Omega-3 fatty acid, often found in fish oil, is a supplement that has been marketed to reduce the risk of fatal complications arising from heart disease. Your diet should include a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which can be obtained from fish or dietary supplements. However, avoid taking too much of these fatty acids, because they have been linked to a variety of harmful effects. Consult a doctor before increasing your omega-3 fatty acid intake.
Clotting Difficulties
To prevent excessive bleeding, your body has a variety of clotting factors that allow blood to clot and stop blood from escaping from a torn vessel. High doses of omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to potentially reduce the efficacy of your blood's clotting factors, says Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. Taking more than 3g of omega-3 fatty acids per day can increase your risk of developing a bleeding disorder. If you are taking an anticoagulant medication, such as warfarin, consult a physician before taking any supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids.
Increase in Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is the form of cholesterol in your body that can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Patients with high LDL levels are more prone to developing heart disease. In 5 to 10 percent of patients, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to increase LDL levels, according to MayoClinic.com. The LDL increase is directly proportional to the dose of omega-3 fatty acids. This means that the higher the dose of omega-3 fatty acids, the greater the increase in LDL levels. Therefore, if you have above-normal LDL levels, avoid consuming excess amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Too much omega-3 fatty acids can cause a variety of gastrointestinal side effects, says Drugs.com. You may experience an increase in belching, stomach discomfort, constipation, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, blood in your stool and vomiting. These effects are caused by the fatty acid's ability to irritate the cells of the intestinal tract. The severity of these effects increase as the dosage of omega-3 fatty acid increases. Refrain from taking more than 3g of omega-3 fatty acids per day.
Reduced Blood Levels
If you are taking omega-3 fatty acids, your blood pressure may drop 3 to 5 mmHg. This reduction in blood pressure is a side effect of omega-3 fatty acids, says MayoClinic.com The higher the dose the greater the effect on blood pressure. This reduction in blood pressure can become deadly if you are also taking medication to reduce your blood pressure. The additive effects of omega-3 fatty acids and your medication can lead to a sudden and life-threatening decrease in blood pressure.
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