Negative Effects Of Fish Oil Supplements

Fish oil supplements have gained popularity over the past few years. They have been praised for their preventative powers against heart disease. There are some negative effects, however, that can come from taking fish oil supplements. You should talk to your doctor before taking fish oil supplements. Only you and your doctor can decide if the benefits outweigh the negatives.

Omega Fatty Acids

Most of the fat needed by the body can be made through excess intakes of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. The body, however, cannot make linoleic and linolenic acids, two essential fatty acids. Linolenic acid is better known as omega-6 fatty acid. Linoleic acid is more well-known as omega-3 fatty acid. Both support essential functions in the body.

Fish Oil Supplements

Fish oil supplements are taken as a means to obtain omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids provide oils that make up a large portion of the cerebral cortex of the brain, may help improve vision and may help lower cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Omega-6 fatty acids provide eicosanoids which work on the blood vessels and immune response of the body.

Toxins

One negative of taking fish oil supplements is the chance that they may contain toxins. According to a study in the "American Journal of Cardiology," toxins commonly found in fish such as mercury, PCBs and other metals, may not be found in high quantities in supplements. Many fish oil supplements are purified during production. This means that the unsafe toxins and metals are removed from most supplements. While most are safe, there is a chance that some fish oil supplements may be contaminated.

Belching

Another negative side effect of taking fish oil supplements is the chance that you will have uncomfortable, fishy burps. Many fish oil supplements can cause a fishy aftertaste or worse, fish-flavored belches. According to MayoClinic.com, there are ways to counteract this side effect. Try freezing the pills, by the time you pass them through your stomach, they will be defrosting. You can also try taking them at the beginning of a meal, lessening the chance that you will taste the fish if you belch. Finally, you can try switching to an odorless brand. Many brands tout themselves as taste-less, you may want to try a variety of brands.

LDL Cholesterol

While fish oil supplements are used by many to help fight high cholesterol, they may be actually raising your LDL cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is known as the "bad cholesterol," because it is the molecule that bring cholesterol into tissues. According to a report published in "The Journal of Lipid Research," fish oil may actually increase LDL levels. This study reveals that fish oil supplements reduce overall blood triglycerides and cholesterol, but actually raise LDL levels.