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Friday, July 22, 2022

8 Little-Known Side Effects of Too Much Fish Oil

 8 Little-Known Side Effects of Too Much Fish Oil




1. High Blood Sugar



Some research describes that supplementing with high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids could improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

One small study, for example, discovered that taking 8 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day led to a 22% improve in blood sugar levels in people with kind 2 diabetes over an eight-week period .

This is due to large doses of omega-3s can stimulate the production of glucose, which can contribute to high levels of long-term blood sugar levels .

However, other research has turned up conflicting outcomes, suggesting that only very high doses impact blood sugar.

In fact, another analysis of 20 studies discovered that daily doses of up to 3.9 grams of EPA and 3.7 grams of DHA — the 2 main forms of omega-3 fatty acids — had no affect  on blood sugar levels for individuals with type 2 diabetes .

2. Bleeding



Bleeding gums and nosebleeds are 2 of the hallmark side effects of excess fish oil consumption.

One study in 56 people discovered that supplementing with 640 mg of fish oil per day over a four-week period reduced blood clotting in healthy adults  .

Moreover , another small study showed that taking fish oil may be connected to a higher risk of nosebleeds, reporting that 72% of adolescents taking 1–5 grams of fish oil regular experienced nosebleeds as a side effect  .

For this cause , it’s often advised to stop taking fish oil prior to surgery and to talk to your doctor before taking supplements if you’re on blood thinners such as Warfarin.

3. Low Blood Pressure



Fish oil’s capacity to lower blood pressure is nice documented.

One study of 90 people on dialysis discovered that taking 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to a placebo  

Equally , an analysis of 31 studies managed that taking fish oil can effectively lower blood pressure, mainly for those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels  .

While these effects can certainly be advantageous for those with high blood pressure, it can reason serious problems for those who have low blood pressure.

Fish oil may even interact with blood pressure-lowering medications, so it’s vital to discuss supplements with your doctor if you’re receiving treatment for high blood pressure.

4. Diarrhea



Diarrhea is one of the most common side effects associated with taking fish oil, and may be mainly  prevalent while taking high doses.

In fact, one review reported that diarrhea is one of the most common adverse effects of fish oil, alongside other digestive symptoms like  flatulence  .

Moreover  to fish oil, other types of omega-3 supplements may even cause diarrhea.

Flaxseed oil, for example, is a famous vegetarian alternative to fish oil, but has been shown to have a laxative effect and may improve  bowel movement frequency  .

If you experience diarrhea after taking omega-3 fatty acids, confirm  you’re taking your supplements with meals and consider reducing your dosage to see if symptoms persist.

5. Acid Reflux



Although fish oil is recognized  for its powerful effects on heart health, several people report feeling heartburn after starting to take fish oil supplements.

Other acid reflux symptoms — containing belching, nausea and stomach discomfort — are general side effects of fish oil due largely to its high fat content. Fat has been shown to trigger indigestion in many studies  .

Sticking to a moderate dose and taking supplements with meals can often effectively decrease acid reflux and relieve symptoms.

Moreover , splitting your dose into a few smaller portions throughout the day may support eliminate indigestion.

6. Stroke



Hemorrhagic stroke is a condition characterized by bleeding in the brain, normally caused by the rupture of weakened blood vessels.

Some animal studies have discovered that a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids could reduce the blood’s ability to clot and increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke .

These findings are even consistent with other research describing that fish oil could inhibit blood clot formation  .

However, other studies have turned up mixed outcomes, reporting that there is no association between fish and fish oil intake and hemorrhagic stroke risk  .

Further human studies should be managed to decide  how omega-3 fatty acids may impact the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

7. Vitamin A Toxicity

Certain kinds of omega-3 fatty acid supplements are high in vitamin A, which can be toxic if consumed in large amounts.

For example, just one tablespoon (14 grams) of cod liver oil can fulfill up to 270% of your regular vitamin A requires  in one serving  .

Vitamin A toxicity can cause side effects like  dizziness, nausea, joint pain and skin irritation  .

Long term, it could even lead to liver damage and even liver failure in grave cases  .

For this cause , it’s best to pay close attention to the vitamin A content of your omega-3 supplement and keep your dosage moderate.

8. Insomnia



Some studies have discovered that taking moderate doses of fish oil could improve sleep quality.

One study of 395 children, for instance, showed that taking 600 mg of omega-3 fatty acids regular  for 16 weeks helped increase sleep quality  .

In some cases, though, taking too much fish oil may a actually interfere with sleep and contribute to insomnia.

In one case study, it was reported that taking a high dose of fish oil worsened symptoms of insomnia and anxiety for a patient with a history of sadness.

However, present research is limited to case studies and anecdotal reports.

More research is required to understand how large doses may affect sleep quality in the general population.

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