Omega-3 Side Effects and Safety.
Everyone has heard about the incredible benefits of omega-3 fish oil supplements. However, we find that many of our customers want to know what the side effects of taking an omega-3 supplement are going to be.
This is understandable. In this day and age, the list of potential side effects of the average prescription is longer than the list of benefits.
Omega-3 fish oil is different though. Regular use of an ultra-purified omega-3 supplement like PharmaOmega will give you prescription-strength benefits, without prescription-strength side effects.
In fact, as long as your omega-3 fish oil supplement is high-quality, and fresh, you should not experience any side effects.
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Following are answers from our expert Wellness Coaching staff to some of your specific questions.
Q: Can there be any side effects from taking omega-3 supplements?
A: In general, the answer is no. PharmaOmega omega-3 supplements provide dietary essential fats, nutrients your body needs daily. It is advised that people taking blood thinning medications be under doctors’ care when taking more than 3 grams of omega-3 fish oil.
Q: Omega-3 fish oil has caused me to have an upset stomach in the past. Is there anything that I can do to avoid that?
A: Lower quality omega-3 supplements that have not been purified and distilled can often cause an upset stomach, as well as capsules that have spoiled. If you see cloudy deposits in the omega-3 fish oil inside your capsules, that often means that they are rancid and should not be taken. Our omega-3 supplements are distilled and purified to the highest quality to ensure these problems don’t occur.
Q: Do your products have enteric coating?
A: Enteric coating is used to aid in the digestion of capsules. With omega-3 fish oil supplements, digestive problems typically occur because a product is of lower quality, or because it has gone bad. For a highly concentrated, ultra-purified and molecularly distilled omega-3 supplement like PharmaOmega, enteric coating is not necessary. Enteric-coating adds cost and additional capsule additives.
Q: Should I be concerned about toxins, heavy metals, pesticides or other pollution in omega-3 supplements?
A: Generally, there is no need for concern. Most omega-3 supplements are purified through a process called "molecular-distillation". This is a process by which all harmful materials - heavy metals, mercury, PCB´s, and other toxins - are separated and removed completely from the fish oil. The government mandates that levels of these impurities be disclosed to the consumer, so it is suggested that you always read the Supplement / Nutrition Facts of any product you consume.
Q: How much omega-3 fish oil is too much to take in one day?
A: Studies have been conducted on high-dose omega-3 supplementation wherein the subjects took 6 grams a day, or more, with no negative side effects. Therefore, high omega-3 intake does have benefits, and is generally safe. Your stomach will tell you if you are taking too much omega-3 fish oil, as you might experience mild gastrointestinal upset. If that happens, gradually reduce the amount taken until the upset goes away, and you will have discovered your optimal dosage.
Q: Should I be concerned about taking an overdose of omega-3 fish oil?
A: It is highly unlikely that you could overdose on omega-3 fish oil. We do recommend that you follow the dosage directions you receive from our Omega-3 Dosage Recommender unless otherwise directed by your healthcare professional.
Q: Is it safe for pregnant women to take omega-3 supplements?
A: Yes, omega-3 fish oil is safe for pregnant women. In fact, research suggests that omega-3s are essential for the optimal development of the fetus. They are especially important for the formation of a healthy brain, eyes and nervous system. Each is made up in large part from the long chain omega-3s and studies have shown that if the mother’s diet does not provide sufficient omega-3, then the formation and function of the fetal organs can be impaired. Further, it is recommended that omega-3 supplementation continue throughout lactation so that the newborn can continue to receive the developmental benefits through breast feeding. Learn more about the best omega-3 for moms.
Q: I am nursing, is it okay for me to take omega-3 fish oil?
A: Taking an ultra-purified omega-3 fish oil supplement while nursing is beneficial for both you and your baby. The vital omega-3s during this time (DHA and EPA) are in fish oil, not flax oil. These omega-3s are essential nutrients that must come from the diet. For your baby, omega-3s contribute to proper development of the brain and immune system. For you, they promote good mental health, a healthy metabolism and more. Learn more about the best omega-3 for moms.
Q: Is it safe for children to take omega-3 supplements?
A: It is perfectly safe for children to take omega-3 fish oil, and it will benefit them developmentally. In general, dosage for children should be approximately 300 mg per day. Learn more about the best omega-3 for your child.
Q: Are there any diseases with which it is unsafe to take omega-3?
A: There are no known dangers from omega-3 supplements associated with any disease or condition. However, if you are at risk for a serious health condition, it is always advisable to inform your physician of any changes to your dietary regimen.
Q: My daughter had an allergic reaction to the protein in Tilapia. Should I be concerned about omega-3 fish oil?
A: You are correct that an allergic reaction is usually to the protein component of a food. Omega-3 is a fat, and does not contain protein. Foods in which omega-3 naturally occurs, or foods to which omega-3 is added, may have protein so you will want to be careful with those foods. However, if you want to increase your daughter's omega-3 intake, an ultra-purified omega-3 supplement like PharmaOmega should be safe.
Q: Will omega-3 cause me to gain weight?
A: No. Omega-3 from fish oil (EPA + DHA) does not cause weight gain. In fact, there is evidence indicating that taking fish oil along with regular exercise can increase fat loss. Omega-3 fish oil is a fat, and fat has 9 calories per gram, but it’s a fat that is essential to our diet and is a 'good' fat.
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