Fish oil has received a lot of attention as health experts have learned more about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fats that are essential to brain functioning and for the prevention of medical problems like heart disease and cancer. They are found primarily in fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna. But for those who don't enjoy eating fish, fish oil supplements are available. As with other supplements, fish oil should be discussed with your physician before you take it. Although safe for many, fish oil can cause negative reactions in some individuals.
Gastrointestinal Distress
Gastrointestinal effects are very common in people who take fish oil. According to MayoClinic.com, frequent adverse digestive symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, indigestion, acid reflux, increased burping and abdominal bloating. However, side effects can often be minimized by taking fish oil along with a meal and by keeping supplements refrigerated. In addition, lower doses seem less likely to cause these reactions. Many people also report an unpleasant fishy aftertaste from ingesting fish oil; if this is the case for you, experiment with various brands and forms of fish oil -- capsules instead of liquid, for example -- to see if this helps.
Bleeding Problems
More seriously, fish oil can cause bleeding problems in some individuals. MayoClinic.com states that fish oil raises the risk of bleeding, although this seems to occur with large doses only. The consumption of large fish oil doses has been associated with nosebleeds, blood in the urine and increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke, according to the Mayo Clinic. Because of these risks, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that people taking blood-thinning medication, or those with a preexisting bleeding disorder, should seek advice from a physician before taking fish oil.
Contaminants
Many people worry about heavy-metal contaminants in fish oil. This is more of an issue for pregnant women and small children, but it is true that certain species of fish accumulate contaminants like dioxin and mercury in their meat. The Ohio State University Student Health Services states that fish low in mercury include shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock and catfish, and note that fish oil supplements contain minimal pollutants. To be safe, look for "USP Verified" on the supplement label; this tells you that the product has been screened and found to have acceptable levels of mercury.
Considerations
The bottom line is that, while low doses of fish oil are considered safe for most people, higher doses do carry greater risk of negative reactions. In addition, even low doses of fish oil can cause negative reactions -- such as gastrointestinal upset -- in many individuals. As with all supplements, it's important to consult your physician before taking fish oil. Your doctor can evaluate whether you could benefit from fish oil supplementation, and provide advice regarding a safe and appropriate dose specific to your needs.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-Linolenic Acid Safety; August 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA); Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; September 2008
- The Ohio State University Student Health Services; Everything You Need to Know About Fish Oil Supplements; Jason Goodman, Pharm.D., R.Ph.
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