Your Questions Answered: Should I take an omega-3 supplement?

Q: Should I take a omega-3 supplement?

A: Maybe. In general, most people (children and adults) do not get enough omega-3 fats in their eating routine. Omega-3 fats come from many foods, including: fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, herring, albacore tuna and sardines), walnuts, chia seeds, flax oil, fish oil and flax seeds.

Typically 1 - 3 grams (1000 - 3000 milligrams) of omega-3 is suggested per day. Although, if some is good more is not better. For example: if you're adding ground flax seeds to smoothies, if you're going to have salmon at dinner, skip the flax seed in the smoothie. Excess omega-3's can cause thinning of the blood and increase the risk of bleeding. If you do start using chia seeds, flax oil or other omega-3 supplements, be sure to let your health care provider know and if you're taking medications that increase your risk for bleeding (e.g. Coumadin, Plavix), consult your health care provider before boosting your omega-3 intake!

A personal favorite way to add-in omega-3's is with Barlean's Omega-Swirl oils like Pomegranate Blueberry and Strawberry Banana to yogurt and smoothies, click here to check out the product line.