Omega-3 fatty acids -- found in all fish oils -- can reduce inflammation, lower triglycerides, prevent heart disease and lower blood pressure. These are necessary for the body to function properly, but are available only through dietary sources. According to MedlinePlus.com, 3.5 oz. of fish contain approximately 1g of omega-3 fatty acids. The FDA considers consuming up to 3g of omega-3 per day, with no more than 2g from supplements, as safe. Ingesting omega-3 can bring on negative health consequences so before adding omega-3 to your diet, especially in supplement form, consult your physician for guidance.
Gastrointestinal Upset
Overconsumption of omega-3 fatty acids commonly leads to gastrointestinal complications. These disturbances may include nausea and diarrhea, belching, heartburn and abdominal pain and bloating. Some individuals also report a fishy aftertaste in the mouth when taking fish oil supplements. The website RD411 recommends taking omega-3 fish oil supplements with meals, and starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it over time, to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
Bleeding Risk
High doses of fish oil may increase the risk of excessive bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke. This is because the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have anti-coagulant properties. This means they decrease how quickly the blood clots. This can also thin blood to unsafe levels as well as increase the risk of nosebleeds or blood in the urine, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Increased LDL Levels
Although rare, taking more than the recommended amount of omega-3 fatty acids per day may raise low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, levels. Also known as bad cholesterol, high levels of LDL can accumulate on artery walls and lead to a condition known as atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Increases in LDL levels depend on the amount of omega-3 fatty acids ingested and may rise by as much as five to 10 percent, according to the Mayo Clinic. It may be necessary to monitor cholesterol levels while taking fish oil supplements to identify unhealthy LDL levels.
Blood Pressure
Individuals with low blood pressure or those taking medications to lower their blood pressure should speak with a doctor before taking fish oil supplements as small drops in blood pressure are possible. According to the Mayo Clinic, multiple clinical studies have shown reductions in blood pressure of several points. Also known as hypotension, low blood pressure can lead to weakness, dizziness and fainting as well as severe damage to the brain and heart due to decreased oxygen delivery.
References
- RD411: Triglycerides and Omega-3s
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
- American Heart Association: Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology: Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease
- Mayo Clinic: Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-Linolenic Acid
- Mayo Clinic: Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA Announces Qualified Health Claims for Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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