Are there any negative side effects of fish oil or only benefits? The answer to that question depends on the quality of the supplement that you buy. If it contains contaminants or high levels of oxidation, then taking it puts your health at risk.
Manufacturers should have each batch analyzed for contaminants and oxidation by an independent certified laboratory. They do not have the facilities to conduct testing on their own. Besides, you want unbiased eyes looking at the results of the tests.
The contaminants that may be present in the oils include arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, PCBs and dioxins. The first four are hazardous heavy metals that are known to be present in many areas of the Atlantic, including regions around Norway. Norwegian oils often claim to be the best, but research has shown that mercury pollution is a problem in the area.
The last two contaminants are cancer causing chemicals. PCBs were banned in the 1970s, but they are not biodegradable. They have ended up in the sediments of lakes and rivers, as well as the ocean floor. They are a problem in the Atlantic and some parts of the North Pacific.
Dioxins are byproducts that form during certain manufacturing processes. They build up in fatty tissues of the body over time. They damage the immune system, contribute to thyroid disorders, contribute to diabetes, increase the risk of tumors and contribute to central nervous system dysfunction.
So, obviously the side effects of fish oil can be serious, indeed. Manufacturers should be able to prove that their oils are of the highest purity by presenting a certificate of analysis or COA. The better companies post a copy on their websites.
The most common side effects of fish oil are fishy aftertastes and burping. Those problems are caused by high levels of oxidation. No governmental agencies in the world have set maximum levels for oxidation or spoilage. It is entirely up to the company to adhere to voluntary guidelines created by the International Fish Oil Standards or the Council for Responsible Nutrition.
Some manufacturers guarantee that you will not experience the common side effects of fish oil that is spoiled. Because, they have set very low minimum levels for oxidation and they test each batch.
Assuming that purity and freshness are guaranteed, this kind of supplement provides numerous health benefits because of the many essential fatty acids it provides. Long chained or omega 3 fatty acids are essential for the heart, the brain, the joints, the immune system, the digestive tract, the skin and all of the cells of the human body.
Many people do not get much omega 3 fat in their diets. To make matters worse, they get too many trans fatty acids and saturated fat. Omega 3s are polyunsaturated fats. They can help raise the level of good HDL cholesterol in your bloodstream. HDL can carry away some of the bad fat that you might be eating.
To sum it up, there are no negative side effects of fish oil, only benefits, as long as you choose a good brand.
Author Resource:
Valerie Rosenbaum knows that taking omega 3 fish oil supplements is the single most effective way to improve your health. Visit her site now to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends after extensive research: http://www.TakingFishOil.com
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