True Fish Oil
Eating fish a few times a week may provide your body with these healthy oils. Examples of fish high in omega-3s include sardines, salmon, herring, trout and canned white (albacore) tuna. Because some types of fish have higher levels of mercury than others, follow the recommendations of the Food and Drug Administration (fda.gov), especially if you're pregnant or nursing.While it's generally true that the best way to get nutrients is through healthy foods, this is one example where a supplement may help. Some studies have shown that contaminants such as mercury do not appear to accumulate in fish oil, but remain primarily in the meat of the fish.
Find the best deals on Costco's great selection of fish oils & Omega-3 products. Shop online at Costco.com today!
So if you're concerned about mercury, a high-quality fish oil supplement may help with depression, but ask your doctor for advice.Although using fish oil is generally safe, taking too much can increase your risk of bleeding and might suppress your immune response, so take fish oil supplements only under a doctor's supervision.Fish oil isn't considered a replacement for treatment of depression, but it may be helpful as an addition to prescribed medications or other treatment. Although more studies are needed to determine exactly what role omega-3s play in depression, it's possible that fish oil supplements high in omega-3s may help lower the risk of depression — and omega-3 fatty acids help reduce high triglyceride levels and may help protect heart health. Burhani MD, et al. Fish oil and depression: The skinny on fats. Journal of Integrative Neuroscience. Supreme ruler cold war trainer. 2017;16(suppl):S115.
Thesing CS, et al. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid levels in depression and anxiety disorders.
2018;87:53. McNamara RK. Role of omega-3 fatty acids in the etiology, treatment, and prevention of depression: Current status and future directions. Journal of Nutrition and Intermediary Metabolism. 2016;5:96.
Mozaffarian D. Fish oil and marine omega-3 fatty acids. Accessed Oct. 9, 2018. Appleton KM, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids for depression in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Accessed Oct. 9, 2018.
Omega-3 supplements: In depth. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Accessed Oct. 9, 2018. Depression and complementary health approaches: What the science says. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Accessed Oct. 9, 2018. Fish and omega-3 fatty acids.
American Heart Association. Accessed Oct. 9, 2018.
Fish oil. Natural Medicines. Accessed Oct. 30, 2018. Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
31, 2018. Bauer BA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.Show more related content.
Generic Name:omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 11, 2020.
- Side Effects
Note: This document contains side effect information about omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Fish Oil.
For the Consumer
Applies to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: oral capsule liquid filled
Along with its needed effects, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (the active ingredient contained in Fish Oil) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids:
Incidence not known
- Bleeding gums
- cough
- difficulty with breathing or swallowing
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- hives, itching, or skin rash
- increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
- paralysis
- prolonged bleeding from cuts
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- red or black, tarry stools
- red or dark brown urine
- sweating
- tightness in the chest
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Some side effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
- Acid or sour stomach
- bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
- bloated or full feeling
- change in taste
- excess air or gas in the stomach
- stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
Incidence not known
- difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
- loss of appetite
- nausea or vomiting
- passing of gas
- stomach fullness
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: oral capsule, oral delayed release capsule, oral kit, oral liquid, oral tablet chewable
Gastrointestinal
Common (1% to 10%): Eructation, dyspepsia, nausea, gastrointestinal disorders (including abdominal distension, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, gastroesophageal reflux disease, vomiting)
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, gastroenteritis
Rare (less than 0.1%): Gastrointestinal pain
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage[Ref]
General
The most common adverse events were eructation, dyspepsia, and taste perversion[Ref]
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Infection, pain
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Death[Ref]
Dermatologic
Common (1% to 10%): Rash
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Atopic dermatitis
Rare (less than 0.1%): Urticaria, acne, rash pruritic
Frequency not reported: Pruritus[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypotension[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Common (1% to 10%): Back pain[Ref]
Metabolic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hyperglycemia, gout, high triglycerides
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Blood lactate dehydrogenase increased[Ref]
Nervous system
Common (1% to 10%): Taste perversion
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dizziness, dysgeusia, headache, hyperactivity[Ref]
Respiratory
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Epistaxis
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Nasal dryness
Frequency not reported: Influenza[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypersensitivity
Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic reaction[Ref]
Hematologic
Very rare (less than 0.01%): White blood count increased,
Frequency not reported: Slight prolongation of bleeding time
Postmarketing reports: Hemorrhagic diathesis[Ref]
Psychiatric
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tics, tantrum, insomnia[Ref]
Hepatic
Rare (less than 0.1%): Liver disorders (including increased ALT, increased AST, and transaminases increased)[Ref]
References
1. 'Product Information. Vayarin (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids).' Vaya Pharma, Greenville, SC.
2. 'Product Information. Omega-3 D-3 Wellness Pack (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids).' TMIG Inc, Marietta, GA.
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. 'UK Summary of Product Characteristics.' O 0
4. Cerner Multum, Inc. 'Australian Product Information.' O 0
5. 'Product Information. Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids).' Apotex Corporation, Weston, FL.
6. 'Product Information. Lovaza (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids).' GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA. Bloodroots roots.
Related questions
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