Do Any Fish Oil Side Effects Exist?
Fish oil is classified by the FDA as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) at a daily dosage of up to 3 grams per day. Let’s talk, though, about possible fish oil side effects in regards to mercury, PCB, blood thinning, and other factors. Though common side effects fish oil are mild, the ones that are caused by fish oil mercury contamination can be very serious. This is why I prefer to have fish oil that has undergone molecular distillation. Mercury exposure is particularly hazardous to children and women of child-bearing age, but health concerns do exist for men and women who do not plan on having children. Mercury is a poison and has been found in the fish we eat due to industrial pollution. Standards for allowable levels of fish oil mercury contamination vary among government organizations.
Fish Oil with Diabetics
Diabetic patients should consult their doctor before taking any fish oil due to potential (albeit unlikely) increases in blood sugar levels. Although slight increases in fasting blood glucose levels have been noted in patients with type 2 (“adult-onset”) diabetes, the available scientific evidence suggests that there are no significant long-term effects of fish oil in patients with diabetes, including no changes in hemoglobin A1c levels. Limited reports in the 1980s of increased insulin needs in diabetic patients taking long-term fish oils may be related to other dietary changes or weight gain.
Risk of Bleeding
Very large intakes of fish oil/omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding stroke. High doses have also been associated with nosebleed and blood in the urine. Fish oils appear to decrease platelet aggregation and prolong bleeding time, increase breaking down of blood clots. Fish oil should be used cautiously in patients with abnormal heart rhythms.
Stomach Problems
Stomach upset are a common side effect of fish oil supplements. Diarrhea may also occur, with potentially severe diarrhea at very high doses. There are also reports of increased burping, acid reflux/heartburn/indigestion, abdominal bloating, and abdominal pain. Fishy aftertaste is a common effect. Gastrointestinal side effects can be minimized if fish oils are taken with meals and if doses are started low and gradually increased.
Additional Side Effects of Fish Oil
People with low blood pressure or those taking blood-pressure reducing medicines should take care. One of the reported side effects of fish oil is a reduction of blood pressure. The impact on blood pressure appears to be dose dependent. Reductions of 2-5 millimeters of mercury have been observed, and effects appear to be dose-responsive (higher doses have greater effects). Too much fish oil is the key here – an this is a key difference in individuals, especially important while bleeding, or during surgery.
Fish oil has caused swelling of the nasal passages and the upper part of the pharynx called nasopharyngitis, in some patients. Some patients taking fish oil developed upper respiratory tract infections.
Vitamin E plays a part in metabolizing omega acids so large doses of fish oil place high demands on the body’s vitamin E supply, and therefore vitamin E is added to many commercial fish oil products. Vitamin E also prevents oxidation of fish oil. As a result, regular use of vitamin E-enriched products may lead to elevated levels of this fat-soluble vitamin.
Fish liver oil contains the fat-soluble vitamins A and D, and therefore fish liver oil products (such as cod liver oil) may increase the risk of vitamin A or D toxicity. Increases in low-density lipoprotein levels (“bad cholesterol”) by 5-10% are observed with intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Effects are dose-dependent.
Mild elevations in liver function tests and skin rashes have been reported rarely. There are also rare reports of mania in patients with bipolar disorder or major depression. Restlessness and formication (the sensation of ants crawling on the skin) have also been reported.
Overall omega-3 fish oil have few side effects and can be considered safe the vast majority of the population.
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