Confusing Omega 3's. Ignore capsule size!
How much Omega 3 should I take for dry eye?
Simple question but the answer is a bit complex. Omega 3 supplements vary widely in their potency.
The following information is what I recommend in clinic. It is not applicable to everyone and talk to your eye care provider for more individualized information.
STEP 1 - Look at the label of your Omega 3 supplement and find these numbers:
Serving Size: e.g. 1,2,4 capsules
Capsule Size: e.g. 500mg to 1200mg
EPA content and DHA content in mg.
Ignore the serving size initially and find the EPA + DHA total
For dry eye, this total (EPA+DHA) needs to be 1000mg per day. Then figure out how many servings that you need to get ~1000mg/day of EPA + DHA
I often recommended up to 2000mg/day (EPA+DHA). The take away here is that the capsule size is irrelevant.
The form of the Omega 3 is important for bio-availability and triglyceride form is preferred.
See example below
On the above Krill Omega 3 label... one capsule (serving) has 75mg (EPA) + 45mg (DHA) = 120mg. For dry eye therapy I recommend >1000mg/day so... you would need 1000/120 = 8.33 ~ 8 capsules a day. (That's a lot!)
On this PRN De Omega 3 label ...
...one serving is 4 capsules which delivers 920 mg (EPA) + 920 mg (DHA) = 1840mg.
I would recommend 2-3 capsules of the PRN high potency product.
You can buy PRN and other Omega 3 product from mEYEspa.
Liquid Omega 3's generally have high potency and usually 1/2 a teaspoon will achieve the ~1000mg guideline but check the label.
Most important TIP... Take with food! Without food, even the best Omega 3 will not absorb properly and not deliver the desired result!
Dr. J
PS Looking for eye drop product recommendations? Try the mEYEspa product guidance quiz
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