Many people maintain the habit of taking omega-3 fish oil daily to improve their health. However, overuse of this supplement can cause undesirable effects.
- Consuming too much omega-3 can cause digestive problems, heart rhythm disturbances, and an increased risk of bleeding.
- High doses (approximately ≥4,000 mg/day) can affect the cardiovascular system.
- The FDA recommends not exceeding 5 grams per day unless directed by a doctor.
Experts will now explain what happens to your body if you consume too much omega-3 fatty acids, and also point out the safe threshold to be aware of, according to the health news website Eating Well.
Overdosing on omega-3s can lead to several side effects. Photo: Adobe Stock
Dr. Kari Hamrick, a nutritionist in the US, says that overdosing on omega-3s can lead to several side effects.
Gastrointestinal tract. In most users, common reactions include headache and digestive problems such as heartburn, nausea, or diarrhea.
Cardiovascular health. Nutrition expert Natalie Walsh, specializing in cardiovascular health, warns that high doses of fish oil can cause heart rhythm disturbances. This risk increases with doses of around 4,000 mg per day, especially in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular disease or high risk factors. Some studies also show that even healthy individuals can experience this with high doses. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor before use.
Risk of bleeding. High doses of omega-3s may slow blood clotting, slightly increasing the risk of bleeding, especially in people taking anticoagulants. However, serious bleeding cases are rare, even at high doses. For healthy individuals taking normal doses, this risk is quite low. Nevertheless, consult your doctor if you are about to have surgery or are taking medication.
Immunodeficiency. Using very high doses of omega-3s may affect some immune system functions due to their anti-inflammatory properties. However, this effect is generally negligible, and omega-3s are still considered safe when used as recommended.
How much is too much? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends not taking more than 5 grams of omega-3s (including EPA and DHA) daily from supplements, unless directed by a doctor.
Dr. Kari Hamrick emphasizes that omega-3 fish oil is generally safe and well-tolerated by most users, but high doses may pose potential risks. Therefore, if you intend to supplement with high doses, you should consult a healthcare professional.