Side Effects of Fish Oil

Fish oil is made by extracting oil from the tissues of the fish. It is said to be very healthy because it consists certain essential acids like Omega-3, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic. These acids, especially Omega-3 fatty acids, are considered necessary for a healthy heart. Fish oil pills or supplements are recommended to people who have heart problems, rheumatoid arthritis, bipolar disorder, high blood pressure, cancer and asthma. Fish oil is essential to stay in good health as consuming it also prevents a person from becoming obese.

Fish oil is usually made from cold water fish like mackerel, cod, lake trout, salmon, albacore tuna and flounder. Actually, Omega-3 fatty acids are not produced in the body of the fish. The fishes receive these acids in the body from the food they eat underwater. However, there are chances of the fish consuming toxic substances which can give rise to certain side effects.

Leading to the increase in demand for fish oil, many companies have started manufacturing fish oil supplements. Before choosing one among the many, it is important to notice whether the product is of a good quality. Many times, people taking fish oil pills experience some side effects. Let us look at some side effects of using fish oil.

Disadvantages of Fish Oil

• One of the most common side effect of fish oil is experiencing a fishy aftertaste, when people start consuming fish oil pills. There is also a chance for the people to experience belching after its consumption. These may seem to be minor side effects, but can create quite some discomfort amongst people.
• Another side effect that is commonly seen in people taking fish oil is stomach pain, often leading to diarrhea. When people start taking fish oil, they are likely to observe oily stools and sometimes even blood spots in their feces. They may also be at risk of experiencing heart burn or acid reflux. Many people have also reported to experience nausea for the first few days.
• Fish oil can also lead to excessive bleeding. People may experience nosebleeds, strokes and also may observe blood in urine. This happens because consumption of fish oil leads to a decrease in platelet aggregation, increasing bleeding in people.
• Diabetic people should consult the doctor before using fish oils, as the level of glucose rises in the body due to intake of fish oil. Using fish oil also interferes with the functioning of diabetic medications that help in controlling the level of glucose in the body.
• Excess use of fish oil can higher the risk of hemorrhagic stroke and also of brain damage. Some of the common symptoms of brain hemorrhage due to the use of fish oil are headache, changes in speech or vision, and also the feeling of weakness in the legs or arms. This is a very severe side effect of fish oil and if any such symptoms arises after using fish oil, one should consult the physician immediately.
• Fish oil intake is said to decrease the body's ability to absorb certain essential vitamins like Vitamin A, D, E and K and can give rise to diseases that occur due to the deficiency of these vitamins.
• Consumption of fish oil is also said to lead to rise in the level of LDL cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol.

How to Prevent the Side Effects of Fish Oil

To avoid side effects of fish oil, one should start taking the supplements in small doses. Initially, people may experience certain side effects, however most of the time it goes away in a few days or weeks. If it does not, then it should be taken seriously and a medical professional should be consulted.

Certain brands of fish oil supplements produce pills with low quality products, hence a change in the brand may sometimes negate them. Fish oil supplements are good for one's health, but before beginning the consumption one should take the advice of a doctor. If one experiences certain side effects after taking fish oil, the consumption should be stopped immediately and the reasons for it should be found out to avoid further complications.