The Side Effects of Fish Oil Capsules

More people are choosing to take fish oil supplements – and for good reason. The omega-3’s found in fatty fish and fish oil supplements have shown a variety of health benefits. They appear to lower triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease and thrombotic stroke. They also have anti-inflammatory properties which may help to relieve some of the pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Although fish oil supplements have significant health benefits, they’re not always well tolerated. What are the side effects of taking fish oil?

One of the most common side effects of taking fish oil supplements is digestive upset. Many people report mild nausea and bloating after taking fish oil capsules. It’s also not uncommon to experience increased flatulence and a “fishy” taste in the mouth. In some cases, these symptoms come from taking rancid fish oils, so it’s important not to take oils that are past their expiration date. Taking them with meals is another way to reduce the unpleasant fishy taste. These mild, but frequent, side effects of taking fish oil will often subside once the body adjusts to them.

Another potential concern when taking fish oil capsules is the risk of bleeding. Because fish oil capsules affect the function of platelets which help clot the blood, there’s the concern that they could cause bleeding problems in some individuals. This is why people taking prescription blood thinners should avoid using them – particularly if taking more than two grams a day. Some experts have recently questioned this risk – believing that the risk is more theoretical , but it’s best to err on the side of caution.  

People who are on a weight loss diet where calorie intake is closely monitored should be aware that fish oil supplements are not calorie-free and could cause weight if not compensated for by reducing calories elsewhere. Some studies have shown they can also increase LDL cholesterol levels by up to ten percent, so this should be closely monitored.

Finally, many people worry about fish oil supplements being contaminated with mercury and PCB’s that are commonly found in the bodies of fatty fish. Studies suggest that fish oil capsules may actually be safer than eating the fish itself. When fish oil capsules were tested from a variety of manufacturers, most were found to be very low in mercury and PCB’s. Most reputable fish oil manufacturers use molecular distillation to remove harmful contaminants which is a very effective process.  Pharmaceutical grade fish oil capsules are also available that are virtually contamination free.

The bottom line? Most of the side effects of taking fish oil supplements are relatively minor, but it’s important to take them under a doctor’s care, especially if taking blood thinners, and to buy from a reputable manufacturer that uses molecular distillation to remove harmful impurities.