Fish Oil Supplement Side Effects

Are there any notable fish oil supplement side effects?

The health benefits of DHA and EPA, two omega 3 fatty acids richly found in fish oil, have become very well-known in recent years. Omega 3 fats cannot be made by the body, and must be consumed as part of our diets. The prevalence of use of fish oil to obtain these important nutrients has thus also soared alongside increased awareness. This makes the question, are fish oil supplements safe, a very important one.

Let us begin with the potentially more serious possible side effects. One possible one is elevated blood sugar levels. This claim, however, actually contradicts other evidence that fish oil in fact helps to regulate blood sugar levels. There is research suggesting that this possible fish oil supplement side effect could be avoided by adding vitamin E to it, or through moderate exercise three times per week, for about 30 minutes every time. Diabetics should take note, and perhaps best consult with a suitable natural health care practitioner.

Another reported possible adverse effect is increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the so-called "bad" cholesterol). Once again, this actually contradicts other evidence which in fact suggests the ability of fish oil to reduce levels of such cholesterol. There is research suggesting that a 15-gram intake of pectin every day together with fish oil supplements can aid in lowering LDL cholesterol. There is also research suggesting that garlic supplements may aid in preventing this unwanted effect. Logically, fresh garlic should help, too.

One fish oil supplement side effect lies in its ability to thin the blood. For persons who are taking drugs which also thin the blood, for example warfarin and aspirin, this would not be a good thing. Taken together and / or in large amounts, risk of abnormal bleeding and even hemorrhagic strokes would be elevated. Persons who already have thin blood or who have issues with blood clotting must take note.

Another of the possible fish oil supplement side effects relates specifically to cod liver oil. This oil usually has high amounts of vitamin A. While vitamin A is a critical ingredient of good health, too much of it can be a very dangerous thing. And direct consumption through supplements, as in the case of cod liver oil, can result in such an overdose. Further, too much vitamin A also hampers the body's ability to make use of vitamin D.

Do note that it is okay to consume beta-carotene, as that is pre-vitamin A, and your body will not convert beta-carotene to vitamin A when it already has sufficient amounts of the latter. Thus, vitamin A toxicity is not possible that way.

Some very basic fish oil supplement side effects are reactions like bad breath, bloating, and "fishy" belching. For some, there may be nausea. If you are one of those who are bothered by these side effects, one thing you could is to reduce your dosage and to gradually increase it again. Switching supplement brands may also be a good idea. Yet another alternative is to consider using another type of omega 3 supplement.

Generally speaking, when used correctly, fish oil pills, fish oil capsules and other fish oil supplements do not present very serious adverse effects.