Fish Oil Supplements Side Effects

Our body needs essential fatty acids for the proper functioning of its organs and systems. Usually we have the most lack of Omega-3. The natural source of it is certain kinds of fish. If you cannot eat appropriate amount of fish regularly, you should consider taking fish oil supplements.

However, you should remember that there is a slight possibility of omega 3 fish oil side effects, especially if you take certain medications at the same time.
According to Daily Strength, there are the following possible undesirable effects of fish oil supplements for the body.

1. Gastrointestinal upset – loose stool, nausea. This is the most common fish oil side effect. However, it is usually registered, when a patient takes rather high doses of the supplement – 3000 mg and more per day.
2. Altering glucose regulation. Therefore, people with diabetes should consume fish oil with caution and monitor their blood sugar closely. The effect of hypoglycemic medications can be potentiated, so their dosage may require adjustment.
3. Blood thinning effect. For some people it is an advantageous side effect of fish oil. However, be careful combining the supplement with anticoagulant medications, among which warfarin, aspirin, NSAIDs, antiplatelet agents.
4. Stop the consumption of fish oil at least 14 days prior to surgical procedures not to risk postoperative bleeding complications.
5. Lowering blood pressure. You should watch your blood pressure carefully if you are on blood pressure-lowering medications.
6. The increase of the liver enzyme ALT.

Fish Oil Supplements Side Effects Pills

Some people avoid fish oil supplements, because there is information in different sources about their contamination with harmful chemicals. Nevertheless, there is no this kind of side effects of fish oil. Appreciable amounts of mercury and some other chemicals are indeed found in certain fishes - shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, albacore tuna. These spices are very rarely used for the supplement production. Fish oil pills usually contain extremely low amounts of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins. The concentrations of these chemicals is proportional to the ones found in the fishes from which the supplement is made.

To minimize the risk of side effects of fish oil supplements, choose only trustworthy well-known brands. Consult your doctor on the issue of your personal dosage, which depends on your current health condition. Consume fish oil during your meals to avoid gastrointestinal side effects. If you experience blood sugar or blood pressure fluctuations, you should make sure you have the opportunity for close monitoring their values.

Staci is a stay-at-home mom, editor and writer over at Oilypedia who loves helping other people look their best. She is a healthy lifestyle coach, very passionate about promoting natural living and healthy diet ideas and a strong believer in inner harmony as a the key to health and happiness