Some companies may exaggerate the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids--touting them, for example as a way to prevent cancer, though no scientific studies have proven this. Hype aside, no one debates that Omega-3s are an essential part of the diet. Fish is one of the best sources and, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 3g of Omega-3s a day through fish is GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe). Most Americans don't get enough Omega-3s, but consuming them to excess could cause problems, though in most cases the risks are relatively minor.
Bleeding
In high doses, Omega-3s may interfere with the body's ability to clot blood and lead to excessive bleeding. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises that "people who bruise easily, have a bleeding disorder, or take blood-thinning medications including warfarin (Coumadin) or clopidogrel (Plavix)" should be cautious about their intake of Omega-3s." Diabetics who use medication to control blood sugar levels should consult with their health care providers about what amount of Omega-3s are right for them. While the fetuses of pregnant women may benefit from Omega-3s, the Mayoclinic.com website warns that the risk of increased bleeding makes overconsumption of Omega-3s during pregnancy inadvisable.
Allergies
Some Omega-3 dietary supplements are contain products derived from fish or nuts. Mayoclinic.com advises people allergic to such foods to read the labels for Omega-3 supplements carefully and make sure the supplements do not contain elements of the foods to which they are allergic. Fish oil and some Omega-3 supplements have caused skin rashes, but the Mayo Clinic website says such reports are rare.
Contaminants
Some species of fish are contaminated with methylmercury, dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which the Environmental Protection Agency warns may be particularly harmful to pregnant women and small children. The agency identifies mackerel, shark, swordfish and tilefish as having the highest level of mercury and advises children and pregnant women to eat other fish types.
Brain Function
Essential as Omega-3s are to brain function, father and son scientists Raymond C. and David L. Valentine of the University of California, Santa Barbara published a study in 2010 indicating that, over the course of a lifetime, Omega-3 consumption "can lead to cellular disease and a significant decrease in cognitive function," according to a UC Santa Barbara press release. The study states that Omega-3s are chemically unstable and oxidize quickly, going "rancid" when they do so. David Valentine states that Omega-3s contribute to the degeneration of the brain that comes with aging and that the effects of their instability would never have been an issue when human life expectancy was shorter than it was today. He also does not suggest that people should take fewer omega-3s. "I consume plenty ... because I think the benefits to human health far outweigh the down sides," he says.
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