Side Effects of Fish Oil Supplements

Fish oil supplements have been touted as a cure for many ailments over the years. Some of these claims have been substantiated, such as use of fish oil supplements to help prevent a second heart attack and to lower blood pressure. Other claims have been proved to be beyond fish oil's capability, like lowering cholesterol and preventing organ rejection after a transplant. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration rates the omega-3 found in fish oil supplements as GRAS, which means that it is "generally regarded as safe." There are, however, some potential side effects that those considering taking fish oil supplements should consider.

Common Side Effects

• It is very common for people who take fish oil supplements to complain of a fish smell on their breath. Fish oil supplements can cause individuals to experience nausea, acid reflux, diarrhea and greasy stool

Cholesterol

• It has been claimed that fish oil supplements increase the amount of good cholesterol present in the body. This is true but, unfortunately, fish oil also increases the amount of bad cholesterol in the body.

Diabetes

• It has been shown that fish oil supplements may increase the blood glucose level in people with diabetes. If you are diabetic, you should not take any fish oil supplements without first consulting your doctor.

Large Doses

• If you take fish oil in large doses for a long period of time, you greatly increase your risk for nose bleeds, bruising, stroke and hematuria (blood in the urine). Large doses of fish oil may also slow blood clotting.

Vitamins

• Fish oil can cause a vitamin E deficiency in the body and may block the body's ability to absorb certain vitamins.

Drug Interactions

• People who take blood thinners should never take fish oil supplements without first talking to their doctors, as a serious drug interaction could occur.