It's important to be aware of the potential side effects of any substance you take, whether it is a prescription drug, an over the counter remedy or a natural product and even some foods. Anything at all can cause side effects in sensitive individuals and fish oil is no different, however on saying that fish oil is generally considered perfectly safe for anyone of any age.
We are all now well aware of the health benefits of taking Omega 3 fish oil on a daily basis. For example, it's known to be effective against heart disease, arthritis, depression, skin problems and any inflammatory condition. However, what are the risks?
First of all the risks of taking fish oil are miniscule in comparison with the benefits and if you are taking good quality fish oil that has been purified to remove all the toxins and you are taking the correct dosage then you are unlikely to experience much in the way of side effects at all.
So what are the side effects associated with fish oil?
The most commonly reported side effects associated with taking fish oil include:
Fishy burps
A slight fishy aftertaste in the mouth but this usually subsides after a few days
Mild stomach cramps which again won't last for too long
Other less common side effects include:
Diarrhoea
Heartburn
Nausea
You can reduce the chance of experiencing any of these side effects by keeping your fish oil in the fridge and taking your oil along with meals. If you are taking a large dose then it may help to lower the dose until your body adjusts to the oil and then gradually increase it again.
Rare side effects reported by those who have been taking very large doses of fish oil can include:
Nosebleeds
Easy bruising
Prolonged bleeding
This is why it's important for people to consult their doctor if they have an existing health condition or if they are receiving medication. Fish oil thins the blood so if you are taking a regular dose of aspirin or other blood thinning drugs then you will be more at risk of experiencing these uncommon side effects.
Similarly if you have a blood clotting disorder then you need to seek advice from your doctor before embarking on a course of fish oil.
Dangers of Vitamins A and D
If you are taking cod liver oil then you ought to be aware of the dangers of consuming too much vitamin A and D. These two vitamins are fat soluble vitamins which mean the body cannot easily eliminate any excess. As such they can accumulate in the body over time leading to vitamin toxicity.
Pregnant women should avoid cod liver oil altogether as too much vitamin A is known to be harmful to the unborn baby.
Fish oil doesn't contain any vitamin A and D.
Heavy metal poisoning
As our oceans are polluted, so are our fish and as fish oil and cod liver oil are extracted from fish there is a risk that they might contain heavy metals, PCBs, Dioxins and other toxins unless they have been purified.
The best oils are purified using sophisticated filtration techniques such as molecular distillation and this will effectively remove all the contaminants leaving behind only pure fish oil. Make sure you buy reputable oil from a reliable source.
The problem of rancidity
Something else you should be aware of concerning both fish oil and cod liver oil is the potential for the oil to oxidise. Omega 3 oils can deteriorate quickly and become rancid. This is why you will often see an anti-oxidant such as Vitamin E or Borage oil added to the oil.
Antioxidants help to keep the oil fresh and avoid the problem of rancidity. You can usually tell if oil has become rancid as it will smell and taste of rotten fish. Good quality oils will contain an added antioxidant.
