Omega3 Fish Oil and Nausea

[albot]

I over the last several months I have attempted to take good quality fish oil supplements to get my omega3 fatty acids but have had lots of nausea after taking them even when taken on a full stomach. This never used to happen in years past when I took them. In fact I seem to be sensitive to most oils that enter my stomach with the exception of olive oil. Even flax oil gives me issues. So does walnut oil. I am allergic to shell fish so Krill oil would be out of the question. What options do I have as far as Omega 3 now? They are very important for health and I want to take advantage them but the nausea is not fun. I guess I could eat more salmon but worry about the contamination issue.

Thanks,
Alex

[1rob]

I, too, have been taking fish oil (Nautic Natural) for a few years without any problem until recently. Now, beginning about two months ago, I become nausous, even when I lowered the dosage to 400mg EPA / 200 DHA. I am wondering weather the Nautic Natural brand fish oil contains impurities it might not have had previously. For now, I discontinued taking the fish oil.

[1rob]

I, too, have been taking fish oil (Nautic Natural) for a few years without any problem until recently. Now, beginning about two months ago, I become nausous, even when I lowered the dosage to 400mg EPA / 200 DHA. I am wondering weather the Nautic Natural brand fish oil contains impurities it might not have had previously. For now, I discontinued taking the fish oil.

[Poppet12]

I have taken various fish oils for years and never had a problem, I have started taking Dr Michael Murray Natural Factors and feel absolutely terrible afterwards for a few hours, has anyone used this brand before ??

[idea246]

I've also had serious nausea from Fish Oil and a similar, but less intense reaction when taking Flax oil. The conclusion I've reached is that some people, for whatever reason, don't do well with these oils, regardless of the quality. I would recommend eating the whole foods that contain these omega's instead of just relying on a supplement.

[peter6767]

is Carlson's a very good brand of fish oil?  Or are there better ones?

[Alex870]

I wouldn't recommend any fish oil that's not IFOS batch tested and gets 5 stars:

http://www.ifosprogram.com/IFOS/ConsumerReport.aspx
http://www.healthy-oil-planet.com/ifos-fish-oils.html

Otherwise you have no way of validating what you're purchasing.

Also, if you're buying fish oil from a grocery store, supercenter, or other public store, you're automatically buying very low quality oil.  In fact, it would be the cast-off from the refining process of one of the good oils (you didn't think they threw it away did you?).  One of the side effects of these low quality oils is nausea due to oil impurities.  A refined fish oil delivers 1600mg EPA and 800mg DHA in 4 capsules.  If yours doesn't measure up (or worse doesn't even bother saying) it's time to do yourself a favor and switch.

[cajuin62234]

I've been taking a liquid type for about 15yrs; used to be named Dale Alexander's Emulsified Cod Liver Oil, but now purchased and manufactured by Twinlab. Excellent tasting, no oily taste, creamy; Mint, Lemon or Orange flavored. I take mine first thing in the am on an empty stomach.
1 tablespn: Vit.A:4556IU; Vit.D: 430IU; EPA:516mg; DPA:344mg; 60cal.
Twinlab is a very top rated manufacturer.

[MartaEurope]

I have the same problem. I have been taking Omega 3 from the brand Xtend-Life, which I think are of a great quality, for 2 days now but I feel nauseous after taking them, I even vomited today. I am taking two capsules a day, as the indications say, but being the first time I am taking such product I might try taking only one a day for the first week or so and see how it agrees with me.
Marta
Barcelona, Spain

[ryn21]

I asked the nutritionist at my local health foods store about this issue, with the nausea and fish oils.  She said that you need to watch what brand names you are taking in addition to closely checking expiration dates.  Some stores and internet sites sell badly processed doses that can cause such side effects.  Check with your local pharmacist to see what brands he or she recommends.

I take GNC brand myself.  I have not once heard of or had a single problem with any of their vitamins/supplements.  They have great return/satisfaction policies as well.  

[albot]

Thanks everyone for responding. I even tried a lower dosage and still having nausea issues. I am investigating
DHA pnly supplement which is an algae extract which is high in DHA but does not have EPA. As far as the contamination issue I was taking Jarrow formulas which is a very reputable brand and is free of contaminants. I also tried Nordic Naturals as well.

[Brett445]

Alex, your sensitivity to oils makes this a bit a of problem for you. The advice given by the others above is good - cut right back to the smallest daily dose you can. Often this allows the body to adapt slowly. If this helps then slowly build up your daily dosage to the desired intake. Your concerns about contamination issues with eating more salmon are valid. But don't forget that many fish oils, including a number of so called 'quality' products, contain contaminants as well. This is because the manufacturer avoids molecular distillation (to reduce costs). So any fish sourced from the oceans in the northern hemisphere are suspect - these waters are polluted and the PCB's etc accumulate in the fatty tissue of salmon.
Have a look at this page , it may help: http://www.nutritional-supplement-truths.com/benefits-of-fish-oil-supplements.html

Cheers
Brett

[kenziesmom]

I take Omega 3 fish oil capsules.  I used to take the liquid, but it didn't agree with me.  I haven't had any problems with the soft gel capsules.  I use Nordic Naturals, but I've also heard good things about Carlson's, Barleens's and Garden of Life.  Are you taking a good quality supplement?  It really can make a big difference.

[ryn21]

Ok, I really need to read thoroughly before posting.  If you have taken them for a while and feel nauseous from taking them, even on a full stomach, I would get a CBC done to assess your vitamin levels.  You may be taking in too much, thus causing your nauseous feeling.  

[ryn21]

Its fairly common for someone to feel nauseous when beginning to take fish oil/omega-3 supplements.  Try taking the supplement in lower doses if taking more than 1 a day.  Otherwise, try taking them with a meal.  Your body will eventually (usually within a week or so) get used to the extra intake of the supplement, making the nausea subside.  

Avoid taking too much of the supplement, as high doses can raise the body's vitamin A & D levels too high.  Make sure you always follow the recommended dosages.