Fish oil capsules are the most popular dietary supplement, according to a 2010 survey by Consumerlab.com. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in the supplement, which are not produced by the body. You must add the essential fatty acids to your diet. A variety of health benefits result from taking fish oil supplements on a regular basis, however, always discuss taking any supplement with your medical professional. Though available without a prescription, fish oil supplements have side effects and may affect medications you are taking.
Triglycerides
The two fatty acids included in fish oil include DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, and EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid. These essential fatty acids decrease fatty substances in the blood known as triglycerides. High amounts of triglycerides in your blood increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes, reports MedlinePlus, adding that taking fish oil may decrease triglycerides by as much as 50 percent. Still, it is important to include a healthy diet and regular exercise into your daily routine.
Heart Disease
Fish oil most likely decreases the risk of heart disease. The supplements may lower your risk of having a heart attack, irregular heart rhythms and even high blood pressure. A natural blood thinner, fish oil decreases the risk of blood clots and plaque. High amounts of plaque narrow the arteries and increase blood pressure. Blood clots may cause a heart attack or stroke to occur.
Blood Thinner
Though often a positive effect, if you are taking anticoagulant medication, your blood may have difficulty clotting. Side effects include blood in your urine, skin bruises and bloody noses. Anticoagulant medications include aspirin, warfarin and heparin. Don't forget that some herbal supplements have the same effect. Do not take fish oil supplements if you consume large amounts of garlic, turmeric, ginkgo or willow -- all blood-thinning dietary supplements.
Drug Contraindications
Women taking oral birth control pills may not receive all the benefits of fish oil capsules. The oral contraceptive may hamper the triglyceride-lowering effect of the supplement. The most common types of birth control causing the interference are ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. If you have high blood pressure and take medications to lower your blood pressure, taking additional fish oil may lower your levels too much. You may be placing yourself at risk of hypotension. Signs of hypotension include shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness and loss of consciousness. If you are diabetic, your blood sugar levels may be more difficult to control when taking fish oil supplements. When taking medications such as glipizide and insulin with fish oil supplements, your blood sugar levels may fall to extreme lows. Always discuss taking fish oil with your health professional to avoid negative side effects.
Warning
In rare cases, people who consume more than 3 g of fish oil supplements daily are at a higher risk of suffering from hemorrhagic stroke, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. The condition occurs when an artery in the brain bursts or leaks and death may result.
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