Best Time to Take Omega 3 Fish Oil Capsules
For a long, breakfast has been the preferred time for taking food supplements, medications, and popular omega-3 supplements such as fish oil. But is breakfast really the best time to take fish oil?
What is The Best Time To Take Fish Oil?
One of the most popular omega-3 supplements, fish oil can be consumed any time of the day as long as it is taken with a meal.
The omega-3 fatty acids [EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)] found in fish oil are fats. Therefore, it does make sense to consume it with other fats on board so they can be absorbed much better.
On the other hand, fish oil may not be efficiently absorbed by the body if you take it on an empty stomach.
In case you experience fish oil reflux such as fishy burps, it is best to take split up your doses of fish oil supplements during the day and make sure to avoid heavier doses in the evening.
Some people even take omega-3s during nighttime by combining fish oil supplements with other nutrients that support sleep. This is primarily because the circadian rhythm of our body has a significant influence on the hormonal balance and the body's ability to absorb chemicals and nutrients in supplements and medications.
It is important to note that the stomach generally produces 2-3 times more acid between 10:00 pm and 2:00 am as compared to any other point of the day or night.
In other words, it is best to consume fish oil supplements later in the day with a fuller meal.
One of the biggest advantages of taking fish oil supplements in the nighttime is that omega-3 fatty acids work on the same biochemical pathways as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and it is easier to get out of bed in the morning with greater comfort after a night's good sleep.
According to a pilot study from the UK, children who are supplemented with omega-3s experience an increase in sleep time by an average of 58 minutes. Furthermore, they experienced a reduced number of wakeups during the night. Since even an increase of 20-30 minutes in sleep duration can be useful in terms of academic outcomes and emotional control in children, the benefits of taking fish oil supplements in promoting healthy sleep among adolescents are highly invaluable.
Other studies in the past have revealed that the intake of omega-3s is important for improved relaxation, good-quality rest, and a reduced risk of sleep apnea.
All in all, the best time to take fish oil can vary from person to person as per individual preferences.
However, fish oil supplements should always be consumed after a full meal that is rich in healthy fats. You can also include natural citrus products such as lemons, oranges, citrons, grapefruit, or pomelo to combat fish aftertaste.
We hope that this informative guide on the best time to take fish oil was useful to you.
Enrich your body with a slew of heart, joint, eye, and brain benefits by embracing fish oil supplements now, and don't forget to stick to this healthy habit in the long term.