Fish-oil supplements are scientifically proven to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. In the quest to improve health and well-being, some may erroneously take additional doses of fish oil and end up harming their body. Elevated fish-oil dosages are directly correlated to the severity of side effects suffered, MayoClinic.com reports.
Tastes Fishy
Fish oil dosages around 3 g per day are considered generally safe by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration. Low dosages are not without certain side effects, however, which may not impact all users. MayoClinic.com reports some complaints of a fish-like taste in their mouth after ingesting fish-oil capsules. Less frequently noted are complaints of skin rashes and heartburn.
Diarrhea and Bloating
Elevated doses of fish oil are directly linked to gastrointestinal complaints, MayoClinic.com states. Bloating and stomach pains may follow a high dose or a first-time use of fish-oil supplements. Diarrhea is a common side effect of fish oil, yet these liquid stools may be the product of introducing any oil into a diet.
Heavy Metal Toxicity
Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury and cadmium, are ingested by fish living in polluted waters and infiltrate the unrefined oil supplements. MayoClinic.com warns that pesticides are also present in some of these unrefined oils, which can lead to cancer with long-standing use of extremely high doses. Pregnant and lactating women as well as children are encouraged to avoid fish-oil supplements in any form due to the potential for mercury poisoning.
Bleeding and Rebound Effect
At low doses, fish-oil supplements benefit the heart by slowing platelet aggregation --- the clots responsible for causing heart attacks. However, at high doses, hemorrhagic, or bleeding, strokes have been reported from fish oil. By stopping the platelets from clotting the blood, small capillaries in the nose and organs may cause nosebleeds and blood in the urine. Some users have experienced a rebound effect from high doses of fish oil; rather than lowering their cholesterol as hoped, high levels of fish oil can actually raise the low-density lipoproteins, or bad cholesterol.
Member Comments