Can Fish Oil Capsules Cause Brain Haemorrhage?

Posted on Wed, 22 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 22 Apr 2015 Answered on

Thu, 14 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am so confused. I take fish oil capsules twice a day I buy from walmart. I take them because I have asthma and have heard it helps. Now I am reading on the internet with different sites that it is dangerous and I can have a brain hemmorage from bleeding. It also says that there are reports that it can cause other health issues and Vit E deficiency. Can someone clear this up for me? Should I take fish oil capsules? Do I take them for life? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes,it may cause these side effects.

Detailed Answer:
Hello mam,

Thanks for trusting us about your health care.

I can understand your concern here.

Yes, the side effects which you have mentioned may be caused by fish liver oil capsules but when you have consumed in large amount.

The side effects mainly due to fatty acids which is present in cod liver oil which cause decrease aggregation of platelets and increase bleeding by increasing bleeding time.

So in my opinion you can consume one capsule daily for 1 month than break for 15 days and than again consume it.

If you are non vagetvegetarian you can eat fish( boiled one not fried) that is more beneficial than capsule.

Hope it is useful, feel free to ask more questions.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Richa Agarwal (16 hours later)

You said that these side effects can happen when consumed in large amounts. What is large amounts? I take 2 per day and started in January. I dont want to take any risks by taking these. Should I stop taking them
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take a break of 15 days.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,

Sorry for the delay.

Yes, it is true that side effects occur when you take it in high doses.

Actually it contains omega-3-fatty acid, vitamin A&D, so the intake of vitamin A is 750 and vitamin D is 10 and it should not be exceed from this, otherwise it will cause increase blood pressure and other side eeffects.

So in my opinion you can take 1-2 capsules daily for 1-2 months but at least give a break of 15 days.

Hope it is useful.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar