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Side Effects of Fish Oil Caps

Fish oil caplets provide multiple benefits including lowering blood pressure and triglyceride levels, preventing heart disease and stroke, and helping alleviate depression and painful periods according to WebMD. Many of these benefits are linked to the high omega-3 fatty acids found in the caplets. WebMD says the human body cannot make omega-3 fatty acids from the vegetable-based omega-6 fatty acids that are customary in the American diet. Fish oil caplets, typically made from herring, mackerel, tuna, halibut, salmon or cod liver can help make up for omega-3 deficiencies; they do possess some side effects, however.

  1. Gastrointestinal Upset

    • Stomach issues top the list of fish oil side effects. Those taking the fish oil may experience increased burping, including burps with a fishy aftertaste. Acid reflux, abdominal bloating, heartburn and indigestion can also occur. People may suffer from diarrhea, which can be severe when fish oil doses are high according to the Mayo Clinic. To help reduce these side effects, take fish oil with meals, start the dose gradually and keep the pills in the freezer.

    Blood Sugar

    • Slight increases in fasting blood glucose levels appeared in diabetics who took fish oil supplements. The Mayo Clinic says the evidence does not indicate long-term effects, but diabetics should still discuss fish oil supplementation with a medical professional.

    Cholesterol

    • Fish oil lowers triglyceride levels, but according to WebMD, it may increase the low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol.

    Bleeding

    • Doses higher than three grams per day may increase the chance of bleeding due to an impact on clotting ability. The Mayo Clinic states this can lead to nosebleeds, blood in the urine or even hemorrhagic strokes in some cases.

    Low Blood Pressure

    • Fish oil has a positive effect on blood pressure, according to WebMD. Unfortunately, it does not discriminate between high blood pressure and normal healthy blood pressure. Thus, it can cause low blood pressure, especially at high doses. People already taking medication to lower blood pressure should use it with care.

    Contaminants

    • Certain species of fish contain mercury and other chemicals. Fish oil supplements don't contain high levels of contamination according to the Mayo Clinic; however, this side effect is more common with fish meat than other types of meat. Make sure that the fish oil supplements do not come from shark, king mackerel, swordfish or tilefish.

    Rare Complications

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, fish oil supplements can cause a small elevation in liver function tests although this is a very rare side effect. Some people also report skin rashes. In people with bipolar disorder or depression, mania can sometimes occur. There have also been reports of restlessness and formication (the sensation of ants crawling over the skin).

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