|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutritional Supplements

Side Effects of Omega-3 Fish Oil Caps

Omega-3 fish oil capsules are commonly used in conjunction with diet and exercise to aid in prevention of health problems caused by high triglyceride levels such as coronary artery disease, heart disease and stroke, according to Drugs.com. As with any medication or supplement, both positive and negative side effects may occur.

  1. Triglycerides

    • Strong scientific evidence in human studies show omega-3 fatty acids from fish or fish oil supplements significantly reduce levels of blood triglycerides. These levels appear to be dose-dependent, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Cholesterol

    • Studies by the Mayo Clinic found fish oil supplements to cause small improvements in high-density liproprotein, known as "good cholesterol." Adversely, they simultaneously worsened "bad cholesterol," low-density lipoprotein.

    Cardiovascular

    • Regular consumption of omega-3 fish oil supplements reduces the risk of non-fatal heart attack, fatal heart attack, sudden death and all-cause mortality (death due to any cause) in people with a history of heart attack, according to several randomized controlled trials. Most participants in the studies also took conventional drugs for cardiovascular health, suggesting fish oil may aid traditional medication for secondary cardiovascular disease prevention. Although several large studies report a significantly lower rate of death from cardiovascular disease in men and women who regularly consume fish oil, it remains unclear if benefits only occur in groups of people at risk for developing heart disease. Further research is necessary before deeming fish oil as an agent for primary cardiovascular disease prevention.

    Blood Pressure

    • Studies report small reductions in blood pressure with consumption of omega-3 fatty acid, according to the Mayo Clinic. Clinically-relevant effects, however, would require high and potentially unsafe intake of omega-3 fatty acids per day.

    Rheumatoid Arthritis

    • Study results show fish oil to help reduce disease symptoms including joint pain and morning stiffness, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fish oil only treats symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, however, and does not slow the progression, so joint damage still occurs. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements in conjunction with conventional therapies provide pain relief for people with rheumatoid arthritis, according to an analysis of 17 randomized, controlled clinical trials.

    Stomach Upset

    • Consumption of fish oil and fish oil supplements can cause gas, bloating, belching and diarrhea. A person may also experience a general feeling of discomfort or illness, vomiting and a bad unusual or unpleasant after taste, the Mayo Clinic reports.

    Bleeding

    • High doses of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding, so people who bruise easily, have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinning medications should use caution when taking omega-3 fish oil caps.

    Chest Pain

    • Chest pain, tightness in the chest and difficult of labored breathing can be an unwanted side effect when taking omega-3 fish caps, the Mayo Clinic reports.

    Fish and Seafood Allergy

    • Fish oil supplements may produce allergic reactions in people who are allergic to seafood, so patients allergic to fish should use caution if taking omega-3 fish oil supplements.

Nutritional Supplements - Related Articles