What are the benefits and risks of taking fish oil long-term?
Nov 26, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Generally speaking, long-term consumption of fish oil may provide benefits such as maintaining vision, enhancing immune function, improving brain function, promoting joint health, and preventing atherosclerosis. However, it may also cause side effects such as bleeding, bad breath, gastrointestinal discomfort, allergic reactions, and increased blood sugar levels. In daily life, it is recommended to use fish oil under a doctor's guidance, and to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet.
Generally speaking, long-term consumption of fish oil can provide benefits such as maintaining vision, enhancing immune function, improving brain function, promoting joint health, and preventing atherosclerosis. However, it may also cause certain adverse effects such as bleeding, bad breath, gastrointestinal discomfort, allergic reactions, and elevated blood sugar levels. A detailed analysis is as follows:
I. Benefits
1. Maintaining Vision
Long-term, moderate consumption of fish oil can supply fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin D, which are beneficial for the growth and development of retinal cells, thus supporting vision health.
2. Enhancing Immune Function
The fatty acids in fish oil can promote the proliferation and activation of immune cells and facilitate the synthesis of immunoglobulins, thereby strengthening the body's resistance to pathogenic microorganisms. Long-term fish oil consumption may therefore improve immunity.
3. Improving Brain Function
Fish oil contains high levels of DHA, a primary fatty acid component of the brain. DHA promotes brain cell metabolism and enhances memory. Long-term fish oil consumption helps improve cognitive abilities, learning capacity, and memory function.
4. Promoting Joint Health
The unsaturated fatty acids in fish oil have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammatory responses and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Consequently, long-term fish oil intake can relieve joint pain and swelling, effectively improving joint health.
5. Preventing Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a slowly progressive disease that may present symptoms such as dizziness and vision loss, posing significant threats to life safety. Taking fish oil generally helps prevent excessive accumulation of triglycerides in the body, thus reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
II. Adverse Effects
1. Bleeding
Fish oil is a type of oil extracted from fatty fish and is commonly consumed as a nutritional supplement. Prolonged excessive intake may cause blood to clot less effectively, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding.
2. Bad Breath
Long-term fish oil consumption without proper oral hygiene may leave fish oil residues in the mouth or digestive tract, potentially leading to halitosis (bad breath).
3. Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Excessive long-term fish oil consumption may increase gastrointestinal motility and burden the digestive system, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
4. Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions refer to excessive immune responses triggered by the body's exposure to certain substances. Individuals allergic to fish oil may experience symptoms such as skin itching and nasal congestion even after consuming small amounts. Prompt medical attention is recommended, along with following a physician's guidance for further treatment.
5. Elevated Blood Sugar Levels
Excessive fish oil intake may lead to an accumulation of fatty acids that stimulate glucose production, resulting in abnormal blood sugar levels. It is advisable to consume fish oil in moderation to avoid adverse symptoms.
In daily life, it is recommended to use fish oil under the guidance of a physician to prevent adverse effects. Additionally, maintaining adequate caloric and protein intake, appropriately consuming vitamins and water, and avoiding unhealthy dietary habits are recommended to ensure balanced nutrition.
