Complications arising from cardiovascular diseases include heart attacks, sudden death and life-threatening arrhythmias. In order to prevent these complications, your doctor may recommend an increase in your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. These special fats, often found in fish oil and fresh fish, have been shown to significantly decrease your risk for mortality associated with coronary heart disease, according to an article in "American Family Physician." However, supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids can have unintended adverse side effects that you should know about.
Increased Risk of Bleeding Disorders
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are linked to an increased risk of bleeding, reports MayoClinic.com. However, bleeding disorders do not occur in doses of three grams or less. You are only at a risk of developing bleeding problems if you are taking large amounts of omega-3 supplements. High doses may cause you to develop blood in the urine and an increased frequency of nosebleeds. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to interfere with platelet aggregation and increase the break down of blood clots.
Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetic patients are encouraged to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels. Omega-3 fatty acids can increase fasting blood sugar levels, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. This can be disruptive in the strict control that diabetics must have on their sugar levels. Diabetic medications such as glipizide, glyburide and insulin can be less effective when omega-3 supplements are added to the diet. You should consult your healthcare provider before taking omega-3 fatty acids. Your doctor may need to increase the dosages of these drugs.
Immune System Abnormalities
Fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids might reduce your body's immune system, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. This can increase your risk of infection and developing complications from those infections. This affect on the immune system is especially worrisome for patients who are suffering from immune disorders, such as HIV and AIDS, and the elderly. These patients should only take low doses of omega-3 fatty acids and avoid excess amounts of the supplement.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Stomach and intestinal problems are a side effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, reports MayoClinic.com. You can suffer from stomach upset and pain, diarrhea, heartburn, and increased frequency of belching. The diarrhea becomes more severe as you increase your dosage of omega-3 fatty acids. In order to reduce the development of these effects, you should limit your intake of omega-3 fatty acids and take the supplements with a full meal.
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