Fish oil pills may be good for your heart, but they can cause some gastrointestinal problems. The popular supplements can cause flatulence, bloating, diarrhea and fishy breath and burps. The American College of Gastroenterology notes that gas symptoms are not worrisome or indicative of an underlying condition, but if flatulence becomes bothersome or is accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or weight loss, it's time to see a doctor.
Flatulence
When air gets trapped in your stomach, it has two ways to get out --- through your mouth as belching or burping or through your anus as gas or flatus. The American College of Gastroenterology reports that people, on average, pass gas about 10 times a day, though up to 20 times a day is still considered normal. Gas develops when air is swallowed and when gases are formed during the digestive process. A number of foods and medications are prone to causing gas, but everyone's system responds differently.
Fish Oil Benefits
Although fish oil supplements may cause some side effects, the pills have health benefits that might outweigh the problems. Fish oils that contain the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA have been shown to be effective at lowering triglyceride levels and making small reductions in blood pressure. The supplements also may be effective in lowering the risk of a second heart attack in people with a history of heart attack.
Dosing
Fish oil pills come in different strengths, and it's important to determine how much omega-3 fatty acids each contains, rather than the overall amount of oil in the pill. The label will tell you how much DHA and EPA are in a dose. The American Heart Association recommends that adults with high cholesterol take 2 to 4 g of EPA plus DHA daily. According to the AHA, adults with coronary heart disease should get 1 g per day of EPA plus DHA. To reduce any fishy burps or aftertaste, try taking the supplements frozen or with a meal.
Warning
Flatulence may be an unpleasant side effect of fish oil capsules, but there are other more serious considerations when choosing to take the supplements. High doses of fish oil may increase the risk of bleeding, so people who bruise easily, have a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning medications should be cautious about using the supplements. It's also important to buy fish oil from a reputable source to make sure you're not getting mercury or pesticide residues in the pills.
Member Comments