The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may decrease your risk for heart disease, arthritis, abnormal heartbeat and cancer. Omega-3 fats lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and decrease the amount of plaque that builds up in your arteries. However, as with any supplement, there are possible side effects and risks to taking fish oil supplements.
Side Effects
Some people experience unpleasant side effects from fish oil supplements. These include skin rashes, fishy aftertaste or fishy burps, upset stomach, diarrhea, gas and heartburn. If you take high doses of fish oil, you may have an increased risk of bleeding. You can minimize these side effects if you start with a small dose of fish oil and gradually increase the dose, and if you consume the supplement with food.
Drug Interactions
If you take blood-thinning medications or diabetes medications, speak with your doctor before taking fish oil supplements, as they may make it necessary to change the dosage of your medication. Blood-thinning medication amounts may need to be decreased, and diabetes medications may need to be increased because of the effects of the fish oil.
Toxicity
Up to 3 g of fish oil per day is generally regarded as safe, according to the American Heart Association. You should only take more than this under the supervision of a doctor, as high intakes of fish oil can cause excessive bleeding and elevated levels of fat-soluble vitamins. If you are allergic to fish or soy, you should not take fish oil supplements.
Considerations
If you are diabetic, pregnant, drink more than two alcoholic beverages per day or have disorders of the liver, pancreas or thyroid, speak with your doctor before taking fish oil supplements.
Fish oil supplements may also be contaminated with toxic substances such as PCBs, dioxins, lead, cadmium and mercury, so choose a product that is certified free of these contaminants.
Expert Insight
If you are healthy and not at increased risk for developing heart disease, the American Heart Association recommends that you get your fish oil through fish low in mercury, and eat this type of fish twice a week. This will limit the risks and side effects associated with fish oil supplements. If you have heart disease, you should take 1 g per day of EPA and DHA through fish oil supplements. If you have high cholesterol, take 2 to 4 g per day of EPA and DHA through fish oil supplements under the supervision of your doctor.
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