Fish Oil Side
Effects and Interactions
What are some fish oil side effects? Below is a detailed outline of the
possible side effects from taking fish oil. Dosage in the range of 1 to
4 grams daily does not present much problem in most people. But with
higher doses, more side effects can be expected.
See our detailed article on fish oil dosage
for more information on how much fish oil to take or get the full
review on fish oil.
Fish Oil Side
Effects,
Toxicity and Warnings
Side
effects that have been reported include:
- heartburn
- indigestion
- dyspepsia
- bloating
- belching
- flatulence
- halitosis (bad breath)
- nausea
- diarrhea
- rash
None of these fish oil side effects are harmful but
they can be annoying. Taking an enteric coated or timed-release
supplement helps to reduce these side effects. High
Doses of Fish Oil
Higher
doses above 4 grams daily might have additional concerns. It
is suspected to
decrease the immune functions in our body. As well, since fish oil is a
type of fat, it might increase the LDL (bad) cholesterol in some people.
It
also can act like an Aspirin (ASA) and may thin the blood, leading to a
possible increased risk of bleeding.
Safety and Concerns
Safety
- Fish oil is safe to use by almost adults. In the United States, it
has the status of Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). It is not
harmful to use dosage up to 4
grams daily.
Also higher dosages have been used safely
in research studies with only some increased reports of unwanted side
effects.
Contamination of Fish Oil
There has been
concern of contamination of dietary
fish oil
with toxins such as mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PBCs) and
dioxin. This is true if you consume a large quantity.
All
reputable manufacturers perform routine tests of their fish oil
supplements to ensure they meet or exceed the safety requires of FDA
(Food and Drugs Administration) in the United States and Health Canada.
If
you are taking large doses of fish oil for treating your ailments, buy
fish oil supplement from reputable manufacturers in pills or liquid
format.
Pregnancy, Lactation and Use in Children
Pregnancy
- Safe when taken
during pregnancy in
appropriate doses. Insufficient omega-3 in the diet (especially DHA)
has been linked to shortened gestational periods and possible premature
delivery.
Lactation
- Safe when
taken in appropriate
doses. As omega-3 fatty acids cannot be manufactured by our body, the
only source of omega-3's for the baby would be from the mother's breast
milk.
Children
and Infants - Safe
when taken in
appropriate doses. See above regarding potential contamination of
dietary fish oil. Children taking fish oil supplement should be
supervised by your healthcare provider.
Common
Drug
Interactions
Warfarin
/ Blood-thinners - Fish oil may increase the risk of
bleeding. Monitor
the levels when you are starting or stopping fish oil supplements.
Orlistat
(Alli, Xenical) - Orlistat will reduce the absorption of
fish oil.
That’s how orlistat works as a weight loss supplement. Avoid taking
orlistat within 2 hours of taking fish oil.
Related
Articles and Resources on Fish Oil Side Effects
The FULL Review on Fish Oil
Fish Oil Health Benefits
What is the Fish Oil Dosage to Use?
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