Fish oil provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. It's an effective way to treat high triglycerides and may help lower your risk for heart disease. It's also likely effective for lowering high blood pressure, decreasing your risk for stroke, reducing menstrual pain and reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, according to MedlinePlus. Supplementing with fish oil can cause side effects, however, including dizziness. Consult a doctor before trying it.
Side Effects
Dizziness and vertigo are among the nervous system side effects reported for fish oil supplementation, according to Drugs.com. However, gastrointestinal symptoms like digestive upset and burping are more common side effects.
Blood Pressure
Since fish oil can lower blood pressure, consult a doctor before using it with blood pressure medications. Fish oil can increase the effects of your medication and lower your blood pressure too much, MedlinePlus notes. Low blood pressure can cause dizziness as well as fainting. Also use caution and consult a doctor before taking fish oil if you have low blood pressure.
Blood Sugar
Taking fish oil along with diabetes medication may make blood sugar control more difficult, according to MedlinePlus, so consult your doctor before you combine fish oil and diabetes medications. If your blood sugar falls too low, this is called hypoglycemia. Dizziness or lightheadedness is one symptom of hypoglycemia. Others include shakiness, hunger, nervousness, weakness and anxiety. If your blood sugar becomes too high, this is called hyperglycemia. Dizziness when you stand up is one sign of severe hyperglycemia. Other signs of hyperglycemia include dry mouth, thirst, increased appetite, blurry vision, frequent urination and fatigue.
Dosage Considerations
Adverse effects from fish oil are more common at high dosages. Taking 3 g daily or less is generally considered safe, according to MedlinePlus, but consult a doctor before establishing your dosage -- especially if you have a health condition or take medicine. Taking more than this amount may interfere with your body's blood-clotting ability.
References
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
- "Journal of Hypertension"; Blood Pressure Response to Fish Oil Supplementation: Metaregression Analysis of Randomized Trials; J.M. Geleijnse, et al.; August 2002
- MayoClinic.com; Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-linolenic Acid; July 2011
- "The Natural Physician's Healing Therapies"; Mark Stengler; 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Low Blood Pressure; May 2011
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse; Hypoglycemia; October 2008
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