Fish Oil Side Effects are directly tied to the Supplement Brand You Use

By: Laurel Cohen

Did you know that most people do not experience any fish oil side effects? Unpleasant tastes and odors have been reported by some individuals, but those things are tied directly to the supplement brand.

Some manufacturers are not picky about the level of oxidation in the oils that they use. Oxidized oils are basically spoiled. They smell bad, taste bad and can cause stomach upset. They also contain free radicals. So, they are bad for your health in general.

There are no legal requirements for what supplement manufacturers can and cannot sell in terms of oxidation or purity. Some manufacturers adhere to the International Fish Oil Standards. Others have higher standards of their own. But, adhering to any kind of standard is strictly voluntary.

Concerns about the purity and freshness of these dietary supplements have become even more serious as the years have gone by. Mercury contamination is known to be a problem.

Even though the use of PCBs has been banned by most countries, they are persistent in the environment. Recent studies indicate that PCB contamination is not getting any better. In fact, they have been found in areas that were at one time thought to be free of PCBs.

If you experience fish oil side effects, it is probably not due to the contaminant content. The levels are very low. The problem is that the toxins can accumulate in the body’s organs and do damage as time goes by. So, while there is no immediate effect, it is still important to look for a company that tests each batch for purity.

It is a good idea to avoid supplements that include an artificial flavor like lemon. The flavorings can mask the taste and odor of rancid oils.

One of the most common fish oil side effects is fishy tasting burps. Those may be due to rancid oils, as well. Some folks experience the burps, regardless of the freshness of the supplement. It is not much different than what would be experienced after eating a fresh piece of salmon. If you have a tendency to burp after meals, you will probably burp after taking the supplement, too.

Many benefits are associated with supplementation and there are no risks, as long as you choose a good brand and take it as directed. Companies typically advertise the benefits to the heart and cardiovascular system, but it is the benefit to the brain that attracts many people. People with depression and ADHD find that their conditions improve after supplementation.

It is the brain benefits that are responsible for one of the “unique” fish oil side effects. Many people report having more vivid dreams, especially when they first begin taking the supplement. Not bad or scary dreams, just more colorful and memorable.

In conclusion, if you are concerned about fish oil side effects or the quality of the supplement you are currently taking do a little bit of investigating. Look for the manufacturer’s certificate of analysis. The better companies include a copy on their websites.

Article Source:
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