Omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in fish oil, are essential to your body's growth and development. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains fish oil affects brain function involving cognitive abilities and function. The body does not produce omega-3 fatty acids; you must acquire them through your diet. Eating fatty fish or taking over-the-counter fish supplements are two sources of fatty acids. Still, only certain amounts of fish oil are recommended. High amounts may cause unhealthy side effects to occur. Before adding fish oil to your daily diet, consult with a medical professional to determine if additional fish oil is right for you.
Average Dose
According to the American Heart Association, healthy Americans with no history of heart disease should eat about two servings of fish a week. Patients with coronary heart disease are often advised to take 1g of fish oil a day, or eat one serving of fatty fish, according to the AHA. The association suggests patients with high triglycerides take between 2 and 4g of fish oil while under the care of a medical professional.
High Doses
Eating more than two servings of fish per week is okay; however, eating more than three servings a day may cause side effects to occur. Choose fish low in contaminants such as lead and mercury. Avoid shark, king mackerel and tile fish. These fish and other large predator fish contain high mercury levels. MedlinePlus recommends patients to not consume more than 2g of fish oil per day, unless approved by a physician.
Effects
Large doses of fish oil, through diet or by taking a supplement, may cause dangerous and unpleasant side effects to occur. High doses of fish oil may cause excess bleeding. Nosebleeds, blood in the urine or stool as well as bruising of the skin may occur. The University of Maryland Medical Center states in rare circumstance an artery in the brain may burst, leading to a hemorrhagic stroke. If you notice any signs of excess bleeding, seek medical attention.
Additional Guidelines
A common complaint of fish oil is the related fish odor. High amounts of fish oil may cause unpleasant fishy burps and belches. It is important to take fish oil with food to buffer the uncomfortable aftertaste. Fish oil decreases blood pressure. Take caution when taking the supplement if you are also prescribed antihypertensive medications. Anticoagulant medications may also interfere with fish oil. The drugs increase the time it takes blood to form a blood clot and increase the risk of excessive bleeding.
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