understand how these supplements should work or provide essential nutrients

for the human body.

Although it is a general notion for nutrition experts to insist on regular

food as the common and most basic source of vitamins and minerals important

for the human body, fish oil supplements, be it in liquid or solid form,

are needed to ensure a holistic enrichment and nourishment for the body.

Fish oil supplementation is ideally beneficial by providing for what the

regular or daily diet may not provide, it can also be a preventive measure

against diseases and illnesses.

Essentially, fish oil supplements are meant to complement a diet, not as a

substitute for it, as what many believe to be the case. Since plant foods

still contain many nutrients, among them phytochemicals, that still cannot

be substituted or generated through synthetic means.

Why the need for fish oil supplements? Take for instance these

circumstances;

Infants that are being breast-fed need to have their regular source of

iron, especially when they reach their four to six months, since breast

milk only provides little iron. This is where iron supplementation comes in

with baby milk formula or alternative sources like fortified cereal meals

or baby food.

Children also need fluoride supplementation to strengthen teeth and prevent

tooth decay.

Pregnant women need multivitamin-mineral supplementation, to ensure that

their nutrient levels are met for the development of the fetus inside the

womb. Among those that need supplementation are increased levels of folate

to prevent birth defects, as well as increased amounts of vitamins like B6,

C and D and minerals like calcium, copper, iron and zinc.

For children who are picky eaters, they need to have their regular dosage

of the required vitamins and minerals to ensure better growth and brain

development.

Breastfeeding mothers also need supplementation, since they need increased

amounts of essential nutrients that depletes during the process of

breastfeeding. Among those are vitamins B6, C and D, as well as calcium,

zinc, magnesium and potassium.

Even vegetarians are not exempt from the need to take in supplements, since

they do not get all the essential nutrients only from vegetables,

especially for growing vegan children who need to have the nutrients

provided by dairy products, meat, poultry and fish.

Also those above the age of 50 have special needs for some nutrients that

they need more of and some that they need less. Seniors need to have more

vitamins B6, B12 and D, as well as folate. Postmenopausal women also need

the supplement their calcium intake to lessen the risk of osteoporosis.

Alternative fish oil supplementation is a must to ensure a balanced and

healthy lifestyle, but don’t be fooled by mass media advertising campaigns

or too-good-to-true offers, since not all those supplements found in the

market are what it seems to declare or state.

Be cautious. It does not mean that because it is cheaper than others you

get good value for your money. It is best to investigate first.

Also try to seek advice from a nutritionist, dietitian or your physician as

to what your body needs and does not need to have, since they may be able

to help you establish what you need supplemented or fortified.

The benefits of fish oil supplements is indeed good for the body, but take

note that anything good taken in excess can end up to negative results.

and studies have proved the numerous health benefits that fish oil can

give.  But every coin has two sides.  So, is it possible for something

beneficial  like fish oil, to have bad effects, as well?  Yes, it is

possible.

If you have fish oil capsules or liquid at home, then you would have to

make sure that it would not be exposed to heat, light and oxygen.  When

exposed for too long, the fish oil would get oxidized and would get bad.

Once the fish oil gets bad, it would lose its nutritional value.  Aside

from that, bad fish oil and fatty acids are said to contribute to the

development of cancer and other diseases.

Minor side effects of fish oil would include a fishy aftertaste, diarrhea,

and fishy burps.  Some would report nose bleeding as a side effect of fish

oil intake.  Aside from this, you would have to be conscious with vitamin

A, E and D.  Accumulated or large doses of these vitamins can eventually

lead to poisoning.

There are also serious side effects of fish oil.  If these side effects

happen to you, it is best to consult a health care professional.  You would

have to stop taking fish oil supplements or it could mean other serious

ailments.

Fish oil is said to increase the risk of bleeding, especially

gastrointestinal bleeding.  So if you would notice red blood on your stool

and vomiting blood, the consult a health care professional immediately.

Serious effects could also include hemorrhagic stroke or bleeding in the

brain.  Common symptoms would include vision and speech changes, numbness

or loss of strength in the limbs and frequent and painful headaches.

If you have diabetes, then it would also be better to check with your

doctor if taking fish oil supplements is safe.  Taking fish oil supplements

can sometimes result to hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. Be watchful or

conscious of allergic reactions.  Symptoms that you are allergic with fish

oil supplement include rashes, itching, swelling, wheezing and difficulty

in breathing or swallowing.

To avoid the minor side effects, you can take the fish oil supplement along

with your meal.  This would get rid of the aftertaste and make it easier to

digest.  It is less likely for you to experience abdominal or stomach pain.

There are few who keep their supplements refrigerated.  It is said that

keeping them frozen or cold would help lessen gastrointestinal problems or

side-effects.

Too much is always not good.  The problem is we do not how much is too

much.  There is maximum amount that an individual should take.  But there

is a recommended amount, for male it is 1600 mg while women are recommended

to have 1100 mg.

As mentioned, we should be cautious with Vitamin A,E, and D overdose.  How

do we deal with this?

Read the labels.  Know what kind of supplement you are taking.  You have to

know if the fish oil supplements you are taking  exceed the recommended

level.  To avoid an overdose of Vitamin A and D, avoid using fish oil that

includes the internal organs like liver.

Fish oil is something that can very essential in improving our physical and

mental health as long as it is taken in recommended doses and amounts.  Let

us remember that fish oil is not a magic pill that would immediately remove

us of any ailments and pains.  It’s effects can be gradually noticed over

time.