Side Effects of Fish Oil

Although fish oil is considered a safe supplement, there are a few side effects of fish oil you need to be aware of.

First of all when shopping for fish oil supplements, make sure you are not purchasing fish liver oil instead.  This is important because fish liver oil may have high levels of fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin D.  When taken in large amounts these fat soluble vitamins may cause toxicity.

Also if you have diabetes you want to make sure that you monitor your blood sugar levels even more stringently if you are taking fish oil supplements.  It has been found that blood sugar levels as well as cholesterol levels have become elevated in a few folks with diabetes who are taking fish oil supplements.

One of the more common side effects of fish oil that folks will experience is perhaps some mild stomach upset.  Depending on the amount of fish oil you take you may have a tendency to burp up a fishy taste.

Since it is known that fish oil supplements reduce blood platelet stickiness you will want to consult with your doctor if you are taking anticoagulant drugs or blood thinners.  An increase risk of bleeding may occur when combining fish oil supplements with these other medications.

As you can see the side effects of fish oil are very few. The Omega 3 fish oil benefits far outweigh the possible harmful side effects - but as always, check with you health care provider.

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