You can get fish oil by consuming fish or by taking fish oil supplements. Fish oil supplements contain abundant levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are often combined with calcium, vitamins and iron, MedlinePlus reports. Fish oil can be used for many conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol levels and diseases affecting the brain. However, there are arguments against the use of fish oil you should consider before increasing your fish oil intake.
Allergic Reaction
Fish oil can cause a severe allergic reaction, Drugs.com explains. Your body may react to the fish oil by producing immune responses that can cause life-threatening allergies. Symptoms include hives; difficulty breathing; and swelling of the lips, face and tongue and mouth. Without emergency medical help, an allergic reaction to fish oil can prove deadly. If you have experienced a previous allergic response to fish oil, you should avoid any further ingestion of the supplement.
Increased Risk of Bleeding
One argument against the use of fish oil is it may increase your risk of bleeding, MayoClinic.com notes. Large doses of omega-3 fatty acids, a chief component of fish oil, have been shown to increase the chances of developing a bleeding disorder. Most doctors recommend taking only 3 g of omega-3 fatty acid per day. Excess intake can increase your chances of developing nosebleeds and blood in your urine. Fish oil can disrupt the functioning of platelets in your body and can cause a deficiency in certain factors that help form blood clots.
Increase in Blood Sugar Levels
Blood sugar levels are the amount of glucose, or sugar, that is circulating in your bloodstream. Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to diabetes mellitus and can cause damage to blood vessels and the kidneys. Fish oil supplements can cause an increase in blood sugar levels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Diabetic patients should be wary of taking fish oil supplements because anything that increases their sugar levels can lead to diabetic complications. If you are currently suffering from diabetes or have a high blood sugar level, you should consult your doctor before ingesting fish oil supplements.
Possible Danger During Pregnancy
Fish oil and fish oil supplements are categorized as pregnancy category C, Drugs.com reports. This means there have been insufficient studies on the effect of this supplement on a growing fetus. There remains a chance that fish oil can be harmful to an unborn child. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should talk to their doctor before taking fish oil supplements.
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