat little or no fatty fish, there is a good chance that you have an abnormal Omega-3 status.

In general, fish oil is safe when used normally, but some people may experience mild side effects. Taking it on an empty stomach can cause stomach upset or loose stools. Take the oil after your main meal. Stomach upset can also be caused by rancid (poor quality/oxidized oil). Very high doses (> 3000 mg EPA+DHA per day) are mildly blood-thinning. This is not a problem. However, if you are taking blood thinners, you will need to discuss your Omega-3 use with your doctor. Very high doses (> 3000 mg EPA+DHA per day) are also good for blood pressure. Positive for high blood pressure, but monitor blood pressure when combined with blood pressure medication.

The safe upper limit for fish oil depends on the amount of EPA and DHA (the active omega-3 fatty acids). It does not depend on the total amount of oil. The official guideline in Europe is that up to 5,000 mg (5 g) of EPA + DHA per day from supplements is safe for adults.

Yes, Arctic Blue fish oil is safe during pregnancy and can even have important benefits for the baby's development. Arctic Blue products never contain vitamin A (which can be harmful in higher doses). The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) recommends 250–450 mg of DHA + EPA per day during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In an ideal world, a woman would have an optimal Omega-3 index (status) before becoming pregnant. More information can be found in this blog.

Yes, fish oil is suitable for children, provided that the dosage is tailored to their age and weight. It can even offer significant benefits for the brain, heart, and eyes. Arctic Blue has special products for (young) children, such as liquid oil and gummies.

Yes, fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) can interact with certain medications, especially at high doses. In general, it is safe, but it is good to be aware of these possible interactions. Very high doses (> 3000 mg EPA+DHA per day) have a slight blood-thinning effect. At normal doses (up to 3 g EPA + DHA/day), this is usually not clinically relevant, but at higher doses, the tendency to bleed may increase. If you are taking blood thinners (acenocoumarol, fenprocoumon, warfarin, apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, aspirin), you will need to discuss your Omega-3 use with your doctor or pharmacist. Very high doses (> 3000 mg EPA+DHA per day) are also good for blood pressure. Positive for high blood pressure, but monitor blood pressure when combined with blood pressure medication (ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics).

Taking fish oil on an empty stomach can cause stomach problems. Take the oil after your main meal. Stomach problems can also be caused by rancid (poor quality/oxidized oil). Arctic Blue oil is not oxidized and will never cause burping. We therefore offer a 100% no-burp guarantee.

You can recognize the good quality of a fish oil by a number of important characteristics. The most important is origin/purity; where does the fish come from? Arctic Blue fish oil is guaranteed to come from Arctic seas. In addition, freshness/oxidation is important. A fish oil should never cause burping; this is a sign of oxidation or even rancidity. Arctic Blue therefore offers a 100% no-burping guarantee due to our low totox value. Thirdly, Arctic Blue has MSC certification from the blue label. This is proof that the oil is made from wild fish from sustainable fisheries. Fourthly, all Arctic Blue Omega-3 products are in the natural triglyceride form for optimal absorption.

Yes, fish oil can become rancid (oxidize). This is an important quality factor to consider. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are very sensitive to oxygen, light, and heat. Oxidation causes the oil to lose its effectiveness and can even cause stomach problems or burping. At Arctic Blue, we measure the peroxide value and anisidine values, which together are a measure of the totox value (Totox). Arctic Blue oil is not oxidized and will never cause belching or burping. We therefore offer a 100% no-belching guarantee. Arctic Blue oil has a high level of freshness, which is maintained by natural vitamin E and C-containing antioxidants and rosemary extracts that are added to the oil during production.

It is important that liquid oil is stored in the refrigerator after opening. The bottle should be made of dark glass for optimal protection of the omega-3 fatty acids, which are sensitive to light, oxygen, and heat. Capsules should be stored away from direct sunlight and in a dry place. In summer, they can be stored in the refrigerator if necessary. Arctic Blue also has special storage jars for capsules.