Why does fish oil make me poop

Why does fish oil make me poop

Consuming high doses of omega-3 fatty acids can be detrimental.

Highlights

  • Omega-3 fatty acids are needed to perform key functions in human body
  • Consume natural sources of omega -3 fatty acids rather than supplements
  • Flax seed oil, fatty fish or other oils have a laxative effect

Omega-3 fatty acids are the essential fatty acids that play an important role in the functioning of human body. We cannot produce them on our own; therefore, they must be included in our diet to obtain the health benefits from them. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated, which means that they have several double bonds in the chemical structure. The three most important types are ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). ALA is mostly found in plants, while DHA and EPA are mainly found in animal foods. Some common foods sources that are high in omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish like salmon or tuna, fish oils, flax seeds, chia seeds, flax seed oil, coconut oil and healthy nuts to name a few.

Why does fish oil make me poop

Omega-3 fatty acids are needed to perform several functions in the human body, and they also provide numerous health benefits
Photo Credit: iStock

Also read: Foods Rich In Omega 6 Fatty Acids: Know The Sources And Health Benefits

As we all now excess of everything is bad. Consuming high doses of these fatty acids can be detrimental, causing health problems such as altered immune function and increased risk for prostate cancer. Also, excessive consumption of omega-3 fatty acids could lead to low blood pressure, thinning of blood, excessive bleeding if an injury were to occur or increased risk of bruising.

1. Weight gain:

Many people start consuming omega -3 fatty acids in high quantities in order to burn the excess fat. Omega -3 fatty acids like fatty fish or fish oil could be beneficial for weight loss but you should be mindful of the quantities while you consume them. High doses could actually contribute to weight gain as they are high in fats and calories. Moderation should be the key whenever you consume them. Therefore, consuming excess amounts can cause the pounds to pile on quickly.

Why does fish oil make me poop

Therefore, consuming excess amounts can cause the pounds to pile on quickly.
Photo Credit: iStock

Also read: Want To Lose Weight Quickly? Follow This High Protein Diet Now

2. Diabetes:

A diet high in omega -3 fatty acids can lead to increase in blood sugar levels. The reason is excessive quantities of omega-3s can stimulate the production of glucose, which can contribute to high levels of long-term blood sugar levels.

3. Diarrhea:

Stomach ailments like diarrhea or irregular bowel movements is one of the most common side effects associated with omega -3 fatty acids, and may be especially prevalent while taking high doses. Flax seed oil, fatty fish or other oils have a laxative effect and may increase your bowel movement frequency. If you experience diarrhea after taking omega-3 fatty acids, make sure you reduce the intake of these fatty acids. Apart from diarrhea, high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids can also lead to acid reflux, bloating, belching, gas and stomach discomfort.

Why does fish oil make me poop

Apart from diarrhea, high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids can also lead to acid reflux, bloating, belching, gas and stomach discomfort
Photo Credit: iStock

4. Brain development:

Over-consumption of omega-3 fatty acids contain mercury which can have negative effects on the brain development in unborn children as well as young children who are still growing and developing. Also, it is recommended to consume natural sources of omega -3 fatty acids rather than the supplements.

Also read: Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Boost Memory: Other Surprising Benefits Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

Fish oil is available as a supplement that manufacturers produce from fish. However, the benefits of fish oil are not always clear, and it may have unexpected side effects.

Certain fish and the oil from them contain healthful fats that health experts recommend people regularly consume in their diets.

The omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish and shellfish may have a role in:

  • reducing the risk of heart disease
  • easing symptoms of some forms of arthritis
  • lowering the risk of dementia

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020 recommend eating at least 8 ounces of seafood per week because of these benefits.

Research shows a link between eating fish and health, but studies of fish oil supplements often fail to find such clear benefits.

Read on to find out more about fish oil, the side effects of fish oil supplements, how much is too much, and some potential risks.

Why does fish oil make me poop
Share on PinterestIf a person is thinking about taking fish oil supplements, they should consult their doctor about any possible side effects.

The side effects a person may experience from fish oil depend on several factors.

These include the person’s overall health, whether they take any medications, and if they have any risk factors for fish oil complications.

Most people who take fish oil supplements do not experience any serious side effects.

It is best to talk to a doctor before taking fish oil supplements, especially if using it for a specific medical condition.

Bad taste or smell

Fish has a distinctive odor, and so does fish oil. Some people report that fish oil tastes bad or leaves an unpleasant taste in their mouth. Others say it causes bad breath or makes their sweat smell bad.

These side effects are the most common ones that people may associate with fish oil, though there is no evidence that they cause lasting harm.

Bleeding

Fish oil is a natural anticoagulant, which means it can prevent the blood from clotting.

This property may help explain some of its heart health benefits, since thinning the blood may improve cardiovascular health.

Omega-3s may increase bleeding risk when a person takes them with specific anticoagulant or medication.

However, a 2017 systematic review of 52 previous studies found that fish oil did reduce blood clotting but did not increase bleeding risk in healthy people.

So, people using blood thinners, such as warfarin, should not take fish oil or other omega-3 fatty acid supplements because of the increased risk of dangerous bleeding.

Share on PinterestSome people may experience nausea when taking fish oil.

As with many other supplements and medications, some people experience gastrointestinal problems after taking fish oil. Symptoms might include:

  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • vomiting

Sometimes, lowering the dosage or taking fish oil with food can help. In other cases, a person may need to stop using fish oil supplements.

Less frequently, fish oil may cause bleeding in the stomach or intestines and may cause or worsen ulcers. This could be because fish oil tends to thin the blood, increasing bleeding.

These serious side effects are more likely with high doses of fish oil, or when a person takes the supplement with other drugs.

A 2014 case study focuses on a 60-year-old amateur athlete who consumed 20 grams (g) of omega-3 fatty acids daily. After adding antibiotics and cortisone to the regimen, they developed a bleeding ulcer, even though they had no previous gastrointestinal issues.

The authors of the study said that further work was needed to prove the cause.

Allergic reactions

A person may develop an allergy to any food or supplement, including fish oil.

People with fish or shellfish allergies may be more vulnerable to allergic reactions to fish oil. They should consult their doctor before taking fish oil supplements.

Prostate cancer

There is mixed evidence about fish oil and prostate cancer.

Some studies have suggested there may be a link between fish oil and prostate cancer risk, while others have come to the opposite conclusion.

A 2013 study of 2,268 older men found that fish oil might slow the progression of prostate cancer. On the other hand, men who ate significant amounts of salted or smoked fish were more likely to develop prostate cancer.

Overall, the researchers found no correlation between eating fish in midlife and a person’s prostate cancer risk.

Share on PinterestThe amount of omega-3 fatty acids a person needs depends on their age and state of health.

There are no specific recommendations on the amount of omega-3 fatty acids a person should take. It depends on a variety of factors, such as their age and their state of health.

Most studies of fish oil have looked at small doses of a few grams (g) per day. Larger doses, such as 20 g, per day, may cause more side effects.

People can start with a small amount each day and talk to a doctor before increasing the dosage.

If someone notices an unpleasant smell or other minor side effects, they may want to decrease the dosage to see if that helps with the issue.

Anyone who develops serious complications, such as an allergic reaction, rash, vomiting, or breathing difficulties, should stop taking fish oil and seek emergency help.

A 2015 National Institutes of Health study estimate that 7.8% of people in the U.S. take fish oil supplements. Most experience no serious side effects. Some may even experience significant health improvements.

As well as the cardiovascular and brain health developments fish oil may offer, some research suggests that fish oil may support the development of fetuses during pregnancy. A 2018 study links fish oil supplements during pregnancy to a lower risk that a child will develop allergies.

While data pointing to the benefits of fish oil may seem positive, it is not always conclusive. People who want to improve their health with omega-3 fatty acid supplements should consider adding fish to their diet instead, as there is more research on the benefits of fresh fish.

Does fish oil make you poop a lot?

Be aware that consuming large quantities of fish oil, or taking a poor-quality fish oil supplement, can sometimes contribute to unpleasant gastrointestinal issues and loose stools. That being said, a number of studies show that fish oil supplementation can also reduce the incidence of diarrhea (9).

Does fish oil act as a laxative?

Many of its benefits come from its omega-3 fatty acids. These acids lubricate intestines so food can easily move through the colon. Fish oil is a great source of omega-3s, but flax oil and hemp oil work well also.

Does omega

Stomach ailments like diarrhea or irregular bowel movements is one of the most common side effects associated with omega -3 fatty acids, and may be especially prevalent while taking high doses. Flax seed oil, fatty fish or other oils have a laxative effect and may increase your bowel movement frequency.

Why does fish oil make me have diarrhea?

Fish oil is basically a concentrated form of fat. Consuming a high amount of fat in a short period can disrupt your digestive tract, leaving you with gas, bloating and possibly diarrhea as your body attempts to deal with the fatty overload.