These recommendations are relevant for the Omega 3 Galilee product in the composition: 600 mg active ingredient divided into 400 mg EPA and 200 mg DHA and stored in refrigeration during all their shelf life (Excluding up to 3 weeks in ambient temperature during shipping) to inhibit oxidation. These recommendations are not relevant for products with different fatty acid compositions or which were not stored refrigerated.
Possible side effects of using fish oil
No significant adverse effects have been found in the scientific literature for the use of fresh non-rancid non-oxidized omega-3 fish oil, and there is no known upper limit for dosage, just as there is no upper limit for the dosage of olive oil or corn oil or any other edible oil.
Studies were conducted using up to 15 gr of active ingredient (30 gr fish oil) per day on children with ADHD without any significant side effects.
Increased bleeding and blood dilution - Despite rumors frequently voiced by doctors, it has never been proven that omega-3 causes increased bleeding or blood clot insufficiency and there is no theoretical explanation as to how omega-3 can cause increased bleeding. Omega 3 also does not dilute blood and does not in any way affect blood viscosity. On the contrary, omega-3 causes normal blood clotting - prevents excessive clotting and insufficient clotting, or briefly helps the body regulate the coagulation level with a hormone called Thromboxane.
Combining anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory drugs (So called "blood thinners") - There have recently been studies of the use of fish oil in effective high doses in combination with anti-coagulants such as Warfarin (Coumadin) and anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aspirin. All studies have shown that there is no problem integrating fish oil with these drugs and that fish oil does not worsen (but does not prevent) the side effects of these drugs. The studies looked for increased bleeding time due to omega 3 but failed to detect any.
At the same time, over 10 years of experience with thousands of customers we have encountered several side effects. Below is a list of common side effects according to the literature and our experience:
- Fishy burps rising from the stomach after taking the capsules (about 10% of people). See below for recommendations to prevent this phenomenon.
- Oily feces (steatorrhea), when the oil passes the intestines without absorption, a phenomenon in about 1 - 5% of the people, expressed as greasy stools and sometimes body odor. These effects have been reported in people who have taken a high dose of fish oil and whose digestive system is sensitive and not adjusted to digesting fats. Especially common in children whose diets are based on junk food. The explanation for this is that fat digestion requires effective activity of the lipase enzymes produced by the pancreas. A digestive system that is not used to the consumption of fats, sometimes does not produce enough lipase enzymes, and the oil simply passes through the small intestine without digestion. It may also occur in anyone who needs a high dose and suffers from intestinal disease or indigestion and then the ability to digest fat is temporarily impaired. Usually with the passing of the disease, the digestive system returns to normal and the phenomenon disappears by itself.
If you encounter hiccups or oily stools, you can treat and prevent these symptoms by following one or more of these steps:
- Reducing the dose to half or third of the problematic dose and if the phenomenon is severe even reducing the dose to zero. Gradually return the dose with the disappearance of the digestive disorder.
- Distributing the daily dose to a few smaller portions, in order to allow the intestines to cope with a smaller amount of oil at any given time.
- Taking the dose on an empty stomach allows the intestines to absorb the oil better (excess food dilutes the lipase enzymes), relatively empty intestines enable efficient digestion of the oil).
- Taking the fish oil with some concentrated fatty food like fat cheese, fatty meat, butter, avocado, olives, etc. Fatty food encourages the pancreas to produce lipase enzymes and encourages fat digestion
Rare side effects we have encountered (out of about 20,000 users) which are not listed in scientific and research literature:
- A number of cases of constipation. Causality was not confirmed.
- Several cases (about 10) of increased heart palpitations that appeared several minutes after fish oil consumption. Causality confirmed by repeat dosing.
- A number of self reported cases of a skin rash after taking the omega. Causality has not been confirmed by repeat dosing.
- One case of acute allergy manifested in skin rash and swollen legs after consuming a large dose (14 capsules- approximately 8.4 grams of active ingredient per day for a person weighing about 60 kg), for several weeks (consumption that is well above the maximum recommended dose for the same weight).
- Individual cases of vertigo dizziness
In any case of a side effect that is suspected to be associated with consuming omega-3, it is recommended to immediately stop consumption and to see if the phenomenon resolves. You can consult with us and we will be happy to help.
In case of any concern or doubt, consult your physician.
High dosage of fish oil
Since this site is intended to support people with syndromes and symptoms requiring high doses of omega 3 fish oil, users may find themselves taking relatively large amounts from 5 to 20 capsules a day. We know many people who consume over 10 and even 30 capsules a day, usually without significant side effects.
However, for anyone who intends to consume large amounts of fish oil, we recommend taking the following precautions:
- A gradual increase in dosage especially when taken concurrently with significant drugs.
- Split the dose to several portions
- Take on an empty stomach and especially away from carbs and fiber
After getting used to the high dose you can change the schedule to fit your needs, even taking the full dose at once and with/ without food.
The clearest sign of overdosing are loose stools. Try to stay out of that zone so as to eliminate discomfort and to not waste your omega 3 (The fish in the see have enough of their own).
