How to Read an Omega 3 Label: What EPA and DHA Mean, and How Much You Need

When buying omega 3, the most common mistake is to look at the big number on the pack (1000 mg, for instance) — that is the total weight of the fish oil, not the active content.

What actually counts?

The benefit comes from two key acids:

  • EPA: linked to supporting heart health and the body's normal inflammatory response.
  • DHA: a core building block of the brain and the eye, and important during pregnancy under a doctor's supervision.

Look in the Supplement Facts panel for the combined EPA + DHA per serving — that is the right number to compare products by.

Dosage according to functional medicine

Functional medicine works with higher doses than the conventional recommendations: 2000 to 4000 mg of EPA+DHA a day depending on the goal (general support, triglycerides, inflammation), with regular follow-up.

Quick tips

  • Take it with a substantial meal to improve absorption and cut down on burping.
  • Check the expiry date — fish oils are sensitive to oxidation.
  • Keep the pack away from heat and light.

Browse the omega 3 range at the Qatrat Al Sehha store — the EPA and DHA content is shown on the Supplement Facts image for every product.

This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for consulting a doctor or pharmacist.