Introduction
Fish oil is an excellent dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids. It improves heart, eye, and brain health. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that support overall health and reduce inflammation. Fish oil contains two types of omega-3 fatty acids: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The omega-3 fatty acids cannot be produced in the body. Therefore, getting the required quantity through food or supplements is essential. Fatty fish and shellfish are the primary dietary sources of DHA and EPA. Fish oil supplements are also available in the form of pills, capsules, or liquids. Due to the health benefits, omega-3 fatty acids are also known as healthy fats.
What Are the Benefits of Fish Oil?
Over-the-counter fish oil supplements contain low doses of DHA and EPA. Prescription fish oils contain about 4 grams of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oils are beneficial in the following ways:
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Fish oil reduces triglyceride (a type of fat in the body) levels in the body. Elevated triglyceride levels can lead to heart problems.
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Fish oil can lower high blood pressure.
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It reduces the risk of blood clot formation.
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When the triglyceride level rises, plaque forms within the lumen of the arteries (blood vessels), narrowing the lumen. Fish oil can prevent plaque formation.
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Fish oil helps in reducing inflammation in the body.
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Fish oil can reduce pain and swelling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease leading to pain and inflammation of the joints).
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Studies have shown that fish oil intake in specific amounts can induce good quality. It may also improve the quantity of sleep in patients with insomnia.
What Are the Side Effects of Fish Oil?
Fish oil supplements may have one or more of the following side effects:
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A fishy and unpleasant aftertaste is the worst side effect of consuming fish oil. Some people may experience fish burps. The severity of this condition depends on the physiology of the person.
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Some may experience bad breath or bad-smelling sweat.
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Fish oil is high in fat and may cause acidity or stomach upset.
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The person may get nauseous due to the unpleasant taste or acidity.
Higher doses of fish oil may cause side effects like:
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Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation is the rapid and irregular heart rhythm that may lead to poor blood flow to the heart and the formation of blood clots within the heart. Prescription fish oils usually contain more doses of omega-3 fatty acids and may lead to stroke due to impaired blood flow.
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Bleeding: Fish oil can increase the risk of bleeding.
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Diarrhea: High doses of fish oil can cause diarrhea and flatulence (gas accumulation). Other types of omega-3 supplements can also cause diarrhea. Taking supplements with meals or decreasing the dosage may reduce the severity.
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Stroke: Atrial fibrillation can lead to stroke or brain attack due to the bursting of the blood vessels in the brain.
How Does Fish Oil Increase the Risk of Bleeding?
Excess intake of fish oil can lead to side effects like nosebleeds and bleeding gums. Platelets are the blood cells responsible for the formation of blood clots. During clot formation, platelet aggregation occurs, where the platelet adheres with other platelets. This step is necessary for effective hemostasis. Fish oils can reduce platelet aggregation, thus causing prolonged bleeding. Due to this reason, it will be suggested by the doctors to the patients to pause the intake of fish oils during surgery.
What Are the Concerns About Taking Fish Oil?
For good health, it is essential to include omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. It can be achieved by eating big fish and shellfish. In case of increased triglycerides or rheumatoid arthritis, the doctors will usually ask to take fish oil supplements. Consuming specific types of fish may lead to mercury toxicity, as some fishes contain the metal. However, fish oil has no mercury, and consuming the same is generally considered safe.
Even though fish oil has proven benefits for the cardiovascular system, consuming high doses of prescription fish oils can cause potential risks. In some cases, taking high amounts of fish oils can worsen the health condition. For example, high doses can cause insomnia (a sleep disorder where it gets hard to fall asleep) and hypervitaminosis (vitamin toxicity). In addition, studies have shown that some patients may not get benefits like a reduced chance of stroke (decreased blood flow to the brain) and heart attack. On the contrary, it increases the chances of cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and atrial fibrillation.
How Does Fish Oil Interact With Other Drugs?
Fish oil supplements may interact with other drugs and cause altered effects in the body. Some of such interactions are:
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Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Drugs: Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs reduce blood clotting. Taking fish oils along with such drugs can increase the chance of bleeding.
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Antihypertensive Drugs: Antihypertensive drugs decrease blood pressure. Taking fish oil along with these drugs may further reduce blood pressure.
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Contraceptives: Contraceptives or birth control pills may decrease the effectiveness of fish oil in reducing triglyceride levels.
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Orlistat: Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor. It reduces the absorption of fat in the body and is used to control obesity or overweight. Fish oil contains beneficial fatty acids, and taking lipase inhibitors along with fish oil supplements may decrease the absorption of healthy fats. Thus, the body may not get the benefits of consuming fish oil.
Conclusion
Omega-3 fatty acids or healthy fats are essential to the body but, in overdoses, can be harmful. Getting all the vital nutrients from natural food sources is always better. But in some cases, the intake of supplements will be inevitable. Therefore, it is necessary to consult the doctor before taking fish oil supplements. Discussing with the health practitioner about the existing health conditions and drug intake is vital in preventing worse drug interactions.
