Omega-3 fish oil is a dietary supplement that contains beneficial fatty acids that can help treat a variety of conditions. Fish oil supplements contain docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, MayoClinic.com reports. While beneficial, these omega-3 fatty acids can also cause adverse side effects if taken in high doses.
Fish Oil Supplements
Fish oil supplements contain large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. The supplements are often made from mackerel, tuna, herring, salmon and cod liver, MedlinePlus explains. These fish are used because of their unusually high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin E is often added to fish oil supplements in order to prevent spoilage. Some fish oil supplements contain calcium, iron or vitamins.
Recommended Daily Dosage
A healthy individual often takes in 1.6 g of omega-3 fatty acids per day, MayoClinic.com reports. The daily recommended dosage for total fish oil consumption ranges from 1.1 g to 1.6 g. Any adult patient consuming more than 3 g of fish oil per day should be monitored by a physician, the American Heart Association recommends. With children, fish oil should be used rarely, if at all. Fish oil supplements should only be given to children on a doctor's recommendation.
Uses of Fish Oil
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are reported to treat a number of conditions. MedlinePlus states that fish oil is effective in treating high triglyceride levels, high blood pressure and other cardiac diseases. Fish oil can also help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Omega-3 fatty acids may help patients suffering from depression, psychosis and Alzheimer's disease. Eye conditions, such as dry eyes and glaucoma, can also be treated with fish oil.
Adverse Effects
In large doses that exceed the daily recommended limit, fish oil can cause serious side effects. In diabetics, high doses of fish oil can lead to an unsafe rise in blood sugar. If you take in more than 3 g of omega-3 fatty acids per day, you are at a higher risk of bleeding disorders, MayoClinic.com warns. You may develop frequent nosebleeds and blood in your urine. Furthermore, you will be at risk for a hemorrhagic stroke. The high doses of fish oil can disrupt the function of the platelets and other factors, which normally help prevent excess bleeding.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-Linolenic Acid - Background
- MayoClinic.com: Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-Linolenic Acid - Dosing
- MayoClinic.com: Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-Linolenic Acid - Safety
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
- American Heart Association: Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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