Are Omega 3s Such As Flaxseed Oil a Cause of Frequent Urination?

As its name implies, frequent urination is a condition characterized by a need to urinate more often than you normally do 1. You can develop this problem as a result of a wide array of health difficulties. However, frequent urination is not associated with the consumption of the omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed oil and other sources 1.

Omega-3 Basics

Omega-3 fatty acids are substances you need in your diet to keep your body healthy and running properly. Flaxseed oil, which comes from the plant species Linum usitatissimum, contains a form of omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. When you consume ALA, your body transforms it into two other forms of omega-3, called docosahexaenoic acid — or DHA — and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA. You can also get DHA and EPA directly by consuming fish oil, which is collected from a variety of fatty fish species found in cold ocean water.

Frequent Urination Basics

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Some people experience frequent urination symptoms both during the day and at night, according to MayoClinic.com 1. Other people develop a form of the condition called nocturia, which only occurs at night. Frequent urination is different from another condition called urgent urination, which is characterized by bladder discomfort and a sudden, pressing need to urinate 1. However, the two conditions can occur simultaneously. Typically, people with frequent urination have overall urine output levels that equal or fall below average output levels 1.

Frequent Urination Causes

People who have both frequent and urgent urination problems commonly have urinary tract infections, the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s Medline Plus reports 1. You can also develop nocturia symptoms if you drink too much alcohol or caffeine at or near bedtime.

Omega-3 Risks

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Potential risks associated with consumption of omega-3s from flaxseed or other sources include decreases in your blood’s normal ability to clot and increases in your blood glucose levels. Bleeding risks typically come into play when you consume 3 g or more of omega-3 containing fish oil per day. In addition, use of flaxseed or fish oils can intensify the effects of blood-thinning medications, while use of flaxseed oil can reduce the effectiveness of medications designed to lower or control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor for more information on the causes of frequent urination and the potential side effects of omega-3 containing flaxseed and fish oils 1.