Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that your body does not make. Flaxseed, nut oils, soybeans, fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and halibut are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 supplements are also available in tablets, gel caps and gummy fish form. Fish oil is the most common omega-3 supplement and contains small amounts of vitamin E as a preservative. Typical omega-3 allergy symptoms can occur if you are allergic to fish or soybeans. Before taking any supplement, talk with your doctor.
Swelling
A typical allergic reaction to omega-3 fatty acids is swelling. If you have an allergy to fish, taking omega-3 supplements can cause your throat, lips, tongue or face to swell. Not all fish oil supplements contain the same type of fish. If you are allergic to a specific type of fish, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends taking the product to an allergist for skin tests before taking the product.
Difficulty Breathing
Another allergy symptom caused by taking omega-3 supplements is difficulty breathing. If this happens, stop taking the supplements immediately and call your doctor. Allergic reactions of anaphylaxis, severe allergic reaction resulting in difficulty breathing combined with swelling, caused by an allergic reaction to an omega-3 fatty acid of flaxseed oil have been reported, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.
Rashes
The most common allergic reaction to omega-3 fatty acids is a mild rash, according to the Foundation for IgA Nephropathy. This mostly occurs if you have an allergy to fish or have a hypersensitivity to fish. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids include nut oils, soybean oil and flaxseed oil. If you are allergic to nuts or soybeans, you may get a rash from taking omega-3 fatty acids. Rashes are not considered serious, but stop taking the omega-3 supplement and consult your doctor or an allergist.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Treatment
Typical allergic reactions to omega-3 fatty acids occur mostly with fish allergies. Overall, omega-3 fatty acid treatments from fish oil, flaxseed oil and other nut oils are generally well tolerated, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Omega-3 fatty acids can interact with other medications and cause potential health risks. Before taking any dietary supplements, consult with your doctor or health care provider, especially if you are taking any medications.
References
- Drugs.com; Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids; March 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; June 2009
- National Institutes of Health; Fish Oil; February 2011
- American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; Fish Allergies and Omega-3 Supplements
- Foundation for IgA Nephropathy; Fish Oil
- Linus Pauling Institute; Essential Fatty Acids; D. B. Jump, PhD.; April 2009
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