Fish oil is well known for its wealth of health-promoting properties.
Rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil has been shown to reduce blood triglycerides, relieve inflammation and even ease symptoms of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
However, more fish oil is not always better, and taking too high a dose may actually do more harm than good when it comes to your health.
High Blood Sugar
Some research shows that supplementing with high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids could increase blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
One small study, for example, found that taking 8 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day led to a 22% increase in blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes over an eight-week period.
This is because large doses of omega-3s can stimulate the production of glucose, which can contribute to high levels of long-term blood sugar levels.
Bleeding
Bleeding gums and nosebleeds are two of the hallmark side effects of excess fish oil consumption.
One study in 56 people found that supplementing with 640 mg of fish oil per day over a four-week period decreased blood clotting in healthy adults.
Low Blood Pressure
Fish oil’s capacity to lower blood pressure is well documented.
One study of 90 people on dialysis found that taking 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day significantly decreased both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to a placebo.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the most common side effects associated with taking fish oil, and may be especially prevalent while taking high doses.
In fact, one review reported that diarrhea is one of the most common adverse effects of fish oil, alongside other digestive symptoms such as flatulence.
Acid Reflux
Although fish oil is known for its powerful effects on heart health, many people report feeling heartburn after starting to take fish oil supplements.
Stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke is a condition characterized by bleeding in the brain, usually caused by the rupture of weakened blood vessels.
Some animal studies have found that a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids could decrease the blood’s ability to clot and increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.
Rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil has been shown to reduce blood triglycerides, relieve inflammation and even ease symptoms of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
However, more fish oil is not always better, and taking too high a dose may actually do more harm than good when it comes to your health.
High Blood Sugar
Some research shows that supplementing with high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids could increase blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
One small study, for example, found that taking 8 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day led to a 22% increase in blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes over an eight-week period.
This is because large doses of omega-3s can stimulate the production of glucose, which can contribute to high levels of long-term blood sugar levels.
Bleeding
Bleeding gums and nosebleeds are two of the hallmark side effects of excess fish oil consumption.
One study in 56 people found that supplementing with 640 mg of fish oil per day over a four-week period decreased blood clotting in healthy adults.
Low Blood Pressure
Fish oil’s capacity to lower blood pressure is well documented.
One study of 90 people on dialysis found that taking 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day significantly decreased both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to a placebo.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the most common side effects associated with taking fish oil, and may be especially prevalent while taking high doses.
In fact, one review reported that diarrhea is one of the most common adverse effects of fish oil, alongside other digestive symptoms such as flatulence.
Acid Reflux
Although fish oil is known for its powerful effects on heart health, many people report feeling heartburn after starting to take fish oil supplements.
Stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke is a condition characterized by bleeding in the brain, usually caused by the rupture of weakened blood vessels.
Some animal studies have found that a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids could decrease the blood’s ability to clot and increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.
