Omega-3 supplements are known to have fish oil benefits and side effects that affect health. People can consume fish oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids, by consuming certain types of fish or by taking fish oil supplements. According to WebMD, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids are salmon, tuna, mackerel, trout, sardines, sturgeon, mullet, herring, bluefish and menhaden. There is about one gram of omega-3 fatty acids in 3.5 ounces of fish. Even though fish oil has many benefits, there are also side effects.
Fish Oil Benefits
Fish oil is used to reduce the risk of heart disease. According to WebMD, people who consume fish oil have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol. Research reveals scientific evidence that fish oil lowers high triglycerides and prevents heart disease. While consuming fish oil is effective for lowering triglycerides and likely effective for reducing heart disease, other health benefits from fish oil warrant more research.
According to WebMD, people also consume fish oil to help with depression, Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other brain related disorders associated with concentrating. Some women take fish oil to prevent premenstrual and menstrual symptoms like breast tenderness and cramps. Fish oil is also used for disorders such as asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, osteoporosis, obesity, psoriasis, dry eyes, glaucoma and prevention of weight loss caused by certain cancer drugs. People should keep in mind that these health benefits still require further research to substantiate the claims.
According to MayoClinic, several population studies show that fish oil may reduce the risk of prostate, breast and colon cancer; however, more research is necessary before more specific conclusions can be drawn. Disorders such as Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, dementia, schizophrenia and eczema might also be improved by consumption of fish oil, but more research is still necessary to substantiate these claims.
Fish Oil Side Effects
Although there are many health benefits reported from consuming fish oil and taking fish oil is safe for most people, WebMD and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration report that adults should not consume more than three grams of fish oil every day. Children should not take fish oil supplements unless they are under the supervision of a doctor. WebMD reports that high doses of fish oil may affect the body's ability to fight off infection because too much fish oil can affect the immune system. Consuming more than three grams of fish oil a day might also increase bleeding by preventing the blood from clotting properly. Taking too much fish oil can also increase levels of the "bad" LDL cholesterol levels.
WebMD also reports that consumption of fish oil may increase bleeding in people who suffer from liver disease. People who suffer from bipolar disorder and depression and who consume fish oil above recommended daily doses might experience an increase rather than a decrease in their symptoms. People who have diabetes might have a difficult time controlling their blood sugar if they take too much fish oil. Fish oil may also interact with blood pressure medication causing blood pressure to fall to dangerously low levels.
People with an implanted defibrillator and people who have familial adenomatous polyposis should avoid fish oil supplements. Some, but not all research suggests that people with an implanted defibrillator may increase the risk of irregular heartbeat if they consume fish oil supplements. Fish oil supplements might increase the risk of cancer in people who have familial adenomatous polyposis.
Other fish oil side effects include bad breath, heartburn, nausea, rashes, nosebleeds and belching. WebMd reports that these side effects can be minimized by taking fish oil supplements with meals or by freezing them before consumption.
Fish Oil Benefits and Side Effects
While fish oil lowers triglycerides and is purported to have many other health benefits, people should be cautious about fish oil side effects, especially when exceeding daily recommend doses. People should also discuss taking fish oil supplements first with their doctor and pharmacist.
References:
WebMD, "Fish Oil" (accessed May 8, 2010).
MayoClinic, "Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-Linolenic Acid: Safety" (accessed May 8, 2010).
MayoClinic, "Omega-3 in Fish: How Eating Fish Helps Your Heart" (accessed May 8, 2010).
Cathy Herold - Cathy Herold lives in southern California. She has a BA in English and minor in African American Studies from UCLA and a master's degree ...
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