When it comes to introducing supplements to your diet for better health, multivitamins, and fish oil omega 3 fish oil are likely the top contenders. You may even consider going both of these at the same time—and doing so needs some attention to detail.
Generally, it is perfectly fine to consume multivitamins and omega 3 supplements together. You’ll even find multivitamins that contain some percentage of omega 3. However, the primary concern in taking multivitamins and fish oil together is the chance of over-consuming certain vitamins and minerals. And in order to avoid this. Know the right way to take multivitamins with fish oil
Vitamins To Watch Out for On A Multivitamin Label
If you’re adding multivitamins and omega 3 to your dietary regime simultaneously, make sure you’re checking the labels. For omega 3, all you need to do is check the quantities of EPA and DHA—i.e. fatty acids in omega 3. Multivitamins, on the other hand, need much more careful scrutinizing. These are the nutrients you need to watch out for:
- Vitamin A & Omega 3
The first and most crucial concern when taking best fish oil supplement omega 3 and multivitamins together is the possible excess of Vitamin A. Generally, vitamin A is vital and beneficial for the immune system, eyesight, and overall growth.
However, since omega 3 fish oil typically contains vitamin A, taking a multivitamin with the same nutrient can result in excessive vitamin A, which brings the unpleasant side effects of abdominal pain, nausea, and possible hair loss amongst other issues.
- Vitamin D & Omega 3
When it comes to growth and development, especially for bone and joint health, vitamin D gets the spotlight. And while Vitamin D is not typically a part of standard fish oil capsules, some omega 3 pill supplements do have this nutrition added for an extra health boost.
Excess Vitamin D has a negative effect on kidney health, as well as other minor side effects. So, it is best to avoid fortified omega 3 and go for regular fish oil if you are taking other supplements that contain vitamin D.
- Vitamin E & Omega 3
You’ll find that vitamin E is often present in commercial fish oil capsules and pills. It’s incredibly beneficial for immunity, skin, and hair growth, adding extra potency to omega 3—which also enhances skin and hair health.
That said, adding vitamin E-rich products to your regime may elevate the levels of this nutrient past the recommended percentage. Contrary to popular belief, if you add ‘lots of vitamins’ to your diet, it isn’t always the best idea. Too much vitamin E can be toxic, affecting bleeding and wound healing. Therefore, go for vitamin E in one of the two supplements—either omega 3 or multivitamins—but not both!
- Vitamin K & Omega 3
Some omega 3 formulations consist of vitamin K, as omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D3, and vitamin K2 work well when you take them together. By combining vitamin K into your diet alongside omega 3, you get the perk of enhanced strength of the cardiac, skeletal, and immune systems.
That being said, you need to watch out for too much vitamin K too. If your omega 3 supplements contain vitamin K and so does your multivitamin bottle, you may end up with high levels of the nutrient in your body—likely becoming susceptible to muscle stiffness, swollen skin and eyes, shortness of breath, and too much sweating.
Checking your supplement labels and sticking to adequate levels of vitamin K is how you get all the benefits and no bothersome side effects!
Taking Omega 3 & Multivitamins Together
Being careful about taking omega 3 and multivitamins is not just about too low or high levels of various nutrients. When you combine your omega 3 fish oil supplement with your multivitamin, it impacts how your body absorbs certain nutrients. You absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K much better when taking these with a meal containing fat. For example: a meal with fatty fish.
Omega 3 fish oil supplements contain the same ‘good’ fat. Trace most omega 3 supplements to fish oils, which come from pressing the body of the fish—bones and all. The most popular fatty fish for fish oils are salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, and sardines.
These contain various micronutrients in addition to omega 3. However, these are not in such high percentages that you need to worry about excessive consumption with omega 3 alone. Taking these with multivitamins however is a different journey, one that you navigate with extra consideration.
Tips For Consuming Your Omega 3s Carefully
Here’s how you can take your omega 3s and multivitamins with maximum perks and minimal side effects:
- It’s perfectly fine to incorporate a multivitamin and omega 3 supplements into your routine, especially if you don’t consume a lot of seafood in your diet.
- Keep in mind that when we mention omega 3 supplements, we’re not talking about cod liver oil. This contains a different nutrient composition than oils from freshwater fatty fish.
- Make sure to carefully check the labels of your omega 3 and multivitamin products. Be certain that you’re not surpassing safe consumption levels when taking them together!
- Don’t forget to also review the labels of any other supplements you’re taking aside from omega 3 and multivitamins. Better safe than sick, as many supplements contain nutrients like vitamins A and D.
Sometimes, it becomes necessary for you to add specific nutrient supplements in a higher quantity to address a deficiency. In that case, consulting your doctor helps, and they can guide you about addressing a deficiency safely—starting and stopping extra nutrients when needed.
Bottom Line: Take Your Omega 3s The Smart Way!
Omega 3 supplements have become extremely popular and are now widely available. Adding these to your diet alongside multivitamins helps you stay healthy—as long as you choose safe products and the right dosage. Adhere to the tips above, and you ensure the safety and effectiveness of your vitamins and omega 3 supplements.