| The benefits of fish oil are vast because it contains | | | | Patients with abnormal heart rhythm: when taken in |
| omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and | | | | severe doses, fish oil and Omega-3's can decrease |
| docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega 3's are used for | | | | platelet aggregation and thus cause excessive |
| naturally treating a number of ailments, as different as | | | | bleeding. Though not common, studies have associated |
| dyslexia and rheumatoid arthritis. However, though its | | | | large doses with nosebleeds and blood in urine. |
| qualities are often lauded, some consumers wonder | | | | Gastrointestinal upset: when taking supplements, some |
| about fish oil side effects. Overall, they are minimal, and | | | | patients complain of an upset stomach. The body uses |
| the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies | | | | Vitamin E to metabolize omega acids so to avoid |
| omega-3 fatty acids from fish as GRAS (Generally | | | | diarrhea and other gastrointestinal fish oil side effects, |
| Regarded as Safe). The FDA however does not | | | | take supplements with a meal, or ones enriched with |
| strictly regulate herbs and supplements so consumers | | | | Vitamin E. |
| should do their homework before buying any given | | | | Other minor effects noted in previous studies include, |
| supplement, especially if they possess certain affected | | | | swelling of the nasal passages, mild elevations in liver |
| conditions. | | | | function, increased risk of vitamin A or D toxicity, and |
| Allergies: clearly consumers will experience fish oil side | | | | worsening of "bad" cholesterol levels. |
| effects if one is allergic to fish. Skin rashes have been | | | | As always with natural and pharmaceutical products, |
| known to appear in allergenic patients. Algae is a fish | | | | negative reactions exist, especially when a consumer |
| alternative that also contains Omega-3's. | | | | takes exaggerated doses of anything. The potential |
| Young children/breastfeeding mothers: fish meat may | | | | benefits of Omega-3's are many, especially when |
| contain mercury, which can impair the neurological | | | | taken in recommended doses. The American Heart |
| development of fetuses and young children. Many | | | | Association recommends the consumption of 1g of |
| websites provide information about specific mercury | | | | fish oil daily, preferably by eating fish. |
| levels in specific seafood and shellfish. The key factor | | | | To avoid fish oil side effects, take all supplements with |
| to an individual's health is related to the kind and | | | | a meal, and make sure they are enriched with Vitamin |
| quantity of fish they consume. | | | | E. |