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What are the Most Common Fish Oil Side Effects?

Madeleine A.
Madeleine A.

The most common side effects of fish oil include upset stomach. In addition, fish oil side effects may include diarrhea, heartburn, and abdominal pain. One of the most annoying fish oil side effects may be the fishy aftertaste and increased burping. Although bothersome, fish oil side effects can be kept to a minimum when fish oil capsules are taken with meals, and when the dose is started low, and then gradually increased. The side effects may be so intrusive, however, that many patients discontinue their use.

One of the more worrisome potential fish oil side effects include mercury poisoning. Typically, mercury has a tendency to accumulate in the meat of fish, as do other contaminants such as dioxin. Although these substances tend to be more prevalent in the fish meat as opposed to the actual fish oil, patients should still be aware of the possible contamination. When consuming fish oil capsules or omega-3 oil, consumers should read labels to determine which supplements are deemed free of contaminants.

Mackerel is often used as the source for fish oil tablets.
Mackerel is often used as the source for fish oil tablets.

Fish oil supplements contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which may prove beneficial in the treatment and prevention of a variety of medical conditions. These conditions include heart disease and resultant angina, as well asrheumatoid arthritis. In addition, fish oil is showing promise in treating and possibly preventing postpartum and other types of depression. It is also believed to be helpful in preventing cancer.

Fish oil can cause abdominal pain.
Fish oil can cause abdominal pain.

Because fish oil side effects include keeping the blood thin, they may be beneficial in prevention of blood clots as well. Although the blood-thinning effects of fish oil can be a positive side effect, it can also prove very dangerous. Fish oil has the potential of thinning the blood too much, which may cause, or increase the risk of abnormal bleeding. Because of this, very large doses of fish oil have the potential to increase a hemorrhagic stroke. High doses of fish oil may also be implicated in urinary bleeding, nosebleeds, and blood in the stool.

Salmon fillets are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Salmon fillets are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Because fish oil supplements appear to inhibit platelet aggregation, people should check with their health care providers before taking them. This is especially important for people who are already taking other medications to thin the blood such as Coumadin® or aspirin. As fish oil side effects include blood thinning, the combination of taking both may prove dangerous. Unless recommended by a qualified health care provider, people may want to get their omega-3 oil from fatty fish such as salmon instead of supplements.

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    • Mackerel is often used as the source for fish oil tablets.
      Mackerel is often used as the source for fish oil tablets.
    • Fish oil can cause abdominal pain.
      By: Africa Studio
      Fish oil can cause abdominal pain.
    • Salmon fillets are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
      By: dulsita
      Salmon fillets are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
    • Research suggests that consuming too many omega-3 fatty acids can be a problem for some individuals.
      By: maron
      Research suggests that consuming too many omega-3 fatty acids can be a problem for some individuals.
    • Research shows that kids who take fish oil on a daily basis typically score higher on standardized tests.
      By: Evgeniy Drogozhilov
      Research shows that kids who take fish oil on a daily basis typically score higher on standardized tests.
    • Pure fish oil helps lower the risk of developing postpartum depression.
      By: Vanessa van Rensburg
      Pure fish oil helps lower the risk of developing postpartum depression.
    • Fish oil supplements are rich in healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, commonly called DHA.
      By: Stephen VanHorn
      Fish oil supplements are rich in healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, commonly called DHA.