Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils are common dietary supplements that have anti-inflammatory properties. Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids is considered essential for health, since these fatty acids are not created by the human body and therefore must be supplied by dietary intake. Eicosapentanoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexanoic acid, or DHA, are omega-3 fatty acids commonly found in fish such as salmon and tuna. Side effects to fish oil, while uncommon, do occur.
Upset Stomach
People taking fish oil capsule supplements have reported GI symptoms that include belching, unpleasant fishy aftertastes in the mouth, excess gas, bloating, diarrhea and loose bowel movements, heart burn and nausea. While these adverse side effects are not uncommon with persons who take fish oil supplements by capsule form, such side effects are not seen in people who increase their dietary intake of omega-3 oil-rich foods such as flax seeds, flax seed oil or fatty fish. Consuming fish oil supplements with meals might also reduce stomach upset. The July 1, 2004, edition of the journal "American Family Physician" reports that such adverse effects appear to depend on the size of the fish oil dose.
Bleeding
Although there are no reported cases of abnormal bleeding because of fish oil consumption, dose-related increases in bleeding time have been reported. Such an effect is considered to create a risk of interaction with the blood thinning medications Coumadin® and Plavix®, also known as warfarin and clopidogrel. The risk of abnormal bleeding is considered higher for persons who consume more than three grams of fish oil per day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Caution is advised for persons who have bleeding disorders, persons who easily bruise, and for persons taking blood-thinning medicines.
Raised Blood Cholesterol
Higher doses of fish oils have been known to increase blood levels of undesirable low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol. However, research has not yet determined how clinically important these findings are, according to the Creighton University School of Medicine (CUSM).
Raised Blood Sugar Levels
Persons with type 2 diabetes who take fish oil supplements may develop higher fasting levels of blood sugar, according to UMMC. However, conflicting evidence exists regarding this effect, and most evidence suggests that fish oil supplements do not cause significant elevations in blood sugar.
Immune System Effects
Higher doses of fish oil supplements can suppress the body's immune response and therefore reduce the body's ability to fight infection, a particular concern for persons who have altered immune response due to immune-suppressing drugs or disease, according to CUSM.
Effects in Pregnancy
There have been no adverse effects reported in women taking fish oil supplements during pregnancy. Generally, fish oil supplements are considered relatively safe for women who are either pregnant or breast feeding.
Member Comments