In general, there are very few potential negative effects of taking fish oil. In some cases, taking extreme amounts (more than 3000 mg per day) have shown some potential issues – not even pharmaceutical grade fish oil is that potent. There are two different areas of potential risk that you should consider: the type of fish used to create the oil and taking too much Omega 3 on a daily basis.
Effects of Fish Oil – The Species
The only potential risk is if your fish oil is not correctly processed. Some people argue against the purification of Omega 3 fish oil, but it is only way to stay safe. If you look at the reports of fish oil supplements that have been contaminated in the past, none of them took the proper steps to purify the oil before encapsulating it. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are some specific of fish that carry a higher risk of environmental contamination – in most cases the potential problem is methylmercury and other types of industrial pollution.
Effects of Fish Oil – Special Precautions
WebMD created a list of several instances where additional precautions should be taken. The most noted potential effect would be if you are allergic to fish or seafood. There isn't any reliable information as to how severe your allergy would need to be in order to have a reaction. Some people with this allergy have no problem taking fish oil on a daily, while others can have a negative reaction.
Just be on the safe side, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed on WebMD. They are
- Liver Disease
- Bipolar Disorder
- Depression
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- HIV/AIDS
- An Implanted Defibruillator
- Familial Adentomatous Polyposis
Additional effects listed by the American Heart Association include: upset stomach, fishy aftertaste, and worsening glycomia.
In almost all cases, the benefits of taking the best fish oil supplements on a daily basis will far outweigh the potential risks. Again, if you have any questions, talk to your doctor first.
