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What are the Signs of a Fish Oil Overdose?

Debra Durkee
Debra Durkee

The benefits of fish oil are numerous, but it is still possible to have too much of a good thing. Many individuals take fish oil to help manage cholesterol, keep the heart healthy and lower the risk of heart disease. Taking too much fish oil, however, can result in developing unwanted overdose symptoms such as an upset stomach and diarrhea. If the fish oil overdose continues over a long period of time, there may be more serious consequences, such as an increase in bad cholesterol.

There are several ways to consume fish oil. Some individuals prefer a diet that is high in fish, which is one way of getting a daily dose of omega 3, one of the main components in fish oil. For these individuals, there is little to no danger of a fish oil overdose. The danger here is in other contaminants that may be contained in the fish, but this is unrelated to high amounts of fish oil and generally a safe way to get a healthy amount of the nutrient.

Mackerel is often used as the source for fish oil tablets.
Mackerel is often used as the source for fish oil tablets.

Other individuals prefer to take fish oil supplements. Depending on individual conditions, the recommended dosing varies but is generally between 3 and 4 grams for adults. Taking more than this can result in gastrointestinal distress, such as an upset stomach and nausea. There can also be extreme instances of some of the frequent fish oil side effects, such as a bad aftertaste, heartburn, and even the development of a rash.

Research suggests that consuming too many omega-3 fatty acids can be a problem for some individuals.
Research suggests that consuming too many omega-3 fatty acids can be a problem for some individuals.

A fish oil overdose doesn't generally happen by only taking a few extra supplements, but by continuously taking more than the recommended amount of fish oil over a long period of time. This can cause it to build up in an individual's system and result in negative effects. Some of these are the opposite result of what fish oil was being taken for in the first place. While fish oil can help lower cholesterol, a fish oil overdose can result in the buildup of bad cholesterol in the blood.

Fish oil supplements are rich in healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, commonly called DHA.
Fish oil supplements are rich in healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, commonly called DHA.

The continuous intake of large amounts of supplements can also lower the strength of the body's immune system. This can make an individual more susceptible to colds and infections, which is of particular concern to those with already compromised immune systems. Signs such as an increased susceptibility to colds can be commonly seen in elderly individuals.

Salmon is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Salmon is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

If an individual suddenly becomes vulnerable to intense bleeding from small wounds or cuts, this can also be a sign of a fish oil overdose. Fish oil is commonly taken to reduce the chances of developing blood clots and can act as a blood thinner. In large amounts, this can result in the blood losing its ability to properly clot.

Discussion Comments

anon1007145

I went to the popular drugstore here in Philippines and I gave them my doctor's prescription which was fish oil. As I started having symptoms such as nausea, dizziness and looking pale. I searched online it was 1000mg. It also indicated on the prescription that it should be 500 mg only, but in my naivete, I wasn't bothered with what they gave as long as it was fish oil. Maybe I trusted the "trusted" drugstore too much.

anon952029

I started taking 2400 mg of omega 3 about six weeks ago. I now am experiencing frequent numbness and tingling in my face, nose, arms and feet. I'm only on pantaloc. Is there any correlation? I have stopped the oil and I am going on a cleanse.

ysmina

Those who are worried about a fish oil overdose, please look up symptoms of vitamin A toxicity as well. Fish oil contains a lot of vitamin A. Some supplements have it in natural form and others contain synthetic vitamin A. Either way, both can lead to vitamin A toxicity, especially if you get enough vitamin A through your normal diet.

This is precisely why pregnant women are warned against fish oil supplements, because of the risk of vitamin A toxicity.

turquoise

@fBoyle-- You're absolutely right. I found out that it's possible to overdose on fish oil the hard way. A fish oil dosage of 3 grams or more per day can cause an overdose. I was taking around 5 grams per day for arthritis and I got a severe nose bleed as a result. It was difficult to stop the bleeding and I found out at the hospital that the fish oil was the cause.

fBoyle

The side effect of fish oil that I'm most worried about is internal bleeding. Fish oil is a natural blood thinner and if it's taken too much or combined with other blood thinners, it can cause internal bleeding.

Nowadays, every Tom, Dick and Harry tells us to take fish oil vitamins for Omega 3 benefits. But they don't mention the possibility of overdose and side effects. I've even had a doctor tell me to take a minimum of 9 grams of fish oil capsules daily for depression.

Maybe in a clinical study, this might have proven safe but the supplements we have available to us are not always of good quality. They have toxins and heavy metals. In order to get 9 grams of fish oil, I would have to take nine fish oil capsules per day. That's a lot of fish oil and it will build up in my system over time. The highest dose I've ever taken is 2 grams per day and I would take a break from it once a week.

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    • Mackerel is often used as the source for fish oil tablets.
      Mackerel is often used as the source for fish oil tablets.
    • Research suggests that consuming too many omega-3 fatty acids can be a problem for some individuals.
      By: maron
      Research suggests that consuming too many omega-3 fatty acids can be a problem for some individuals.
    • Fish oil supplements are rich in healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, commonly called DHA.
      By: Stephen VanHorn
      Fish oil supplements are rich in healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, commonly called DHA.
    • Salmon is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
      By: pilipphoto
      Salmon is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
    • Signs such as an increased susceptibility to colds can be commonly seen in elderly individuals.
      By: Brett Mulcahy
      Signs such as an increased susceptibility to colds can be commonly seen in elderly individuals.