Fish oil supplements are popular health supplements available either in liquid or capsule formulations. Many people take fish oil supplements because of the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and other seafood. Fish oil capsules are generally safe and well-tolerated, and a maximum safe dose has not been established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine. However, larger doses increase the risk of side effects. As with any health supplement, you should consult your doctor before taking fish oil capsules.
Maximum Dose
Although the Food and Nutrition Board has not formally set a tolerable upper intake level for fish oil, taking more than 3 g per day increases the risk of side effects, according to MedlinePlus. Different brands of fish oil capsules contain different amounts of fish oil in each capsule, so you will need to check the label of your fish oil capsules to determine how many capsules correspond to 3 g.
Higher Doses
Experts may recommend taking doses higher than 3 g per day to treat certain health conditions. For example, doses up to 4 g per day are recommended to treat cholesterol and high blood pressure, and doses up to 12 g per day are sometimes used to prevent kidney problems caused by immunosuppressive drugs taken during organ transplant procedures, reports MedlinePlus. You should only take large doses like these under supervision of a professional health care provider.
Side Effects
Fish oil capsules may occasionally cause side effects, and the risk of side effects increases with larger doses. Possible side effects include heartburn, frequent burping, a persistent fishy aftertaste, nausea, loose stools or diarrhea. Rash and nosebleeds have also been reported. Breaking up large doses into several smaller doses and taking those throughout the day may decrease the risk of these side effects, as well as taking the capsules with food.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications may cause dangerous interactions with fish oil. Again, the risk of drug interactions increases with larger doses. Fish oil can act as a blood-thinning agent, especially when more than 3 g per day is taken. If you are also taking other blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or warfarin, taking fish oil at the same time can increase the risk of severe bleeding. Fish oil may also lower blood pressure, and taking fish oil capsules while also taking blood-pressure lowering drugs may possibly lower your blood pressure to dangerously low levels.
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