I recently got these Omega-3 fish oil sachets, and honestly, supplements are becoming so common now.

Walk into a pharmacy or supplement store in Nigeria and you'll find all kinds of products being recommended for different things.

Omega-3 is one of those supplements you hear about a lot.

“Take Omega-3 for your brain.”

“It's good for your heart.”

“Take it for your skin.”

But before you add another supplement to your routine, there's one question I think we should ask:

Do I actually need it?

Omega-3 refers to a group of essential fatty acids. Some types, particularly EPA and DHA, are commonly found in oily fish and seafood.

They play important roles in the body, and eating fish can be a good way to get Omega-3.

But getting Omega-3 from food and taking a fish-oil supplement aren't exactly the same thing.

A supplement may be useful for some people depending on their diet and individual health needs. It doesn't mean everyone needs to take one simply because it's popular.

And please don't assume that because something is a supplement, it's automatically harmless.

Fish-oil supplements can cause side effects and may interact with certain medicines.

Also, if you see “1000 mg fish oil” on a product, don't immediately assume that means you're getting 1000 mg of EPA and DHA. The actual amounts are usually listed separately on the label.

So before you buy that supplement because your friend, neighbour or someone online recommended it, read the label and know what you're actually taking.

And if you have a health condition, take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or you're simply unsure whether a supplement is appropriate for you, speak with a healthcare professional first.

I took this picture of the Omega-3 sachets I got because I realised that sometimes we buy supplements because we've heard they're “good for the body” without stopping to ask what they're actually for.

Let's not just take supplements because they're trending. Let's understand what we're putting into our bodies.

Have you ever bought a supplement because someone recommended it to you?

🇳🇬 Nigerians, which supplement do you see people recommending the most?