Fish oil is a dietary supplement rich in beneficial oils called omega-3 fatty acids. If you're at risk for certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend fish oil therapy. The amount of fish oil you should take each day depends upon your health concern; however, do not take more than 3g of fish oil daily unless you are under a doctor's care. If you have any questions or concerns about fish oil therapy consult your doctor.
Health Benefits
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help improve the health of your heart by reducing the amount of fat in your blood, lowering your blood pressure and improving blood flow through your body. Additionally, fish oil therapy may help prevent fatty plaques from accumulating along the inside of your arteries -- a risk factor for heart attack called atherosclerosis. Fish oil therapy may also help treat or prevent symptoms associated with a variety of health concerns, including arthritis, diabetes, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and skin disorders, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center; however, more research is needed to validate these purported medicinal applications of fish oil therapy.
Adverse Reactions
While receiving treatment with fish oil supplements you may experience bothersome adverse reactions. Fish oil therapy may irritate your stomach, leading to side effects of heartburn, bloating, belching and diarrhea. In conjunction, these stomach upset symptoms may contribute to a temporary loss of appetite. During treatment, you may also notice that your breath gives off an embarrassing, fish-like odor -- even if you maintain excellent oral hygiene on a daily basis. Taking more than 3g of fish oil daily may increase your risk of developing bleeding complications including bruises or nosebleeds. Seek care from your doctor if any of these adverse reactions persist or become severe to ensure you receive prompt and appropriate care.
Contraindications
If you have certain health concerns, fish oil therapy may not be right for you. Do not take fish oil supplements if you are allergic to seafood or shellfish. Doing so may cause a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Fish oil therapy may also raise your blood sugar levels, which can be problematic if you have diabetes. Additionally, talk with your doctor if you have a pre-existing bleeding disorder before taking fish oil supplements.
Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor of all medications you are taking before you begin fish oil therapy. Avoid taking blood-thinners, such as warfarin, in conjunction with fish oil as this combination may increase your risk of experiencing bleeding complications, the University of Maryland Medical Center warns. If you are receiving drug treatment for diabetes, your doctor may need to increase to the amount of medication you take each day to counteract the blood-sugar-raising effects of this supplement.
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