Some supplements contain omega-3-acid ethyl esters, a type of fat that can help clear out your body of bad cholesterol, primarily triglycerides. Manufacturers typically derive omega-3 from fish oil that contains two types of these fatty acids called docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid or DHA and EPA respectively. Both of these constituents of omega-3 help to reduce triglycerides that normally would leave fatty deposits in your arteries. These form blockages that may inhibit blood flow, potentially leading to heart attacks or strokes. Despite the benefits of omega-3 supplements, you also may experience side effects when you take them.
Abnormal Bleeding
You may raise the level of your risk for abnormal bleeding if you use omega-3 supplements, MayoClinic.com indicates, but usually only if you ingest a lot of it. You may have a minor version of the side effect such as a nosebleed. It also may manifest as more serious such as hematuria, the medical term for producing blood in your urine. Because omega-3 can break up clots, it may induce excessive bleeding such as hemorrhagic strokes, essentially a bleed in your brain. MedlinePlus states that this blood leaking into your brain can cause damage to your brain cells. This may cause permanent problems such as paralysis, diminished brain function and speech problems.
Aftertaste
The use of omega-3 supplements derived from fish oil may produce a non-serious side effect in your mouth, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes. When your digestive system works to digest and use the omega-3, the effects of the fish oil enter your blood stream. Your stomach also contains the digesting fish oil, which may produce gas going back up into your esophagus and into your mouth. This aftertaste should subside as you use omega-3 supplements more. If it bothers you too much, you may want to switch to an omega-3 supplement made from other food that fish such as nuts. Check the ingredients label.
Gastric Problems
Taking omega-3 supplements, primarily at first, can produce some disturbances inside your digestive system. You may have a mild stomach upset or feel nauseated when you first take omega-3, Drugs.com indicates. You also may develop diarrhea as a side effect of starting omega-3 treatment. These gastric side effects should dissipate following more use of omega-3. If they persist, check with your physician.
Influenza Symptoms
Influenza symptoms may occur as side effects of omega-3 supplements, again usually during your initial treatment. You may think you have a cold or the flu because of such symptoms as aches in your muscles, chills, a fever, congestion and headaches. These symptoms should cease within a few days when your body has adjusted to omega-3.
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