Are There Side Effects of EPA-DHA Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements?

EPA and DHA are just types of omega-3 that are found in fish oil. ALA is the form of omega-3 that is found in plant sources like flaxseed. They are vital to the body. Your body will suffer ill health if you don’t get enough. The brain is highly dependent upon DHA, and both of these promote cardiovascular health.

However, side effects of EPA-DHA omega-3 fish oil are still possible. First, omega-3 is a blood thinner. So if you are already taking a blood thinner like aspirin or a prescription drug blood thinner/anticoagulant, taking this on top of that may thin the blood too much, leading to complications.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing about fish oils. One could say it’s a bad thing about aspirin or prescription blood thinners just as well. It’s simply that a combination of too many things–in this case blood thinners–may pose a problem.

Other side effects of it are possible unpleasant fishy burps after taking them; diarrhea; gastrointestinal upset….things that usually happen if you take too many of any kinds of oils, not just fish oil.

There is also some studies that suggest people with angina should speak with a doctor first before supplementing with fish oil.

Overall, however, the vast majority of people in the Western world are deficient in omega-3’s and a EPA-DHA omega-3 fish oil supplement that is molecularly distilled (meaning purified) is one of the best ways to get these vital fats.

For the majority of people, taking a supplement is going to benefit their health far more than potential side effects. Just don’t overdo it. Most natural health experts suggest between 2-3 grams of omega-3 per day. A quality fish oil supplement should offer about 1,000mg (1 gram) per capsule and suggest taking 2 capsules a day. The rest of the omega-3’s you should get from eating a healthy diet.

Are There Side Effects of EPA-DHA Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements? by Dan Ho