Taking 2 grams of omega-3 fish oil daily can lower triglycerides by up to 30%.

fact_checkWhat experts say

• infoIn people with high triglycerides, high daily amounts of active omega-3 can lower triglycerides.123
• infoDrops of about 25–30% have been seen with certain high-strength omega-3 products, not with every fish oil product.123
• infoThe amount that matters is the active omega-3 in the product, not just the total grams of fish oil. Many supplements contain much less than the amounts that can lower triglycerides.13
• infoHigh-dose omega-3 can raise the risk of atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat.3

checklistWhat to do

• check_circleIf you have high triglycerides, ask a doctor about your treatment, including food, exercise and medicines.2
• check_circleCheck the label for the amount of active omega-3 in the supplement; do not assume all fish oil products are the same.3
• check_circleAsk a doctor before taking high-dose fish oil, especially if you have a heart rhythm problem.3

menu_bookSources

1. 1Fish oil – how does it reduce plasma triglycerides?nih.govopen_in_new
2. 2The Forgotten Lipids: Triglycerides, Remnant Cholesterol, and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risknih.govopen_in_new
3. 3Health Claims and Doses of Fish Oil Supplements in the USnih.govopen_in_new

Updated 21 Oct 2026