Fish oil is a popular dietary supplement purported to improve heart health by reducing elevated blood pressure and triglyceride levels. This supplement is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may also serve to reduce inflammation and regulate blood sugar levels. Despite the potential health benefits of this supplement, high doses of fish oil may not be safe for certain people. To limit you risk of experiencing health complications, do not take more than 3 g of fish oil daily unless you are under the direct care of a medical professional.
Severe Side Effects
Severe side effects associated with taking more than 3 g of fish oil daily include bleeding complications and diminished immune system function. High doses of fish oil may make it harder for your blot to clot normally. A poor clotting response may result in excessive bleeding or unusual bruising following minor injury or trauma. A reduction in the activity of your immune system caused by high doses of fish oil may reduce your body's ability to fight off pathogenic infections. Consequently, you may be more susceptible to recurrent infections including the common cold and flu. Poor immune function may be particularly problematic for people who have compromised immune systems due to normal aging or disease.
Mild Side Effects
Both high and low doses of fish oil may cause mild side effects. Treatment with this omega-3 fatty acid-rich supplement may cause stomach irritation, excessive belching, recurrent heartburn and loose stools. Your breath may also have a fishy odor that may be embarrassing or bothersome. Fish oil supplements may cause a mild skin rash to appear across any region of your body. Though these mild side effects of fish oil are typically temporary, seek additional care from your primary medical provider if they persist or become severe.
Drug Interactions
If you take certain prescription drugs, treatment with high doses of fish oil supplements may be inappropriate. Avoid using this omega-3 fatty acid-rich supplement if you are taking a blood-thinner, such as warfarin. Fish oil may increase the effects of such medications, which may elevate your risk of developing bruising or bleeding complication. This supplement may also raise your blood sugar levels and may reduce the efficacy of drugs indicated for diabetes. If you are diabetic, your doctor may need to increase the amount of diabetes medication you take each day to account for the effect fish oil has on your blood sugar.
Contraindications
Do not take fish oil supplements if you are allergic to fish or shellfish because this natural treatment may cause a serious allergic reaction. Additionally, avoid treatment with fish oil if you have a personal history of liver disease or bipolar disorder or have had a defibrillator implanted to control an irregular heartbeat.
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