Omega-3 is often found in fatty fish, flaxseed, chia seeds and supplements. Omega-3 is famous for many benefits such as supporting cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation, improving brain function and good for vision.
However, despite bringing many benefits, not everyone should use omega-3 supplements regularly or in high doses. Some subjects need to be especially careful or limit their use to avoid unwanted effects on health.
First of all, people who are taking anticoagulants should limit omega-3 supplementation. Omega-3 fatty acids have the ability to thin blood and reduce platelet aggregation. This is beneficial for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, but when combined with anticoagulants, it can increase the risk of bleeding. In some cases, patients may be prone to bruises, nosebleeds or prolonged blood clotting if using too high doses of omega-3.
In addition, people who are about to undergo surgery or have just undergone surgery also need to limit omega-3 supplements. Due to their characteristic of reducing blood clotting ability, using omega-3 before or after surgery can increase the risk of bleeding and affect the body's recovery process. Therefore, many doctors often advise patients to stop using omega-3 supplements at least for a while before performing surgery.
People with low blood pressure should also be careful when using omega-3. One of the effects of omega-3 is to help lower blood pressure. For people with high blood pressure, this is beneficial. However, for people with low blood pressure, supplementing with more omega-3 can cause blood pressure to drop further, causing symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue or lightheadedness.
People with seafood allergies are also a group to watch out for. Many omega-3 supplements are extracted from fish oil or marine organisms. If the body is sensitive to seafood, using these products can cause allergic reactions such as urticaria, itching, or shortness of breath.
Although omega-3 is a healthy nutrient, the use of supplements is not always suitable for everyone. People who are taking anticoagulants, are about to have surgery, have low blood pressure or seafood allergies need to be careful when using them.
Ideally, everyone should consult a doctor before supplementing with omega-3 to ensure safety and achieve the best health effects.
