Top 8 Side Effects of Consuming Too Much Fish Oil
Fish oil is well known for having many benefits for your health. Fish oil, which is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, has been demonstrated to lower ... read more...blood triglycerides, decrease inflammation, and even lessen the symptoms of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Though, more fish oil isn't always better, consuming too much of it might be detrimental to your health. Here are some possible negative consequences of consuming excessive fish oil or omega-3 fatty acids.
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According to some studies, supplementing with high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
For instance, a small study found that taking 8 grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily caused type 2 diabetics' blood sugar levels to rise by 22% over the course of an eight-week period. This is because high amounts of long-term blood sugar can be caused by high dosages of omega-3 fatty acids, which can increase the production of glucose. Other studies, however, have shown contradicting results, which indicate that only very high dosages have an effect on blood sugar. In fact, another analysis of 20 studies found that type 2 diabetics' blood sugar levels were unaffected by daily doses of up to 3.9 grams of EPA and 3.7 grams of DHA, the two main forms of omega-3 fatty acids.
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Fish oil can have some hazardous adverse effects, one of which is that it can prevent your blood from clotting. Two of the most noticeable adverse effects are nosebleeds and bleeding gums.
One study of 56 participants showed that giving healthy adults 640 mg of fish oil daily for four weeks reduced blood clotting. Another small study revealed that consuming fish oil may increase the risk of nosebleeds, noting that 72% of adolescents consuming 1 to 5 grams of fish oil daily reported nosebleeds as a side effect. This is why it's often advised to stop taking fish oil before surgery and consult your doctor if you're on blood thinners like Warfarin before taking supplements. Additionally, fish oil can cause significant blood loss and gastrointestinal bleeding when consumed in large amounts. You might also have brain bleeding that results in a hemorrhagic stroke.
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It is commonly known that fish oil can lower blood pressure. When compared to a placebo, consuming 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily drastically decreased both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in one research involving 90 patients.
Similar to the above, a review of 31 research found that consuming fish oil can significantly lower blood pressure, particularly in people with high cholesterol or high blood pressure. While these effects can undoubtedly be beneficial for people with high blood pressure, people with low blood pressure may have big problems. If you're being treated for high blood pressure, it's crucial to discuss supplements with your doctor because fish oil may also interact with blood pressure-lowering medications.
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Fish oil is packed with essential nutrients, but it can still pose a risk when excessively consumed. One of the most common side effects related to fish oil consumption is diarrhea, which may be more likely when taking high doses. In fact, along with other digestive issues including gas, one research found that diarrhea is one of the most common side effects of fish oil.
Other types of omega-3 supplements may also result in diarrhea, in addition to fish oil. For instance, flaxseed oil, a popular vegetarian substitute for fish oil, has been found to have a laxative effect and may increase the frequency of bowel movements. Make sure you take your supplements with meals and think about reducing your dosage if you have diarrhea after taking omega-3 fatty acids.
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Although fish oil has powerful heart health benefits, many people who start taking fish oil supplements report experiencing heartburn. Due in large part to the high-fat content of fish oil, additional acid reflux symptoms, such as belching, nausea, and stomach pain, are common side effects of this supplement.
In some research, fat has been linked to triggering indigestion. Therefore, those who have gastroesophageal reflux disease should talk to a healthcare professional before starting a fish oil supplement regimen. Regular use of supplements with meals and adherence to a reasonable dosage are often effective ways to lessen acid reflux and treat symptoms. In addition, splitting your dose into a few smaller portions throughout the day may help you avoid indigestion.
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A hemorrhagic stroke is characterized by bleeding in the brain, which is often brought on by the rupture of blood vessels that are already weak.
High consumption of omega-3 fatty acids may decrease the blood's ability to clot and raise the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, according to certain animal studies. These results are in agreement with recent research that suggests fish oil may prevent blood clots from forming. Other research, however, has shown contradictory findings, claiming that there is no connection between fish consumption and fish oil and the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. It is important to undertake further research on humans to see how omega-3 fatty acids may affect hemorrhagic stroke risk. -
Most traditional fish oil supplements (from the oil in fish meat) do not contain significant amounts of vitamin A and should not be of concern when taken with a multivitamin. On the other hand, fish liver oils such as cod liver oil do contain significant amounts of vitamin A, which may be harmful if consumed in large quantities.
One tablespoon (14 grams) of cod liver oil, for instance, may provide up to 270% of your daily requirements for vitamin A in one serving. Dizziness, nausea, joint discomfort, and skin irritation are some of the negative symptoms that can result from a vitamin A overdose. Long-term effects might potentially include liver damage and even liver failure in severe cases. For this reason, it's important to keep your dosage of an omega-3 supplement reasonable and pay attention to the vitamin A content.
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According to some research, taking fish oil in small doses may improve the quality of your sleep. For instance, one research involving 395 children found that taking 600 mg of omega-3 fatty acids every day for 16 weeks improved the quality of their sleep. However, in some cases, taking too much fish oil may actually disrupt sleep and cause insomnia.
According to one case study, a patient with a history of depression's insomnia and anxiety symptoms got worse after taking a high dose of fish oil. However, current research is limited to case studies and anecdotal reports. To further understand how high dosages could impact the general people's sleep quality, more study is required. If you experience insomnia, try taking the fish oil earlier during the day, and start out at lower dosages and increase it slowly.