Read the Label
When you buy capsules of omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil you are likely to see labels that read something like "Fish Oil — 1,000 milligrams." What you need to know is that the 1,000 milligrams refers to the total weight of the capsule, not its omega-3 content.
You need to look at the fine print on the side of the label, where the actual omega-3 fatty acid content will be listed. This will usually be 300 milligrams or 500 milligrams, and is often broken out as DHA and EPA, the two omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil.
The sum of these two is the total omega-3 content of the capsule. Again, aim for a total dose of 800 milligrams to 1,000 milligrams.