What are the Side Effects of Omega 3 Fish Oil?

Supplement fads tend to come and go with the latest superfoods and health trends, but there are some that are timeless. With its incredible health benefits, omega 3 fish oil is here to stay, and it’s become a staple in our daily wellness routines. 

While the health benefits of omega 3 fish oil are second to none, what about the omega 3 fish oil side effects? Are there any? Do we need to be concerned about the side effects of omega 3 fish oil supplements?

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the science behind omega 3 fish oil supplements. We’ll help you understand what side effects you need to be aware of, and what you can do to enjoy all the benefits of fish oil without any unwanted omega 3 fish oil side effects. 

Does Omega 3 Fish Oil Have Any Side Effects?

First of all, does omega 3 fish oil have any side effects? While most people can take omega 3 fish oil supplements and enjoy the benefits without experiencing any side effects, some people do notice omega 3 fish oil side effects when taking supplements. 

The good news is that the side effects of omega 3 fish oil supplements are rare, and there aren’t a lot of them. So what are the side effects of omega 3 fish oil, exactly? Let’s explore that next. 

What are the Side Effects of Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements?

So, what are the omega 3 fish oil side effects you should be aware of? Here are the most common side effects of fish oil supplements - keep an eye out for these when you first start taking your omega 3 capsules. 

Gastrointestinal Issues

Omega 3 fish oil supplements can sometimes cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, bloating, or indigestion. These symptoms are typically mild and transient, often resolving as the body adjusts to the supplement. 

Starting with a lower dosage and gradually increasing it can help minimize gastrointestinal distress. And, taking your supplements with food rather than on an empty stomach can also help to prevent nausea, indigestion, and other GI symptoms. 

Blood Thinning Effects

Omega 3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), exhibit anticoagulant properties, which means they can potentially thin the blood. 

While this is actually beneficial for heart health and may reduce the risk of blood clots, it can also increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you’re taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin or aspirin. 

Allergic Reactions

It might seem obvious, but it’s important to mention that people with fish allergies should be careful with omega 3 fish oil supplements. While most supplements undergo purification processes to remove allergenic proteins, there is still a risk of allergic reactions. 

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis. If you suspect an allergic reaction, stop taking fish oil supplements and seek medical attention right away.

Fishy Taste/Breath

A common complaint with omega 3 fish oil supplements is that they leave a fishy aftertaste or fishy breath. This is due to the natural fish oil content of the supplements, and it’s not harmful but it can be unpleasant! Some supplements contain natural flavors that help to mask the fishiness of the capsules. 

Do the Benefits Outweigh the Side Effects of Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements?

As with all supplements, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons before you decide whether they’re right for you. So, what are the pros? Let’s take a second to explore the benefits of omega 3 fish oil supplements to help you decide whether they outweigh the potential risks. 

Physical Benefits

Omega 3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, play crucial roles in supporting heart health with strong links between omega 3 fish oil and cholesterol levels, as well as the supplement’s ability to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Many people also use omega 3 fish oil for inflammation. EPA and DHA can reduce inflammation, and may be able to improve joint health in people with arthritis, a disease caused by chronic inflammation. 

Is fish oil good for dry eyes? Yes - it can help make our tears more lubricated, protecting our eyes from damage and reducing the irritation that dry, scratchy eyes can cause. There’s also some evidence to suggest that omega 3 fish oils improve eyesight and overall eye health. 

The benefits of fish oil for hair include follicle stimulation, which can support hair growth, and scalp nourishment, which helps with healthy, hydrated hair. The omega 3 fish oil benefits for skin are reducing inflammation and acne, fighting wrinkles, and improving skin hydration. 

Some women also use omega 3 fish oil for fertility, and there are benefits of fish oil during pregnancy, too! Omega 3 supplements can help support fetal development, ensuring you grow a strong, healthy baby. 

Cognitive Benefits

What are the benefits of omega 3 fish oil for our cognitive health? Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for brain health and cognitive function. DHA, in particular, is abundant in the brain and is involved in various neurological processes, including memory, learning, and mood regulation. 

Studies have shown that omega 3 supplementation may reduce the risk of cognitive decline, improve mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, and support overall cognitive function, especially in older adults, which is why many people take omega 3 fish oil for brain fog. 

Who Should Not Take Omega 3 Fish Oil?

As you can see, there are so many different benefits of omega 3 fish oil - it can have a positive effect on just about every aspect of our health, from our eyesight to our heart and our hair! But that doesn’t mean it’s safe for everyone to take omega 3 fish oil supplements. 

If you have a fish allergy, you should steer clear of omega 3 supplements derived from fish sources. Also, if you’re taking blood-thinning medications, you should talk to your healthcare provider before starting omega 3 supplementation, as it may increase the risk of bleeding. 

If you have any concerns about the side effects of omega 3 fish oil, talk to your doctor before you start supplementing your diet - they’ll be able to help you understand whether or not fish oil is the right choice for you. 

Tips on Avoiding the Omega 3 Fish Oil Side Effects

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help avoid or reduce the omega 3 fish oil side effects. This way, you can enjoy the incredible health benefits of omega 3 fish oil without any negative symptoms - it’s a win-win! Here’s what you need to know. 

Choosing Quality Supplements

Reducing the omega 3 fish oil side effects all starts with choosing the best omega 3 fish oil supplement. Premium fish oil supplements are more pure, which means they don’t contain contaminants like mercury, dioxins, or PCBs. 

Not sure how to tell if your fish oil is good quality? It all comes down to how fish oil is made. Look for supplements that are molecularly distilled or undergo other purification processes to remove contaminants. 

Also, opt for supplements from reputable brands that adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and have been tested by third-party organizations for purity and potency. Fewer contaminants and pure supplements reduce the risk of omega 3 fish oil side effects. 

Optimal Dosage and Administration

As well as starting with high-quality fish oil, you can also reduce side effects by learning when is the best time to take omega 3 fish oil and how much omega 3 fish oil per day you should be taking. 

In terms of timing, we recommend taking your fish oil supplements in the evening. This reduces the chances of gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and indigestion. Take your supplements with food if possible! 

When it comes to dosing, it’s important to look at the EPA and DHA content. For general health, the American Heart Association recommends an absolute minimum of 250 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day. The maximum recommended dosage is up to 4,000 mg of EPA and DHA.

How long does fish oil take to work? Omega 3 fish oil supplements will start working as soon as you take them, but depending on what you’re using your fish oil supplements for, it may be a while until you see results. Stay patient and take your omega 3 supplements consistently!

Enjoy Peace of Mind With Omega 3 Fish Oil From Smarter Vitamins!

The best way to skip those unwanted omega 3 fish oil side effects is with Smarter Vitamins’ omega 3 fish oil 1000mg! We start with the highest quality, sustainable fish oil, then put it through a molecular distillation process that removes impurities. 

Our omega 3 fish oil supplements are the purest, safest, and most potent on the market. With high levels of highly purified EPA and DHA, you’ll be able to enjoy all the amazing health benefits of fish oil without worrying about the side effects. 

Plus, because we don’t want you to worry about those gross fishy burps, we’ve added a deliciously natural berry flavor to each capsule - you’ll be pleasantly surprised! With no fillers, preservatives, or unnecessary additives, you’re only getting exactly what your body needs. 

Final Thoughts on the Omega 3 Fish Oil Side Effects

While it’s important to be aware of the side effects of omega 3 fish oil supplements we’ve talked about, most people take fish oil every day without experiencing any of these. There’s a good chance you can use omega 3 supplements and experience nothing but health benefits! 

So, be aware of the side effects, and talk to your doctor if you have any specific concerns, but as long as you’re taking high-quality supplements like Smarter Vitamins’ Omega 3 fish oil 1000mg capsules and you stick to the recommended dosage, the risk is extremely low.

With so many incredible health benefits on the table, do you really want to miss out? Get your omega 3 fish oil supplements from Smarter Vitamins today!