Concentrated fish oil supplements are known to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering your levels of triglycerides or "bad fats" in your blood. Fish oil may also reduce your blood cholesterol levels, lower your blood pressure and prevent a number of diseases brought on by excess inflammation. When used at recommended doses, fish oil is considered to be safe and has only a few limited side effects.
Upset Stomach
Stomach complaints are among the most common side effects of fish oil concentrate supplementation. MayoClinic.com notes that upset stomach, gaseousness and bloating are commonly reported side effects of fish oil use, particularly at the start of supplementation. The gaseousness associated with fish oil use may cause you to experience excessive burping with a fishy aftertaste. Acid reflux and heartburn are other gastrointestinal side effects related to fish oil use. The digestive system-related side effects of fish oil supplementation may be minimized if fish oil is taken with meals rather than on an empty stomach.
Bleeding
When taken at high doses of over 4 mg per day, fish oil may in theory increase spontaneous bleeding and nose bleeding, according to MedlinePlus. While it may be important for individuals with bleeding disorders to exercise caution while using fish oil, bleeding side effects from fish oil are typically rare. Dr. William Davis of HealthCentral explains that while fish oil thins the blood and decreases the ability of blood to clot, these are usually considered to be positive aspects of fish oil use, as it helps to reduce the risk of forming bad clots that may result in heart attack and stroke.
Vitamin E Deficiency
Long-term fish oil supplementation may block the ability of your body to absorb vitamin E and lead to a vitamin E deficiency. For this reason, extra vitamin E is often added to some fish oil concentrate products. Using large amounts of fish oil products with added vitamin E may cause an excessive buildup of vitamin E in the body.
Rash
In rare cases, fish oil supplementation may irritate your skin and cause rashes. Drugs.com explains that about 2 percent of people who take fish oil will develop skin rashes as a side effect.
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