However, one thing to note is that some people should consult medical professionals before taking omega-3 supplements. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, those on blood thinners, like warfarin, should take caution. And if you take aspirin, consult a physician when taking both aspirin and omega-3s together. Further, a doctor should be consulted before taking omega-3s with diabetes medications. 

But how many omega-3s do we need? For most people, the goal is unclear.

Let’s put this in perspective by looking at how many omega-3s common foods contain. There are lots of choices that fulfill omega-3 needs. Here are some great options.

• A quarter cup of walnuts will give you 113 percent of the omega-3s you need in a day. 
• Two tablespoons of flaxseeds boast 133 percent of the daily recommended value. 
• Four ounces of salmon contain 55 percent of your daily dose, which is why health experts love salmon. 
• Four ounces of grass-fed beef contains 46 percent. Grass-feeding cows improve omega-3 content, so you’ll want to look for beef that has been fed in this manner.
• A cup of soybeans has a whopping 43 percent of the omega-3s your body needs on a daily basis. 
• Cauliflower can even serve as a source. A cup of cauliflower has 9 percent of the daily recommendation. 
• And when it comes to fish, the Mayo Clinic says that adults should eat fish twice a week, with a serving size of three and a half ounces. This is about the size of a deck of cards.  

But one thing to know is that pregnant women, young children and those trying to conceive should limit fish consumption to decrease mercury exposure. Fish with the highest levels of mercury are shark, tilefish, swordfish and mackerel. These should be avoided or at least limited. Those at risk should have fewer than 12 ounces of fish a week, of which no more than six ounces should come from tuna.

Recommended daily amounts of omega-3 differ. According to Authority Nutrition, there is no set amount that has been officially established. So many organizations promote certain standards, but they aren’t uniform. Generally speaking, the overall number for adults seems to be a minimum of 250-500 mg of EPA and DHA combined daily for healthy people.

However, this number changes when it comes to certain health issues. For example, Authority Nutrition says that the American Heart Association suggests that those with coronary heart disease consume 1,000 mg a day. And for those with high triglycerides, 2,000 to 4,000 mg of EPA and DHA combined is recommended.