Omega-3 Fatty Acids Explained: EPA vs DHA, Testing, Dosing & Side Effects episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 22, 2026 · 59 MIN

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Explained: EPA vs DHA, Testing, Dosing & Side Effects

from Doctor Eye Health Podcast

Most people are taking omega-3 supplements wrong… and don’t even realize it.In this expert-led episode, omega-3 fatty acids are broken down simply covering EPA vs DHA, real omega-3 benefits, proper dosing, testing your omega-3 index, and the truth about side effects.Dr. Joseph Allen sits down with leading researcher Dr. Bill Harris to explain how omega-3 works in the body, how much EPA and DHA you actually need, and how to know if your fish oil supplement is effective.You’ll learn why most people are underdosing, how to choose the right omega-3 supplement, and how omega-3 supports heart health, brain function, inflammation, and eye health with clear, evidence-based guidance you can actually use.In This Episode You Will Learn✅ The difference between EPA, DHA, and plant-based omega-3✅ Why most people are taking omega-3 incorrectly✅ How omega-3 affects heart health, inflammation, and brain function✅ How to test your omega-3 levels with the Omega-3 Index✅ The truth about fish oil supplements, dosing, and absorptionIf you want to test the omega 3 numbers in your own blood (Before and after) Save 5% with OmegaQuant https://omegaquant.com/ref/533Timestamps(00:00) Omega-3 Basics Explained: What They Are & Why They Matter (03:12) Types of Fats: Saturated vs Omega-3 vs Omega-6 (06:39) EPA vs DHA vs ALA: Key Differences Explained (11:05) Omega-3 Benefits for Heart, Brain & Inflammation (17:37) Omega-3 and Eye Health: Retina, Vision & Macular Degeneration (19:22) Omega-3 Deficiency: Are Most People Low? (22:00) Omega-3 Index Test: How to Measure Your Levels (26:43) How to Read Fish Oil Labels (EPA & DHA Explained) (29:17) Best Omega-3 Dosage: How Much Do You Need? (31:02) Why Some Omega-3 Studies Fail (Dose & Duration Issues) (32:04) Fish Oil Forms: Triglyceride vs Ethyl Ester (40:01) EPA vs DHA Ratio: Does It Matter? (42:07) Omega-3 Safety: Side Effects, Bleeding & Risks (48:04) Omega-3 and Atrial Fibrillation Risk ExplainedKey Takeaways🔹 Most people are underdosing omega-3 or taking the wrong type of supplement🔹 EPA and DHA (marine omega-3s) provide the most proven health benefits, not plant-based ALA🔹 Omega-3 can lower triglycerides, reduce inflammation, and support heart and brain health🔹 The Omega-3 Index (8–12%) is the optimal range for long-term health outcomes🔹 Proper dosing and consistency matter more than the brand or ratio of EPA to DHAWatch more on omega-3, fish oil, and EPA vs DHA:👉I Took Omega 3 Fish Oil for 90 Days, Here’s What Happened: https://youtu.be/UyiQINLdjDk👉Best Omega 3 Fish Oil for Dry Eyes: https://youtu.be/UQfD2mdKAl0👉I Tried Vegan Omega 3 for 3 Months – Is It as Good as Fish Oil?: https://youtu.be/WhHCOVivP_kGuest BioWilliam S. Harris, PhD Founder & President of the Fatty Acid Research Institute & Founder, OmegaQuant Analytics Dr. Harris has been a leading researcher in the omega-3 fatty acid field for 40 years. He has over 360 scientific papers on fatty acids and health, the vast majority on omega-3. He has been on the faculty of three medical schools (Universities of Kansas, Missouri (at Kansas City), and South Dakota), and has received 5 NIH grants to study omega-3. He was the co-author on three AHA statements on fatty acids and heart health. As the co-inventor of the Omega-3 Index (and other omega-3 blood tests) and founder of OmegaQuant Analytics, Dr. Harris has been ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide based on the impact of his research.Website links:Fatty Acid Research Institute: www.fareinst.orgOmegaQuant Analytics: www.omegaquant.comSocial Media Links/Handles:Facebook: @Omega3IndexInstagram: @OmegaQuantYouTube: @OmegaQuantLabLinkedIn: @OmegaQuant-AnalyticsTwitter: @OmegaQuantTwitter: @FariOmega3LinkedIn: @FattyAcidResearchInstituteResources & LinksWebsite: Doctor Eye Health https://www.doctoreyehealth.com/YouTube: Doctor Eye Health https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorEyeHealthInstagram: @doctoreyehealth https://www.instagram.com/doctoreyehealthTikTok: Doctor Eye Health https://www.tiktok.com/@doctoreyehealthFacebook: Doctor Eye Health https://www.facebook.com/DoctorEyeHealthLinkedIn: Dr. Joseph Allen https://www.linkedin.com/DISCLAIMER:This video is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Watching this content does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your physician or eye care professional regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions. All content and information is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor or health professional. In addition, some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning, at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.omega-3 fatty acids, EPA vs DHA, fish oil supplements, omega-3 benefits, omega-3 dosing, omega-3 index test, eye health nutrition, inflammation reduction, heart health supplements, omega-3 side effects

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids Explained: EPA vs DHA, Testing, Dosing & Side Effects

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How long is this episode of Doctor Eye Health Podcast?

This episode is 59 minutes long.

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This episode was published on April 22, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Most people are taking omega-3 supplements wrong… and don’t even realize it.In this expert-led episode, omega-3 fatty acids are broken down simply covering EPA vs DHA, real omega-3 benefits, proper dosing, testing your omega-3 index, and the truth...

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