What Are the Side Effects of Fish Oil?
Fish Oil
Fish oil has always been known to contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which are very beneficial for people suffering from heart disease, hypertension, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, bipolar disorder, and many types of cancers. The omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil concentrate are generally well tolerated. Fish oil or cod-liver oil has become an important part of people's lives as a daily supplement.
However, as you know a coin has two sides, it has been observed that fish oil also contains some side effects. Now, you must be wondering what these side effects are. I would like to tell you that fish oil side effects are not very dangerous if consumed according to dosage, but if you are taking a large dose or an overdose, the consequences can be very dangerous. To know the dangers of consumption of excessive amount of fish oil too, read on.....
What are the side effects of fish oil according to you?
Side Effects of Fish Oil
When taken in high doses, fish oil can increase the risk of bleeding. It may be in the form of nosebleeds, strokes and blood in urine.
Heavy metals and other pollutants poisoning is another risk associated with the fish oil. This is because mercury, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are present in some fish species.
Upset stomach is another side effect of fish oil. With high amount of fish oil, diarrhea may also occur.
Incessant burping and aftertaste of fish are other side effects of the consumption of fish oil.
Vitamin poisoning is another side effect of fish oil because it contains some vitamins, which, if ingested in large amounts can be harmful to health.
Heartburn and indigestion are also seen as the side effects of fish oil.
There are more side effects of fish oil, which include nausea, eructations, abdominal pain, bloating and taste of fish. In any case even the consumption of high doses of fatty acids of marine origin seem to cause serious side effects. For example, in a recent study, some leukemia patients took 17 grams of fish oil concentrate per day (equivalent to 15-30 times the recommended dose) without significant side effects perceived to be attributed to Omega-3.
In some patients, treatment with high doses of omega-3 led to an increase in bleeding time. Subsequent clinical studies related to the consumption of 2-5 grams of omega-3 per day have not confirmed these effects. Another study showed that a combined treatment of aspirin-based or warfarin (anticoagulants) and Omega-3 does not increase the risk of bleeding.
A previous study had shown that the glycemic control of diabetic patients is negatively affected by treatment with high doses of Omega-3; however, two large meta-analyses later have not confirmed these preliminary observations.
What is Cod-Liver Oil? Benefits Versus Side Effects
As everyone knows, cod-liver oil is oil that is extracted from certain species of fish Gadus (cod, precisely), typical of the northern seas. It is rich in vitamin A, D and Omega 3 fatty acids. These substances are derived from its properties with regard to health. Since the omega 3 are now very fashionable, the cod-liver oil had a backfire. First, it should be noted that there is a profound difference between the cod-liver oil and other fish oils that are extracted not from an organ, but from the flesh. In fact compared to other fish oils, i.e., it contains less Omega 3 and contains more vitamin A and vitamin D and it is also used in the surgical treatment of arthritis.
Research
A British research in 2003 has shown that in about 30 patients, a cod-liver oil in pill has slowed the evolution of the disease in the tissues of subjects who had undergone the insertion of knee prosthesis. Unfortunately, these news were received with usual overemphasis and over-exaggeration by media via internet and newspapers. After a few days, the same researchers conducted a broader study on patients to assess the degree of real benefit of treatment and found that benefits were great, but doctors have explained that the cod-liver oil cannot reverse the disease.
In Australia, there was another research, which was done in 2004 that the integration with Omega 3 would be very useful in the reduction of childhood asthma. As the cod-liver oil contains Omega 3 fatty acids, many journalists have started extolling the old remedy of the grandmother, by titration of their pieces with other extolling phrases for grandmothers, but the reality is much more modest.
Cod Liver Oil Story
Since cod liver oil contains vitamin A and it cannot be exceeded because the vitamin A (and D) are virtually the only vitamins that can make serious problems with overdose (should not be exceeded beyond 10,000 IU of vitamin A per day if the recruitment is prolonged), especially if made from food concentrates such as those produced by the liver.
Eskimos say that you cannot eat the liver of a polar bear or seal in excess (about 15,000 IU of vitamin A per gram!) because the penalty of doing this is a very dangerous. It can lead to chronic poisoning which can be very serious because the symptoms are subtle: a headache, hair loss, skin problems, bone and articular pains, liver problems, etc. Some drugs based on retinoids (vitamin A), widely used in dermatology, have heavy side effects when taken for systemic and for a long time.
As the cod-liver oil contains less of other Omega 3 fish oils, it is more logical and in line with those in particular omega 3 supplements formulated correctly, except in orthopedic practice (where vitamin D and omega 3 are synergistic in the treatment of many diseases, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis in the first place) and dermatological practice (where synergies are omega 3 and vitamin A), the benefits of cod liver seems to depend solely by the content of omega 3: Therefore it is preferable to standard supplements of fatty acids that have no problems of surplus vitamin.
For an example, 100 g of cod-liver oil has following characteristics (source: U.S. Department of Agriculture):
Calories: 902
Vitamin A: 100,000 IU
Vitamin D: 10,000 IU
Omega 3: 20.72 g
Cholesterol: 570 mg.
For a comparison, salmon oil (same calories) does not contain vitamin A or vitamin D, 485 mg cholesterol, but contains 35.98 grams of omega 3.
It means that 10 grams (one spoonful) is a reasonably maximum cod-liver oil that can be taken per day: 90 kcal, 10,000 IU of vitamin A, vitamin D 1000 and 1.9 grams of omega 3.
Back to Fashion: The Cod Liver Oil
After decades of disuse, the cod-liver oil of past generations returned with its new property to combat many ailments such as osteoarthritis and asthma. The grandmothers were right. The cod-liver oil is good for almost everything. Confirmation is a study conducted by a team of researchers who said that it is effective against osteoarthritis. Around 31 patients suffering from osteoarthritis, who were waiting to be operated on their knee, had been administered special tablets of cod-liver oil for almost three months. For one half of the sample, there were two capsules per day of 1,000 mg of cod-liver oil. Other patients were given placebo pills (containing no medication and given to patients to reinforce patients' expectation to get well). Out of 100%, only 26% were those who took the placebo and reported improvement.
The data suggested that cod-liver oil has a dual effect: On one hand, it slows the degeneration of cartilage in osteoarthritis and on the other hand, it reduces the inflammatory processes that cause pain said Professor Caterson. The principles of this healthy type of oil have been known for many years now. Thanks to the massive presence of vitamin D and A (a three times higher than what is in beef liver), the cod-liver oil is used to treat otitis and allergies, helps the brain function and is a viable treatment of stress and other behavioral disorders.
More Facts on Cod-Liver Oil
According to some researchers, there is proof of beneficial effects of fatty acids called Omega-3, which are a key component of the oil. The Omega 3 fatty acids are useful to protect from heart attack and stroke and even cancer. The cod-liver oil is obtained by boiling steaming the liver of fish, and then pressed to extract the precious liquid, which is' rich in vitamin A and D. In Great Britain, during the Second World War, capsules made of fish oil were distributed free to children under 5 years, pregnant women, and those who were breast-feeding.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
© 2009 Rajinder Soni
Comments
AUTHORHi Robin, please consult with your family physician or an allergy specialist regarding the same.
I have taken code liver oil with milk.. is there any side effact like.. skin white patches or leucoderma..??
Plzzz reply as soon as possible.?
Fish oil, as far as I know includes krill oil, cod liver oil and omega 3 fatty acids. Being a vegetarian, I do not really relish on the taste of raw fish oil and hence the nutrient supply in my body was low. This caused a drop in my immunity levels causing me to fall ill regularly. But my friend who suffered from the same issue few years ago, recommended me to consume supplements rather than having raw fish oil. And, on my doctor's recommendation, I started consuming Seacod capsules which contain cod liver oil, Omega 3 fatty acids as well as Vitamin A and D which are essential to boost the health of a person.
It is increasing weight or not?
I have hemochromotisis and I get it treated by having blood removed about every 3 to 4 years. Like 3 pints. Is it ok to take fish oil???
- AUTHOR
Might be possible that you are highly allergic to fish oil.
does anyone else get tremors after taking fish oil?
I am a UC sufferer, i probably had it since childhood. I decided to take COD LIVER OIL CAPS (available OTC from a nearby farmacy) as they have omega3 fatty acids which help in remission probably. And I did it during a flareup (probable cause infection) , i ended up having the worst flare-up of my life. This one lasted six-seven days @ twice an everyday as opposed to 2-3 days normally. I also started passing blood clots .Then my stools became loose which is unusual for me.
I took only one cap at midday after meals!! I discontinued them after three days and the flare up subsided gradually. So I want to warn any fellow UC sufferers to be very careful before taking these CLO supplements especially when they are vegetarians like me.
i have eylipsy and im only taking one salmon pill
a day and i got the bleeding in the urine.
soni u said fish oil might increase bleeding... I have been taking 3 capsules a day and have had much darker pee.. is this a side affect?? I don't drink tap water but still stay hydrated with fruit, purified water and coconut water...
- AUTHOR
Thanks for the additional info on the benefits of fish oil.
Fish oil is really beneficiary for the people in general but the persons ageing faster after 40 in the tropical countries and having lung problem and liver disease with highHDL &LDL will become fit to a great extent .Eyes and skin also get benefits out of it .Cancer remains controlled and cured also depending on the other factors.;
- AUTHOR
Thanks for the comments friends.
Hi,
Could anyone recommend if they are aware of IFOS certified Krill oil? With so many brands in the market it only gets confusing?
My God i been getting mucus to.I thought i was going mad
I take 2 capsules twice a day of sea cod cod liver oil. Each capsule contains 300g of cod liver oil. so how much omega - 3 do i consume and is it harmful?
I just started taking fish oil about six months ago and haven't had any bad reactions. But, it's always good to be aware of what to look out for. You mentioned upset stomach as a possible side effect, and believe it or not, zinc supplements have been great for my stomach (I had these problems b4 the fish oil). Great Hub!
I take omega-3 supplements daily because I think the benefits outweigh the risk. As for me, I have not encountered any side effects.
- AUTHOR
Thank you so much Segol, Mazza, and Angellite for sharing your knowledge about fish oil.
Did you know that fish contains a substance that prevents Mercury poisoning?
I like your fish-tongue picture!
I would like to know if fish oil promotes mucus. Since I have been taking fish oil I seem to have mucus in my throat. I don't know if it is through this.
very interesting, thank you
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Thanks a lot Vaalion for your comment.
Great hub, I like to do a lot of research on fish oil as well because their always on my mind in a fish oil vs flaxseed mental battle :P
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Dear Gurpratap, you have waited for too long. You need to visit a specialist immediately. I am saying this because you passed blood. This is a really sensitive issue and should be resolved under the hands of an expert physician. My friendly advice, don't wait, talk to your doctor. If I would have been on your side, I would have done that immediately after passing blood.
Hi Rajinder. I overdosed on fish oil caps a week back which resulted in severe diarrhea and sharp stomach pain. I passed a lot of blood but the diarrhea subsided after about two days. I have been experiencing sharp stomach pain a few times everyday since then. The pain becomes unbearable at times. An occasional stomach upset is also not uncommon. Why haven't the effects gone even after a week? What medication should I take?
- AUTHOR
There is a lot of difference between consuming cooked fish and taking fish capsules. It also depends on the frequency you are eating fish. You will take capsules on a daily basis if advised by your doctor but you will not eat fish on a daily basis. Yes you can substitute cooked fish instead of capsules, as there are many benefits of cooked fish.
These are really very useful information! I am just curious to know whether cooked fish can be substituted for capsules?
- AUTHOR
Hi Granny, this is the reason why I always recommend to buy and use krill oil instead of fish oil. Check out my hub on krill oil.
I was taking fish oil and noticed my hair started falling out! A co=worker told me she also started hair loss when she started taking fish oil
- AUTHOR
Thanks for the link to that article friend.
Here is also a good article about benfits of fish oil for the skin http://magarticles.com/6/how-fish-oil-benefits-ski...
- AUTHOR
I didn't knew much about rancid oil. Can you please write a hub on rancid oil and its illegal use in fish oil? That would be really appreciated angel.
I think the biggest problem with fish oil, is that it has been researched more and more, and they find that most cheap brands are selling rancid oil, that is poisoning the body. The important thing is to buy it from a reputable and well tested researched facility. It shouldn't even smell or taste fishy when you pop it open, if so...its rancid.
- AUTHOR
Thanks for your understanding friend.
Soni - ok got that. I don't personally take the krill oil due to some religious restrictions regarding shellfish. Otherwise I have read some very positive things regarding Krill oil!
- AUTHOR
A higher grade product is always beneficial but why should we use fish oil whether high grade or low grade when we have the option of using krill oil as an alternative to fish oil which has lot more benefits. I have explained about what are krills and what is krill oil in one of my hubs. Just scroll above through the comments and you will get the link to that article.
Nice hub. I am fortunate the only fish oil side effect I know of is the burp! I think the PCB/toxin side effects can be minimized with a higher grade fish oil.
Nice picture with the fish on the tongue :)
- AUTHOR
Hi Lisi, thanks for the comment dear. I am happy that you found this hub useful.
Great hub Soni! I was never aware of those side effects. I'll take them into consideration from now on. Thank you for the useful information here!
- AUTHOR
Thanks a lot Debby. I published this article many months ago and I am glad that it is helping people now also to get information on side effects of fish oil and benefits of krill oil I have mentioned here: https://discover.hubpages.com/health/buy-krill-oil...
Thank you Soni! Excellent article with information we should take into consideration when supplementing with fish oils.
- AUTHOR
That's really good for you Peter. I have mentioned above that only some people complain of side effects and others don't have problems with fish oil but then also krill oil is much more better than fish oil.
i take 6000 mg fish oil a day 3 x1000 mg morning and night i suffer from cholestrol. and arthritis in the neck i dont seem to have any side affects
I remember taking fish oil as a kid. It wasn't one of my favorites! :)
- AUTHOR
Thank you so much Laverne for putting this up. I think a lot of people are experiencing side effects from fish oil capsules and your story relates to fish oil capsules which are carelessly manufactured. It is possible that if you have all the details and the Spring Valley Fish Oil pack with you, you can sue the company also. Uniting other people having similar side effects or bad experiences from using Spring Valley fish oil capsules would be beneficial. Best of luck.
I bought Spring Valley fish oil capsules, 1000 mlgms. I took one before going to bed. When I got up the next morning, all hell broke loose. When I opened them the previous night I noticed they looked strange, not like the fish oil caps I've ever taken not even from that brand. the caps look opaque the liquid is not clear and there is a rough texture to them, but I took it anyway. Stupid, stupid, stupid. I had to go to the hospital after a full 24 hours of non stop vomiting. My doctor said I had a massive infection in my bowels, never have before! If anybody has experienced this e-mail me at nadialexis@netzero.com and we can verify lot numbers.
- AUTHOR
Yes rvernon, krill oil is better than fish oil, you can read my other hub, Where to Buy Krill Oil or Fish Oil - What are Krills? via this link https://discover.hubpages.com/health/buy-krill-oil...
i want to try krill oil i hear it is better for you right now i take fish oil
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Hi lauraspage, thanks for writing out this really useful information. Could you please tell us or give us a list of companies that are offering safe and effective fish oil??
Once you cook your fish, the omega 3 is gone. Supplement with fish oil that is distilled and all of the metals are taken out. There are only a hand full of companies that offer safe and effective fish oil. The rest are pure garbage.
- AUTHOR
God has made everything beautiful and taught us to be within limits but when we, human beings, do it excessively, we suffer the consequences which is happening everywhere. Lets moderate and live life with satisfaction. Thanks a lot Tatjana-Mihaela for your positive comment.
Excellent article. I was forced to take it in childhood, so nevery tried it later on.
Moderate use is certainly recommendable.
For each natural products there should not be overusage and person shuld make pause while using it...
Thanks for interesting hub, Sony.
- AUTHOR
It's my pleasure Adam. You can also navigate through my other hubs mainly the hub on krill oil.
This is a really interesting hub, thanks for sharing it.
- AUTHOR
Hi Margaret, I understand your situation but I have studied the linkage of hemochromatosis and osteoporosis which has been confirmed by various studies and research done by doctors. I think in your case excessive iron intake can be harmful and there are many other factors so I cannot give you any advice on drugs for lowering your cholesterol but I can only tell you about natural alternatives one of which is that you can start including cholesterol lowering fruits and vegetables in your diet and get rid of your cholesterol problem naturally. You can visit this site for further info on the same: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-some-cholesterol-...
You can also have a look at Home remedies for lowering cholesterol here: http://www.natural-homeremedies.com/homeremedies_c...
I would recommend you to visit these two useful links and learn more about how to treat your condition naturally. These things include no side effects I guarantee. I have also recommended you these because you have mentioned above that you are allergic to a lot of allopathic medicines, so I think it is best to try natural medicines like herbs, foods, and also you can try Indian Ayurveda. Link here:
I have Haemochromatosis and Osteoporosis, I have been taken two fish oil tablets twice a day for three weeks to help lower my cholesterol.
The side effects to all my joints were so bad,I could not walk so I eased off the fish oil tablets to see if it what's causing the problem. After two - three days of "not" taking the tablets I was back to normal.
I do suffer side effects to a lot of medication because of my condition.
I need to take some thing to lower my cholesterol of 6.6 so hoping you have some advise for me.
- AUTHOR
Thank you so much friends, jperlini, ratnaveera, Pollyannalana, Putz Ballard for your motivational comments. I agree with all your views and ideas about fish oil and cod liver oil.
Great article. I have been taking fish oil for RA, and do not take more than the recommended dosage. thanks for posting this informative hub.
I have taken both but fish oil mostly for many years, it keeps the pain completely from my knees, if I forget it a few days they let me know it too, so I dont know what to think, I take them with meals to prevent the fishy aftertaste but I too will look into this more, thank you.
When I take codliver oil capsules, I often get mouth ulcers. Now I have stopped taking that capsules. Your Hub makes me to avoid codliver oil caps as much as possible. Thanks for sharing the facts.
I have been taking 4 capsules of fish oil everyday for about the past 2 years and am fine. I have heard of side effects like the ones you have presented however. In saying that, I have found that the risk of taking the fish oil, and it's benefits, outweigh the negative effects 10 fold.
- AUTHOR
Thanks for your comments Clara Ghomes and Bhawna Sharma.
Soni, your hub scared me. I need to rethink before taking code liver oil capsules.
OMG ;O petrified pic :-s good information and nice hub. thanks for sharing the info..
- AUTHOR
Thanks a lot for your positive comment Peerless.
I thought fish oil was a good thing, but it's seems 2 have a lot of side effects. I was thinking of eating it for a thicker hair and stronger nails. I heard that Omega 3 had a lot of good effects. But after i saw this i may think a bit. Very interesting Soni.
- AUTHOR
Thanks a lot Health Wise for your update on your previous comment. After reading your comment and visiting your hub, the picture about IP6 and its benefits is totally clear in my mind.
I've heard of several people I know whose skin has turned a slight shade of yellow when taking fish oils but I'm at a loss as to why this happens, you could be right about an allergy causing it,i must look into it further.I began taking IP6 last year as I heard it has major benefits to health just like fish oils have on heart disease, hypertension, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, bipolar disorder, and many types of cancers.The difference is IP6 is a mineral chelator which rids the body of excess metals and minerals which can cause all sorts of diseases. IP6 can rid the body of metals such as lead, mercury, copper, cadmium & excess calcium.The liver stores iron & IP6 can play a major role in ridding this organ of excess iron.Excess iron levels can also facilitate the growth of unfriendly bacteria. Unless we can control our iron levels, this mineral will encourage the growth of unfriendly bacteria. You can see more about this mineral chelator on my hub here at: https://hubpages.com/health/IP6
- AUTHOR
It's my pleasure Sandi. Best of luck.
Thanks for the info. My husband uses fish oil, he will have to read this.
- AUTHOR
I have this for the first time that fish oil has turned anyone's skin yellow, might be possible that you individually have an allergy to fish oils and it might be not the case with other fish oil users. By the way, I admit that I do not know a thing about IP6. Please explain it further for us and let us know how it is better for our health comparing fish oils. You can also create a hub regarding the same, the title can be "How IP6 is better than fish oil?" or "Fish oil versus IP6".
Excellent Hub. I was using fish oils for a number of years but they seem to turn my skin yellow, no idea why. I've recently started taking IP6 which I think is far better for your health.
- AUTHOR
Hi Tammy, Please check with your personal physician regarding dosages of salmon oil and fish oil as he is your best guide and has expertise in providing appropriate prescriptions according to standard doses depending on the medical conditions you have.
i take 4 400mg og salmon oil and 2 400mg of fish oil a day is that dangerous thank you,
- AUTHOR
Thanks a lot Mr. Papneja. I am really glad that you found this article interesting and unique.
This is a really nice explanation of fish oil side effects. As a student of alternative medicine, I have read about a lot of benefits of fish oil but this is something different and unique for me. Excellent explanation.
- AUTHOR
Thanks a lot stars439 for your kindness and support.
very informative. i stay quite tired, god bless you
- AUTHOR
It's my pleasure Rondi.
Thank you...
- AUTHOR
No, do not know anyone having done this near me but might be possible that other people may have experienced this problem. I will check this out today on the net that what are side effects of taking DHA OMEGA 3 SUPPLEMENT for pregnant women.
Has anyone taken the DHA OMEGA 3 SUPPLEMENT during their entire pregnancy? Please let me know if your babies had any health issues in development etc. after birth? Thank you...
- AUTHOR
Thanks a lot chefspecial.
I appreciated reading this information.
- AUTHOR
Nice comment. I agree with you herb gardening.
Great article. Something people don't seem to take into consideration is the natural treatments are powerful medicine and shouldn't be abused!
- AUTHOR
Hi Sumon and wealthmadehealthy for your great comments.
This is a great hub..I guess Grandma was right! Taking Cod Liver Oil now appears good for you, but not when Grandma made me take it...LOL Thanks for this hub!!
- AUTHOR
Thank you very much Mike for loading this info in this hub via your comment. Things you have explained in your comment are unknown for many.
I did not know a lot of this stuff about fish oil. Thanks for writing this.
Cod Liver oil and Fish Oil are two different things. One should not buy cheap fish oils from companies that do not disclose the ingredients and manufacturing processes. Supplementing any synthetic man made food substance carries risk. Most people taking vitamins have no idea if they are deficient or not. In the United States Doctors almost Never talk about nutrition. In your part of the world you are much more likely to get better advice about nutrition.
Is omega-3 separate from fish oil?
How it 's will increase bleeding? It increased bleed is fish oil only.
- AUTHOR
Thank you very much syuryadi helpi and Vizey for your comments and support.
Informative hub,any thing which is beyond certain level is going to harm your body. whether it is vitamins, protien or fish oil. Thanks for collecting so much info on fish oil. I had heard that fish oil is good for skin.
A good hub.You say it all, both sides of the effect.thank you.
- AUTHOR
Thanks Brenda for your comment on the fish tongue and my efforts. Will be uploading more hubs on the upcoming Labor Day as it is my off over here in India. Take care and enjoy hubbing and loads of commenting.
love the fish tongue, great hub haven't seen you around for a while, but it is probably me that isn't looking.... always enjoy the amount of effort you put into your hubs well done again
- AUTHOR
Yes it is scary when it comes to our health. Thanks Shalini for your comment.
That's a very informative hub - thanks! It's scary to think of some of those after effects!
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