Fish oil supplements are taken to add Omega-3 fatty acids to the diet. These fatty acids are beneficial for reducing arterial plaque, lowering elevated triglyceride levels and decreasing risk of heart attack. Taking these pills may also present health risks, which correlate with the source of the fish oil, the dose ingested, or interactions with other supplements and medications.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Fish oil can cause gas, burping, stomach upset, nausea and diarrhea. Most of these symptoms are not serious although certain cases are severe enough to warrant changing to another source of Omega-3 fatty acid supplements. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, changing to a time-release form of the fish oil capsule may reduce these symptoms.
Allergies
People who have allergies or sensitivities to fish may experience a rash from taking fish oil capsules. If a person has allergies to fish, Omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained from other sources, including flaxseeds or flaxseed oil.
Bleeding and Stroke
One of the most serious side effects is thinning of the blood which can lead to a stroke. Medline Plus explains that fish oils decrease clotting and increase bleeding time. While these actions help to reduce plaque and heart disease, larger doses can result in brain bleeds (hemorrhagic stroke). Therefore, doses of 3 g or more should not be instituted except under the advice of a personal physician.
Cardiac Side Effects
Fish oil has been shown to lower blood pressure which can prove dangerous in those persons who already have low blood pressure. Medline Plus cautions those who take pressure-lowering medications to proceed with caution regarding these supplements as fish oils could potentially increase the effectiveness of the drugs, further reducing blood pressure to an undesirable level. Omega-3 fatty acids can also increase levels of Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL). The LDL are categorized as "bad" cholesterol and high levels correlate with an increased incidence of cardiovascular heart disease.
Fasting Blood Sugar Elevation
Fish oil has been found to increase fasting blood sugar in people with diabetes. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that prescriptions for oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin may have to be increased for better glucose control if an individual takes fish oil supplements on a regular basis.
Drug Interactions
Blood thinning is one of the most common side effects noted while taking fish oil supplements in addition to other medications or herbal supplements. Bleeding has been reported in people who take blood-thinning medications while taking fish oils. Medline plus reports cases of bleeding have also been documented in subjects who were taking ginkgo biloba, garlic, or saw palmetto supplements in addition to the fish oil.
Member Comments