Fish oil supplements have a variety of health benefits, but as with any supplement, you should be aware of certain precautions before taking self-treatment. You should discuss the addition of any supplement with your doctor. The American Heart Association recommends two servings of fish over lean meat, due to the added benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.
Effects
Avoid eating fish or taking a fish oil supplement if you suffer from an allergic reaction to fish. According to MayoClinic.com, a rare skin rash may form. Obtain omega-3 fatty acids from other sources, including ground flaxseeds, walnuts and canola oil. Side effects of fish oil include belching with a fishy aftertaste, bad breath, nausea, loose stools and nosebleeds.
Dosage
According to MayoClinic.com, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regards 3 g omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil per day as generally safe. Still, people suffering from diabetes may suffer from slightly increased blood sugar levels when taking fish oil, though this is unlikely. Children, pregnant and breast-feeding women should take caution when taking fish oil supplements or eating fish because of the risk of high levels of mercury. Still, fish oil supplements contain hardly any mercury, reports MayoClinc.com. Taking high doses of fish oil, over 3 mg, is considered unsafe. High levels may prevent blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding, MedlinePlus states. Large amounts also increase LDL cholesterol levels, also known as bad cholesterol.
Additional Precautions
Patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression may see an increase in symptoms when taking fish oil. Still, other patients report fish oil decreases symptoms of depression in both conditions. Carefully monitor your behavior and emotions when taking the supplement. Some people believe fish oil supplements may prevent Alzheimer's disease, however, MedlinePlus reports that fish oil does not prevent the decline in cognitive skills when mild to moderate Alzheimer's is already present.
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