Fish Oil Safety Issues

Are there any fish oil safety issues which we should be aware of before choosing to consume this highly-lauded health food?

Fish oil can potentially improve health in many ways. This is due to the fact that fish oil has high amounts of DHA and EPA, two very important omega 3 fatty acids. As omega 3's cannot be made by the human body, they must be consumed as part of the diet, and many people choose to use fish oil as their source of these essential fatty acids.

Diabetics may want to take note of the reported suggestion that fish oil may raise blood sugar levels. This suggestion is actually contrary to much evidence that fish oil in fact lowers blood sugar levels. In any case, diabetics may want to be safe rather than sorry. Some research has suggested that this possible adverse reaction could be prevented by the addition of vitamin E to fish oil, or by thrice-weekly moderate exercise of 30 minutes each session.

One fish oil safety issue lies in the fact that fish oil is a blood thinner. Typically, this is a health benefit, as it helps to boost blood flow and circulation. However, for persons taking drugs such as aspirin and warfarin, which are also blood-thinners, dangers such as increased risk of abnormal bleeding and hemorrhagic strokes could result.

Fish oil is said to be easily damaged by oxygen, after which it could be harmful to health. This suggestion, however, has not been conclusively proven. Research has also suggested that adding vitamin E to fish oil can prevent such oxidative damage.

Some research has suggested that fish oil could raise levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the so-called "bad" cholesterol, although much evidence also contradicts this possibility. According to research, pectin (15 grams per day) or garlic supplements may help to prevent this occurrence. Fresh garlic should logically also be helpful.

One more fish oil safety issue stems from the fact that most fish today are, because of environmental pollution, heavily contaminated with various toxins, including PCBs, dioxins and mercury, the latter being a powerful poison to humans. Generally speaking, fish which are higher up the food chain usually accumulate more toxins in their bodies. When choosing fish oil supplements (like pills, tablets, capsules, etc), one must make sure they are certified to be pure and free of such toxins.

Another fish oil safety issue relates specifically to cod liver oil, which has a lot of vitamin A. This vitamin is crucial for good health. However, taken in supplemental form, it is possible that toxic overdose could result, something which is potentially very dangerous. Taking too much vitamin A also negatively affects the body's ability to make proper use of vitamin D. It may thus be a good idea to avoid cod liver oil as a source of omega 3 fatty acids.

Farm-raised fish tend to have relatively more omega 6 fatty acids and less omega 3's, a profile which raises the likelihood of inflammation in the body, which then leads to higher risk of serious diseases. Thus, instead of bettering your health, you may end up harming it. If possible, always go for wild-caught fish.

This article has explored some possible fish oil safety issues. Generally speaking, fish oil is quite safe, and the worst reactions most people will experience are some bloating, belching and perhaps bad breath. It is prudent to remember, though, that too much of anything can become a bad thing. Anything which is contaminated with toxins is also harmful to health.