Is Omega-3 Fish Oil Safe To Take?

Fish oil supplements contain large amounts of essential fatty acids. The two fatty acids found in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. Fish oil is generally consumed for a variety of heart-health benefits, but many other health conditions may also benefit from the supplement. Fish oil is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Take caution when consuming fish oil, as well as any other supplement. Though generally considered safe, there are some side effects that may affect your health.

Safety

According to MedlinePlus, fish oil supplements are generally safe for the majority of the adult population, including pregnant and breast-feeding woman, when taken in doses of 3 g or less per day. There is not a recommended dose for small children or teenagers. Discuss taking fish oil with your healthcare provider even if it is less than 3 g.

Large Doses

When taking large doses of fish oil, you may suffer from side effects, including increased blood thinning. A large dose is considered 3 g or more per day. Side effects include bruising of skin, nosebleeds and internal bleeding. Fish oil prevents your blood from clotting quickly. If you are taking medications such as anticoagulant drugs, be cautious when taking fish oil supplements, as you are at a higher risk of bleeding.

Contaminants

Fish oil is generally made from fish low in mercury. To be safe, check your supplement's bottle for more information on mercury levels. The Student Health Services at Ohio State University suggests consuming only those fish oil supplements labeled with the "USP Verified" marking. The U.S. Pharmacopei, or USP, tests health care products for purity, quality and potency of supplement and medication ingredients. Most fish oil supplements state what fish were used to create the product. Fish low in mercury include tuna, salmon and halibut.

Side Effects

The most common side effect you may notice when taking daily fish oil supplements are fishy burps or belching. To reduce the unpleasant occurrence, freeze the supplement to create a time-released reaction, suggests MayoClinic.com. Read your supplements label to ensure it can be frozen. Take the supplement with meals or look for formulas specifically marketed as "time-release capsules."

Warning

Though generally safe, some people suffering from severe heart disease or complications should not take fish oil supplements. Instead of heart-health benefits, the supplement may actually increase your risk of complications. Avoid fish oil if you suffer from regular bouts of angina or heart irregularities. People who have had a defibrillator implanted should also avoid supplements, advises MedlinePlus.