Too Much Fish Oil

Taking fish oil in the supplemental form or through fish servings is like 'opening the door' for a healthier life. Fish oil being loaded with omega 3 essential fatty acids and vitamin A, can certainly help to maintain a good health. However, as a general rule of thumb, consuming too much of anything is a cause for worry. Be it food or medicine, when taken in excess, it does not yield the desired results. This fact also holds true for fish oil. Fish oil supplements will not work, if they are taken in excess amounts. For better health, too much fish oil is definitely not a good option.

Side Effects

Internal Bleeding
Fish oil overdose can lead to internal bleeding. Internal bleeding can manifest in the form of bruising. As we all know, bruise turns the affected skin red and is an indication of blood leaking under the skin. The affected area may also swell due to accumulation of blood beneath the skin. Another sign indicating blood leakage inside the body is change in stool color. Stools that are normally yellowish brown, appear tarry black. This is a symptom of gastrointestinal bleeding, which means the location of 'leaking blood' is the intestine. When the stool color changes to black, it indicates the presence of blood in the stool. Sometimes, small amount of blood is actually seen on the stool. Blood in vomitus also points towards bleeding inside the body.

Allergic Reaction
An allergic reaction is regarded as the immune system's response to harmful substances. So, one can understand how fish oil considered to be good for health, becomes dangerous due to overdose. An allergic reaction manifests as skin problems such as hives (itchy pale red bumps) or a rash that does not go away unless intake of fish oil is stopped. In case of severe allergic reaction, breathing becomes troublesome. Difficulty in breathing is a sign of adverse reaction from excess intake of fish oil.

Brain Hemorrhage
Brain hemorrhage occurs when the blood vessels located inside the brain, rupture leading to localized bleeding. Bleeding in the brain can cause frequent episodes of severe headache. The person may also suffer from speech or vision problems and experience weakness in the lower part of the body. Continued usage of fish oil in large amounts can cause massive brain hemorrhage and in such cases, returning to normal health is very difficult.

Too Much Fish Oil and Pregnancy

Everyone knows that fish during pregnancy needs to be avoided. This is because, fish contains mercury, which can cause harm to the developing baby in the womb. Mercury levels in fish oil supplements are very less and so it would not be dangerous to take them, if recommended fish oil dosage is followed as instructed by the doctor. Overdose of fish oil means excess mercury intake, which is unacceptable. So, pregnant women should ensure that they take fish oil supplements (after consulting a qualified doctor) in the right amount.

Keep in mind that side effects of fish oil overdose are worrisome, but can always be prevented if correct dosage is followed. One needs to first contact a doctor to know whether it is necessary to take fish oil supplements everyday. Usually, people having fish servings, 3 - 4 times every week, are not required to take fish oil supplements. Taking fish oil supplements as prescribed by the doctor, is the key to ensure optimal health years down the line.