Omega-3 is an essential part of the diet and supplements, such as fish oil, have been associated with a number of health benefits. However, consuming too much fish oil could affect your health and cause side effects, such as high blood sugar levels and an increased risk of bleeding. Fish oil appears to contain almost no mercury, which may be a cause for concern in certain types of fish. While generally safe, consuming too much fish oil can increase the risk of bleeding and affect the immune response.
It's not clear if fish oil is safe for people who are allergic to shellfish. Take fish oil supplements under the supervision of a doctor. Taking the recommended dose of fish oil isn't likely to cause serious side effects. Know that if you start taking higher doses, you'll see more side effects than if you stay within the recommended range.
Your health care provider can give you medical advice about the risks and benefits of fish oil supplements. Side effects of excess omega-3 often include a fishy aftertaste, bad breath, indigestion, nausea, or loose stools. The most worrying but less common side effects of omega-3 can include abnormal bleeding, impaired immune function and the toxicity of vitamin A (cod liver oil). Most of these side effects can be avoided if you don't take too high a dose.
