A 41-year-old member asked:
is fish oil harmful?
4 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in

Dr. Danny Proffitt answered
Family Medicine 43 years experience
No/Yes: Most anything can be harmful if taken improperly. Think about it, drinking too much water can make you very ill or you can die. Fish oil, like anything else should be taken according to manufacturer's directions or according to your health care provider. Fish oils have many beneficial effects if used properly and if a reputable product is purchased. Some fish oils are alleged to be contaminate.
6120 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Michael Rothman answered
Internal Medicine 35 years experience
Possibly: Krill oil and fish oil are the new snake oil, both are high in omega 3 fatty acids which are extremely fragile. Omega 3 fish oils reduce triglycerides by impairing the liver's ablility to make them. However the oxidative stress caused by fish oil actually raises LDL cholesterol.
Some day we may use the phrase "this is just more fish /krill oil" or "here comes the fish/krill oil salesman".
5374 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
1 comment

Dr. William Jenkins commented
Specializes in Anesthesiology
Fish oils the contain DHA raise LDL cholesterol, fish oils that contain only EPA decrease LDL cholesterol, in addition to lowering triglycerides
May 15, 2014

Dr. William Jenkins answered
Specializes in Anesthesiology
Harmful fish oil: Most fish oils are sold as dietary supplements and are not tested or approved by the fda.
4286 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered
Ophthalmology 26 years experience
Check brands 4 safeT: Fish oils can go rancid, and then not be safe to use. So, it's best to check the brands and find the ones that are considered high quality, and recommended by many integrative medicine, internal medicine, family medicine physicians, and those, who understand the nutritional value of fish oils (omega 3's) to reduce inflammation, and protect myelination of nerves. Nordic naturals are popular. Stay away from gnc.
4286 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Similar questions
CA
A 24-year-old member asked:
What exactly is fish oil good for?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. David Miller answered
Family Medicine 10 years experience
High cholesterol: Fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids. These are good for lowering your LDL cholesterol and your triglycerides and improving your cardiac health. Red krill oil has the same benefits without the fishy taste or fishy burps.
6142 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
What are the signs that fish oil is fresh?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Aaron Stupple answered
General Practice 9 years experience
4 signs: 1- the container is not past expiration, 2- the capsules smell only slightly "fishy, " 3- the capsules are a pale yellow color, and 4- the capsules are firm to light pressure. If all four of these qualities are present, the capsules are likely fresh.
6260 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Calvin Weisberger commented
Cardiology 51 years experience
if the fish is still swimming, the oil is likely fresh :)
Mar 31, 2013
A 32-year-old member asked:
What are the proven advantages of taking fish oil?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jeff Jacobs answered
Child Psychiatry 22 years experience
Heart & Brain: In particular, some evidence indicates fish oil may reduce cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, some evidence indicates fish oil may be modestly beneficial for the treatment of a variety of brain related problems such as adhd, autism, and mood disorders.
5742 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Is there really no issue to consume large amounts of fish oil?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Calvin Weisberger answered
Cardiology 51 years experience
Fish oil: Refer to this wiki for lots of information on fish oil:
http://en.Wikipedia.Org/wiki/fish_oil.
5180 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Is drinking fish oil harmful to your health?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Christian Assad answered
Cardiology 14 years experience
Depends on how much: The scientific evidence suggests that fish oil really does lower high triglycerides, and it also seems to help prevent heart disease and stroke when taken in the recommended amounts. Ironically, taking too much fish oil can actually increase the risk of stroke
3281 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Dec 19, 2019
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