Fish oil contains large stores of omega-3 fatty acids, which might offer benefits for numerous conditions ranging from heart disease to depression. Medline Plus, an information service of the National Institutes of Health, rates fish oil as ''effective'' for treating high triglycerides. Its therapeutic benefits for the dozens of other conditions are not as firmly established, with most receiving a rating of ''insufficient evidence to rate effectiveness.'' When used properly, fish oil appears safe for most people, but it might cause adverse effects in certain circumstances. Before taking it, talk to your doctor about the potential risks.
Dosage Guidelines
When used in low doses, 3 g or less, fish oil does not pose any major health concerns. Some conditions might require significantly higher doses, which can increase the risk of adverse effects, and you should only use these amounts under your doctor's supervision. For example, research looking at the effects of fish oil in slowing weight loss in cancer patients used doses up to 7.5 g while depression studies used 9.6 g.
Bleeding Risk
Fish oil has anti-clotting properties, which could prove beneficial for the heart and reducing the risk of stroke. Combining fish oil with anticoagulant medications like warfarin, however, could increase the effectiveness of these medications. These drugs have highly individualized doses and using supplements that affect their actions even minimally might require a dose change. Do not combine these treatments without talking to your doctor first. The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reports that fish oil on its own does not appear to pose any bleeding risks, but advises you to talk to your doctor before using it if you suffer from any bleeding disorders.
Increased Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels
Taking high doses of fish oil long term might raise blood sugar levels. The University of Michigan Health System reports that exercising for 30 minutes at a moderate pace at least three times a week appears to counteract this effect. While fish oil has been touted as a treatment for high cholesterol and promoting general heart health, it might actually increase ''bad'' cholesterol in some individuals, though Beth Israel notes this effect might only be temporary.
Reduced Immune Function
Medline Plus reports prolonged use of high doses of fish oil might weaken your immune system. This adverse effect could prove particularly dangerous if you have any health conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, that reduce immune function.
Other Safety Concerns
Combining fish oil and high blood pressure medications may cause excessively low blood pressure. You might require a dose reduction in your medication to compensate for fish oil's effects. While fish oil has been studied to treat depression and bipolar disorder, Medline notes that in some individuals, it might actually worsen symptoms.
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