Fish oil pills are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce the risk of heart attack. Fish oil pills are also used to treat asthma, depression and other conditions. Though there is some evidence of benefit in heart disease patients, many uses of fish oil have not been proven effective. Fish oil does cause side effects and may pose dangers to some people. Talk to your doctor before taking fish oil pills.
Digestive Side Effects
Digestive side effects are common in people taking fish oil pills, according to MayoClinic.com. These side effects include upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, bad breath, a fishy aftertaste, stomach bloating and abdominal pain. If you are taking high doses of fish oil, severe diarrhea can be a problem. You may be able to reduce these problems if you take your fish oil pills with meals, freeze the pills, or if you start with a low dose and increase gradually up to the level your doctor has recommended. Some people have also experienced skin rashes after taking fish oil.
Bleeding Risks
Fish oil pills may increase the risk of bleeding problems, though this seems to be rare at low doses. At doses higher than 3 grams per day, there may be an increased risk of clotting problems that increase the risk of bleeding, according to MedlinePlus. High doses of fish oil may increase the risk of stroke, and there have been reports of nosebleeds or blood in the urine. If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking medication that increases the risk of bleeding, such as the blood thinner warfarin or aspirin, do not take fish oils pills without talking to your doctor.
Blood Pressure Risks
Fish oil pills are sometimes used to treat high blood pressure, and there is some evidence that they can reduce blood pressure at least a little. However, fish oil might cause your blood pressure to drop too low if you already have low blood pressure or if you are taking medication to lower your blood pressure, notes MedlinePlus. If you have these conditions, talk to your doctor before taking fish oil pills.
Warnings
Fish oil pills can increase blood sugar levels, which might cause problems if you have diabetes. If you have liver disease, an implanted defibrillator or familial adenomatous polyposis, a condition that predisposes you to colon cancer, there is a risk that fish oil pills will worsen your condition. If you have a seafood allergy, you may be at risk of having an allergic reaction to fish oil supplements. If your immune system is impaired, because of HIV/AIDS, cancer or another condition, fish oil may aggravate your condition. There have been rare cases of mania, restlessness, and the feeling that bugs are crawling on the skin reported in people with bipolar disorder or major depression. If you have cholesterol problems, fish oil may actually increase your level of LDL or "bad" cholesterol. If you have any of these conditions, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking fish oil pills. On its own, long-term use of fish oil can cause vitamin E deficiency. For this reason, many fish oil products contain added vitamin E, but this may increase your risk of vitamin E toxicity if you are taking other forms of vitamin E.
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