How many fish oil capsules should be taken to get the daily dose of 2-4 grams of

[A.P.]

Omega-3? I've read in several sources that 2-4 grams of Omega-3 should be taken daily.

Each fish oil capsule is 1 gram, so for a long time I thought 2-4 capsules fulfilled the recommendation. However, I just realized that each capsule only contains about 30% Omega-3 fatty acids (each capsule has 180mg EPA and 120mg DHA for a total of 300mg Omega-3).

So, I'm a bit confused. When I read that 2-4 grams of Omega-3 from fish oil supplements are recommended each day, does that mean 2-4 pills daily (since each one is 1 gram), or does it really mean 6-13 pills daily (since only 30% of the fatty acids are actually Omega-3)?

None of the sources I've read addresses this, so I don't know if the recommendation is already taking into account the 30% ratio or not. In addition, I've read warnings that 3 grams or more per day can increase certain health risks. So is THAT taking into account the 30% ratio (i.e. you'd have to take 10 fish oil pills per day to reach the 3 gram threshold)?

Thanks!

[JavaJoe]

I don't know about the brand you're using, but the ones I get have a concentration of 70% EPA & DHA and 75% Omega-3. Each capsule is 1 gram, they recommend 3 a day which I take with meals so that means I'm getting 2.25 grams of Omega-3 a day.

Add to that the flax seeds that I have with my breakfast and I'm up to 4 grams a day with no problems.