Fish oil supplements are generally considered safe when taken in the recommended amounts, but they can cause some gastrointestinal problems. Diarrhea, gas, belching and bloating are common side effects of fish oil. However, fish oil can have many benefits, too, so talk to your doctor about finding the right balance for you.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea occurs when foods and beverages pass through your colon too quickly or in too large an amount to be absorbed. Diarrhea can be caused by factors such as viruses, bacteria, medications, lactose intolerance, fructose, artificial sweeteners, surgery and numerous digestive orders, as well as fish oil supplements. See your doctor if you have loose stools for more than three days, become dehydrated, run a temperature of more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, experience severe pain or have bloody or black stools.
Treatment
Most cases of diarrhea clear up without any medical intervention within a day or two. Until your symptoms go away, drink plenty of clear liquids to stay well-hydrated, and add semi-solid and low-fiber foods gradually. Over-the-counter medications may be helpful, too. If you seek medical help, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics if bacteria or parasites are to blame. If medications or supplements are to blame, you might need to make some changes in what you're taking.
Benefits
Though fish oil causes side effects in some people, it also provides health benefits. Fish oil is often recommended for people with high triglyceride levels as a means to bringing those levels back into a healthier range. Fish oil may also be effective in some people in lowering blood pressure or reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes. In addition, fish oil is being studied for use in the treatment or prevention of such conditions as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoporosis, macular degeneration, asthma, some mental disorders and some cancers.
Side Effects
Not everyone experiences side effects from fish oil, and there are ways to help eliminate some of the common problems. Taking fish oil capsules while they're frozen or swallowing them with a meal can help stop fishy burps and aftertaste. Some capsules come with an enteric coating that also may help prevent those fishy aftereffects. When taken in high doses, fish oil can cause the dangerous side effect of excessive bleeding. It's important not to exceed recommended dosages.
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