Fish oil pills are natural blood thinners. The fish oil prevents blood from clotting. Though this is a benefit in some instances when related to heart disease, taking fish oil with some medications and herbal supplements may cause complications. The average fish oil dose is 3g, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Benefits
Fish oil contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. The two fatty acids found in fish oil are EPA and DHA, otherwise known as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. According to Medline Plus, fish oil supplements decrease triglycerides in the blood. Triglycerides are a fatty substance that leads to high levels of cholesterol. When you have too much cholesterol, plaque begins to build up inside the arteries. As plaque hardens, blood flow is limited. Omega-3 fatty acids also decrease the risk of a heart attack and death. A slightly lower blood pressure is seen in people who take the supplement. Other benefits most likely include treating rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual pain and osteoporosis, but further research is recommended.
Side Effects
When blood doesn't clot, bleeding is a common side effect. Taking high amounts of fish oil supplements may cause internal bleeding. Side effects include nose bleeds, blood in urine as well as stroke. The average daily dose of fish oil is 3g, but some medical professionals may suggest 4g per day. Taking more fish oil greatly increases complications associated with bleeding. Besides bleeding, other side effects include fishy odor when burping or belching as well as decreased function of the immune system, according to Medline Plus.
Medications and Herbs
Do not take blood-thinning medications often prescribed to patients with heart disease in combination with fish oil supplements. Common medications include aspirin, heparin and warfarin. Consult with your doctor before taking these medications or fish oil supplements. You may suffer from severe internal bleeding or hemorrhagic stroke if the medications are combined. Herbal supplements pose the same risk. Avoid herb such as garlic, turmeric, willow and ginkgo -- all of these herbal supplements have blood-thinning properties.
Risks
Though fish oil supplements are often taken for heart-health benefits, some people with severe heart disease should not take fish oil supplements. If you suffer from severe heart angina, or pain, on a regular basis fish, oil may aggravate the symptoms and lead to a heart attack. Those who suffer from strong, irregular heart rhythms should also avoid the supplement, suggests Harvard Medical School. Heart disease patients with defibrillators installed should not consume fish oil supplements.
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