Indeed, fish oil is widely recognized for its numerous benefits for children's health and development. Its consumption is linked to the maintenance of heart and brain health, which is crucial for their overall well-being. However, like many things, excessive consumption of fish oil can lead to unexpected side effects.

The Dangers of Consuming Excessive Fish Oil for Health

Fish oil is an oil produced from the oily tissues of fish. Fish oil contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids on its own, so the need for these nutrients needs to be met through food.

Consumption of foods containing fish oil can provide some of these benefits, among others:

• Improves cardiovascular health by lowering one of the "bad" types of fat in the blood, triglycerides, and increasing the "good cholesterol" in the blood, although not too significantly
• Helps maintain brain function and eye health
• Reduces inflammation
• Maintain healthy skin

Currently on the market, fish oil supplements are available in bottles and capsules. In taking fish oil supplements, you should follow the doctor's recommendations or according to the rules of use in the packaging. Taking fish oil supplements in excess can cause some side effects.

 Read more: Know The Right Benefits And Doses Of Fish Oil For Children

Some of the side effects of consuming fish oil in excess include:

Increases high blood sugar levels

Several studies have shown that high levels of omega-3 fatty acid supplements can increase blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. This is because consuming large doses of omega-3 can stimulate glucose production, contributing to high blood sugar levels in the long run.

Bleeding

One of the side effects of taking excess fish oil is the bleeding of the gums and nose. A study revealed that consuming up to 640 mg of fish oil daily for four weeks can reduce blood clotting ability in healthy adults. Another study revealed that about 72% of adults taking 1–5 grams of fish oil daily may experience nosebleeds as a side effect. Therefore, fish oil supplements should be avoided or reduced in dosage for individuals on blood-thinning drug therapy.

Low blood pressure

Fish oil can lower blood pressure. A study of 90 people undergoing dialysis revealed that consuming 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day significantly lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to a group of patients given a placebo.

Fish oil may also interact with blood pressure-lowering drugs. This effect may be beneficial for individuals with high blood pressure. However, for people with low blood pressure, fish oil supplements could cause serious problems. If you have high blood pressure and take blood-lowering medications regularly, you should discuss with your doctor whether you can take the two together.

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Triggers an increase in stomach acid production

Many people report experiencing stomach acid reflux after taking fish oil supplements. This is due to the high-fat content in fish oils. Fat content in several studies was found to be a trigger for digestive problems, including reflux of stomach acid. To prevent the risk of rising stomach acid, it is better to consume according to the dose recommended by the doctor. If you eat fish oil supplements, supplements can also be eaten with food.

Stroke 

Consumption of excess fish oil has the potential to increase the risk of occurrence of hemorrhagic stroke or stroke that occurs due to rupture of blood vessels. Although this study is still limited to animals and further research is needed in humans, if you have a risk factor for stroke, such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, you should take supplements based on the doctor's instructions and not exceed the recommended dose. 

Vitamin A poisoning

Some omega-3 fatty acid supplements are rich in vitamin A, which can cause toxicity if taken in large amounts. 1 tablespoon of cod liver oil (14 g) can provide 453% of the vitamin A requirements in one serving. Vitamin A toxicity can cause dizziness, nausea, joint pain, and irritation. In the long run, it can cause liver disorders. Therefore, the dosage of vitamin A in omega-3 supplements should be considered.

Consuming fish oil has many health benefits. However, consuming excess fish oil can cause health problems, especially if you have risk factors for stroke. If you have questions about fish oil consumption, you should consult a doctor or access the consultation feature available on the Ai Care application. 

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