What are the side-effects or risks of taking fish oil supplements?

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Answer

Possible side effects of taking fish oil supplements include:

• Fishy taste

• Belching (stomach gas)

• Other intestinal problems such as nausea or diarrhea.

A significant risk of fish oil supplementation is heavy metal poisoning, i.e. the build-up of mercury, lead, nickel, arsenic and cadmium and other contaminants, which may be found in less refined fish oil supplements.

Also note that cod liver oils and fish oils are not the same. Cod liver oil is extracted from cod liver and is a source of vitamins A and D. You would probably exceed the recommended daily intake of vitamins A and D if you took cod liver oil to get the Omega-3 benefits.

Answer

Most issues with fish oil can be eliminated by substituting flax seed oil instead. Flax seed oil is converted to omega-3s by the body. I do not believe there is a single reported case of pure omega-3 harming a person in history. Omega-3 is used because it counteracts the omega-6 oils, which are harmful, and which everyone gets too much of. Of course, every situation is somewhat unique, but a person would be hard pressed to find any evidence of pure omega-3 oils causing harm. In excess, anything can become deadly, even pure water. It would be difficult to take omega-3 at a dangerous level. It is something of a wonder tonic for both the brain and the body. The safest strategy is to use pure cold-pressed flax seed oil, and allow the body to convert it to as much omega-3 as it needs. Fish oil always has the risk of heavy metal contaminants.

First answer by Fledermaus. Last edit by Corriher. Contributor trust: 79 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 57 [recommend question]