Omega-3 Supplements and Side Effects

Omega-3 fatty acid is an important nutrient for the body, but cannot be produced naturally. It is found in either food or supplements and is important for both brain and heart function. There are very few side effects associated with Omega-3 supplements and most are tied to either large or low quality dosages.

Vitamin Poisoning

• Vitamin poisoning is a side effect of taking too much Omega-3 fish oil. The likelihood of vitamin poisoning also increases if you take liver-based fish oil as opposed to fish body oil.

Heavy Metal Poisoning

• Lower quality Omega-3 fish oil supplements can have traces of heavy metal, including mercury and lead. A larger dose (more than 3 grams) can cause the trace amounts to result in heavy metal poisoning.

Diarrhea

• Diarrhea is a side effect associated with lower quality supplements or the initial doses of Omega-3 fish oils. Time release formulas limit diarrhea.

Bad Breath

• Ingesting a high dosage of fish oil can cause bad breath odor. A second cause of bad breath is poor quality or old fish oil.

Nausea

• Omega-3 fish oil supplements that are hard to digest can lead to nausea. Switching to a more easily digested formula can eliminate this side effect.