Fish oils such as cod liver oil contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids that can have a number of positive effects on your health. Most notably, cod liver oil can help to prevent cardiovascular disease. There are a few mild and rare complications of cod liver oil that should be considered before beginning fish oil supplementation.
Stomachaches
Stomachaches and digestive problems are the most common side effect reported by people who take fish oil, including cod liver oil. MayoClinic.com explains that you may experience a number of mild stomach issues when taking cod liver oil, including diarrhea, nausea and heartburn. These complications are most likely to occur when you first begin taking fish oil and usually go away after your body adjusts to taking this supplement.
Fish-Flavored Burps
In addition to stomachaches, you may experience excess gas as a common side effect of cod oil supplementation. Many people who use cod liver oil report that they burp a lot more while taking it. These burps often have a fishy flavor and leave a fish aftertaste. In addition to fishy breath, some people also report having a fishy body odor while taking large amounts of fish oil.
Bleeding
It is thought that fish oil prevents heart attack and stroke in part by preventing blood clotting. If clots are not able to form in your arteries, then you are less likely to have a heart attack. Unfortunately, fish oil may also prevent wanted blood clotting. Most people do not need to worry about the potential for decreased blood clotting. If you have a bleeding disorder, it may be best to avoid large doses of fish oil or discuss fish oil therapies with your physician. MedlinePlus explains that your incidence of spontaneous nose bleeding may increase if you regularly take high amounts of cod liver oil. There is also a small chance of developing hemorrhages if you have certain bleeding disorders.
Vitamin A Toxicity
The University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter explains that cod liver oil contains high levels of vitamin A and may contribute to vitamin A toxicity. It is unlikely that you will develop vitamin toxicity problems from taking cod liver oil alone. If you are taking large doses of cod liver oil on a daily basis in combination with a high-vitamin A multivitamin, you may be at risk for having a toxic reaction to vitamin A. Common effects of vitamin A toxicity include loss of bone density as well as birth defects in children born from mothers with too much vitamin A. Pregnant mothers should not exceed 10,000 U of vitamin A per day and should ensure that their vitamin regimen does not exceed this levels.
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