Fish oil supplements generally do not cause palpitations. If you develop heart palpitations from using fish oil, talk with your doctor because it may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. Fish oil supplements are made from various types of fish, which could trigger an allergic reaction if you have a fish or shellfish allergy. National Institutes of Health online medical encyclopedia Medline Plus states that if you have an implanted defibrillator, you should avoid the use of fish oil pills, unless directed by your doctor, because use may lead to irregular heart beats.
Fish Oil Safety
Fish oil is classified by the FDA as likely safe for most people, according to Medline Plus. The most common side effects of taking this supplement include loose stools, heartburn, nausea, bad breath, rash, nosebleeds and belching. If you take more than 3 g daily, you may increase your chances of bleeding and you may reduce your immune system's effectiveness. The Food Allergy Initiative states that while most fish oil supplements do not contain fish proteins, tiny molecular protein byproducts may remain in the oil, which could trigger an allergic reaction.
Heart Palpitations
If you experience an increased heart rate while taking fish oil supplements, stop using them and call your doctor. Heart palpitations are a sign of an adverse reaction that's affecting your cardiovascular system. A rapid or irregular heartbeat from fish oil supplements may be a sign of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is an extreme systematic reaction that could cause death if not treated. Anaphylaxis is more common with fish allergies than other food-related allergic reactions. If you have a known fish allergy, Medline Plus recommends that you avoid the use of fish oil supplements.
Other Signs
If other symptoms develop with heart palpitations, call 911 immediately. Common severe allergy symptoms include swelling in your throat, difficulty breathing, hives, inflammation in your lips, face or tongue and low blood pressure, according to Drugs.com. You may also develop dizziness, lightheadedness, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, pale skin, metallic taste in your mouth and fainting. If you develop chills, fever, flu-like symptoms, chest pain or body aches, call your doctor immediately.
Considerations
Not all side effects to fish oil are related to an allergic reaction. Common side effects from fish oil supplements may include an upset stomach, milk skin rashes, back pain and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. A fish-free alternative to fish oil supplements are flax seed oil supplement. Talk with your doctor before using flax seed oil.
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