Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that you obtain through your diet, and are associated with several health benefits. For example, they reduce your risk of heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. Omega-3 fatty acids come mostly from fish, but other sources include walnuts and canola oil. Before increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, consult your doctor, because the oils can cause a number of unwanted and potentially dangerous side effects.
Bleeding
High quantities of omega-3 fatty acids exceeding 3g per day increase your risk of bleeding, according to MedlinePlus. This risk increases if you have a bleeding disorder or take medications to thin your blood.
Stomach Upset
while fish oil supplements are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, the oil is associated with bad breath, belching, bloating and diarrhea. You can reduce these side effects by taking fish oil supplements with your meals.
Fall in Blood Pressure
Omega-3 fatty acids appear to cause expansion of blood vessels, according to MedlinePlus. This can lead to a fall in blood pressure. While a reduction in blood pressure may benefit some people, it could cause an excessive drop in others, which could cause fainting and other problems.
Impaired Diabetic Control
Omega-3 fatty acids may cause a rise in fasting blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes, according to the University of Maryland Health Center. Increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids could lead to impaired diabetic control. To avoid this, obtain medical advice before making changes to your intake.
Dangerous Contaminants
The American Heart Association notes that fish can contain harmful contaminants, including mercury, dioxins and polychlorinated diphenyls. Contaminants tend to be in older, predatory fish, like shark. The Food and Drug Administration advises pregnant women and children to avoid consuming fish that are more likely to contain these contaminants, particularly shark, king mackerel and swordfish.
Drug Interactions
Omega-3 fatty acids can interact with several medications, according to the University of Maryland Health Center. For example, they could enhance the blood thinning properties of drugs intended to thin blood, increasing the risk of bleeding. In addition, blood pressure medications can cause excessive drops in blood pressure when taken in conjunction with omega-3 fatty acids. Birth control pills may reduce the beneficial triglyceride-lowering actions associated with omega-3 fatty acids.
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