Key Takeaways
\nYou can take omega-3s and vitamin E together, but research on the combination is still limited.Some studies suggest potential benefits for insulin resistance, cholesterol, and oxidative stress with combined use, but more evidence is needed. Omega-3 and vitamin E also have distinct health benefits when taken individually.Talk to your healthcare provider before combining them, especially if you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, since both supplements can increase bleeding risk.<\/p>\n
Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E supplements can be taken together. However, the potential benefits of combining them are not well studied.\n<\/p>\n
Can I Take Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin E Supplements Together? <\/p>\n
A few studies show potential benefits, but overall, the effects of combining these supplements are not well researched:\n<\/p>\n
Insulin resistance<\/a>: A small study found that combining the two supplements may have a beneficial effect on insulin levels and insulin resistance in people with coronary artery disease. More research is needed. However, when taking supplements, you should discuss the following with your healthcare provider:\n<\/p>\n Intended effectWhich product is best to try (third-party tested products are recommended)Proper dosingPossible drug interactionsExpected outcome<\/p>\n Since both supplements may increase bleeding risks, this should be discussed with your provider, especially if you take blood-thinning medications<\/a> or have a bleeding disorder.<\/p>\n What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids? <\/p>\n Omega-3 fatty acids<\/a> are polyunsaturated fatty acids that have an anti-inflammatory effect.\n<\/p>\n The most common omega-3 fatty acids include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).\n<\/p>\n Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods and available in supplement form. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids in food<\/a> include:\n<\/p>\n Fatty fish: Salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel, trout, oysters, seabass, cod, tunaShellfish: Oysters, shrimp, lobster, scallopsNuts: walnutsSeeds: Flaxseed and chia seedOils: Flaxseed oil, canola oil, soybean oilBeans: Edamame, kidney beans, baked beans<\/p>\n What Do Omega-3 Fatty Acids Do in the Body? <\/p>\n Omega-3 fatty acids from food or supplements may reduce:\n<\/p>\n What Is Vitamin E? <\/p>\n Vitamin E actually refers to a group of fat-soluble compounds with antioxidant properties. Alpha-tocopherol is the most common of the compounds. Other compounds include beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol, as well as alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienol.\n<\/p>\n Good dietary sources of vitamin E include:\n<\/p>\n Oils: Wheatgerm, sunflower, safflower, corn, and soybean oilsSunflower seedsNuts: Peanuts, hazelnuts, almondsPeanut butterVegetables and fruit: Spinach, broccoli, kiwi, mango, tomato<\/p>\n What Does Vitamin E Do in the Body? <\/p>\n Vitamin E from food or supplements may:\n<\/p>\n Provide antioxidants Risks of Taking Omega-3 and Vitamin E Supplements <\/p>\n Possible side effects of taking omega-3 fatty acids<\/a> include:\n<\/p>\n Unpleasant tasteBad breathStomach discomfort<\/p>\n Taking excess omega-3 fatty acids may also reduce immune function and increase bleeding risk, especially if taken alongside blood-thinning medications.\n<\/p>\n It is recommended to supplement with no more than 4 grams daily of omega-3 fatty acids unless prescribed differently by your healthcare provider.<\/p>\n Vitamin E from foods is safe. However, taking excess vitamin E through supplementation may increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke<\/a> and prostate cancer.\n<\/p>\n In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements the way it regulates prescription medications. As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label.\u00a0<\/p>\n When choosing a supplement<\/a>, look for products independently tested or certified by organizations such as NSF<\/a>, U.S. Pharmacopeia<\/a>, or ConsumerLab.com<\/a>. For personalized guidance, consult your healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.<\/p>\n Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process<\/a> to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.<\/p>\n Saboori S, Djalali M, Yousefi Rad E, et al. Various effects of omega 3 and omega 3 plus vitamin E supplementations on serum glucose level and insulin resistance in patients with coronary artery disease.<\/a>\u00a0Iran J Public Health. 2016;45(11):1465-1472.<\/p>\n Sepidarkish M, Morvaridzadeh M, Akbari-Fakhrabadi M, et al. Effect of omega-3 fatty acid plus vitamin E Co-Supplementation on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis<\/a>.\u00a0Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2019;13(2):1649-1656. doi:10.1016\/j.dsx.2019.03.018<\/p>\n Sepidarkish M, Akbari-Fakhrabadi M, Daneshzad E, et al. Effect of omega-3 fatty acid plus vitamin E Co-Supplementation on oxidative stress parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis<\/a>. Clin Nutr. 2020;39(4):1019-1025. doi: 10.1016\/j.clnu.2019.05.004<\/p>\n National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids<\/a>.<\/p>\n Manson JE, Cook NR, Lee IM, et al. Marine n-3 fatty acids and prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer<\/a>.\u00a0N Engl J Med. 2019;380(1):23-32. doi:10.1056\/NEJMoa1811403<\/p>\n Sutariya B, Montenegro DM, Chukwu M, et al. Emphasis on icosapent ethyl for cardiovascular risk reduction: a systematic review<\/a>.\u00a0Cureus. 2022;14(12):e32346. doi:10.7759\/cureus.32346<\/p>\n Bilgundi K, Viswanatha GL, Purushottam KM, et al. Docosahexaenoic acid and pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association with improved maternal and fetal health<\/a>.\u00a0Nutr Res. 2024;128:82-93. doi:10.1016\/j.nutres.2024.06.008<\/p>\n Gkiouras K, Grammatikopoulou MG, Myrogiannis I, et al. Efficacy of n-3 fatty acid supplementation on rheumatoid arthritis’ disease activity indicators: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials<\/a>. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024;64(1):16-30. doi:10.1080\/10408398.2022.2104210<\/p>\n National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin E.<\/a><\/p>\n O’Connor EA, Evans CV, Ivlev I, et al. Vitamin and mineral supplements for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force<\/a>.\u00a0JAMA. 2022;327(23):2334-2347. doi:10.1001\/jama.2021.15650<\/p>\n Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision loss: AREDS report no. 8.<\/a>\u00a0Arch Ophthalmol. 2001;119(10):1417-1436. doi:10.1001\/archopht.119.10.1417<\/p>\n Sesso HD, Buring JE, Christen WG, et al. Vitamins E and C in the prevention of cardiovascular disease in men: The Physicians’ Health Study II Randomized Controlled Trial.<\/a> JAMA. 2008;300(18):2123\u20132133. doi:10.1001\/jama.2008.600<\/p>\n
\nCholesterol: A systematic review and meta-analysis found that the two supplements may lower very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)<\/a>, a type of cholesterol that carries triglycerides to your tissues. However, it did not affect other lipid profile parameters.
\nOxidative stress: A meta-analysis showed that combining these supplements may help reduce oxidative stress<\/a> by increasing nitric oxide<\/a> levels, boosting antioxidant effects, and lowering malondialdehyde levels (a marker of oxidative stress).<\/p>\n
\nSupport immune function
\nReduce risk of heart disease (vitamin E in the diet; vitamin E supplements don’t appear to reduce heart disease risk)
\nSlow progression of age-related macular degeneration<\/a> (AMD)<\/p>\n