Who Should Not Take Fish Oil? Know These Risks First
Fish oil is famous for its heart- and brain-loving benefits.
It’s rich in inflammation-controlling omega-3 fatty acids, too, which also contribute to cognition and heart health.
But here’s the real, honest truth most brands don’t disclose—fish oil is simply not ideal for everyone.
Fish oil may actually hurt you rather than help if you don’t understand how it interacts with your body and other drugs.
So let’s take a look at who should not take fish oil and what you can do to support your health naturally and safely.
Who Should Not Take Fish Oil? (Start Here)
Fish oil supplements may be beneficial, but they’re not safe for everyone.
And, for some people, they should not be on the menu at all, or should only be consumed with the doctor’s orders.
Here’s who needs to be especially cautious:
- People on blood thinners.
- Individuals who are allergic or sensitive to fish or shellfish.
- People with bleeding disorders.
- Pregnant/Breastfeeding Women (source of fish oil).
- Those with low blood pressure or who take antihypertensive meds.
Let’s unpack this and make it granular.
Illnesses & medical conditions that are contrary to fish oil.
Blood Thinners and Bleeding Disorders
Fish oil thins your blood (1).
And if you are already taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin, adding fish oil to the mix might increase your risk of bleeding.
Even natural supplements, including ginkgo or garlic, may raise the risk when combined with omega-3s.
Be sure to consult your doctor if you are on any medications that affect clotting.
Diabetes and Blood Sugar Concerns
The research here is mixed.
And other studies have suggested that high doses of fish oil could affect insulin sensitivity or blood sugar control in diabetics (2).
If you are using fish oil to help regulate your sugar levels, discuss it with a health professional.
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Fish oil is a kind of lowering thing (3).
This could cause dizziness or light-headedness for anyone whose levels were already tipped low.
If you’re on blood pressure meds, the combo could lower your blood pressure to dangerously low levels.
People allergic to Fish or Shellfish
This one’s simple but serious.
People who are allergic to fish or shellfish should not take fish oil supplements.
There may be swelling, hives, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
DHA and EPA are derived from omega-3s in this case.
Drug Interactions and Supplement Conflicts
Fish oil can interact with:
- NSAIDs (like ibuprofen)
- Anticoagulants (such as warfarin or clopidogrel)
- Certain herbal supplements (for example, ginkgo, garlic, and turmeric)
Such combinations can increase the chance of bleeding or alter the effects of a drug.
If you’re not clear on which supplements to take, consult your doctor or pharmacist, and they can help you work out a safe supplement plan.
Pregnant or Nursing Women: Dangers
Fish oil might be good for the pregnant brain, but it depends on the kind.
If it doesn’t have a purity guarantee, it can contain toxins like mercury, and untested-for third-party products may be unsafe for baby and mom (4).
Do avoid fish liver oil while pregnant—it’s loaded with vitamin A, which at toxicity levels is dangerous.
Choose clean, sustainable omegas like Wild Foods Wild Omega-3, which is tested for purity and free from pollutants.
Indications That Fish Oil May Be Harmful To You
Nausea is notorious for low-quality oil.
More concerning signals may include chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations.
If you experience any of these, stop the supplement and go see a health care professional.
Digestive Issues and Gastrointestinal Sensitivity
Some people experience:
- Loose stools
- Stomach cramps
- Acid reflux
Starting with a smaller dose or taking the supplement with food may help a little.
But simply being uncomfortable isn’t a high enough cost, so then you’d have to look at whether you could drive it with a cleaner source, a lower dose, or a different one altogether.
Natural Alternatives to Fish Oil
Not everyone gets along with fish oil.
Luckily, there are powerful alternatives:
Algae Oil – A plant-based source of DHA and EPA that is a vegetarian and vegan omega-3 (5).
Krill oil – More bioavailable or readily processed and absorbed by some people.
Flaxseed oil – GA contains high levels of ALA, but is not well converted to DHA/EPA.
Find sustainably sourced, third-party tested options to protect your health—and the planet.
Talking to Your Doctor About Fish Oil
Here’s what to ask:
“Do I need to worry about reactions between fish oil and any of my prescriptions?”
“Does fish oil conflict with my blood pressure? ”
Do I need to be tested for omega-3s before taking them?
Bring a list of all supplements you take with you to the appointment.
Your provider could potentially give you a more personalized, safer recommendation if they have accurate information.
Choosing Safe and Pure Omega-3 Oil Supplements
Sourcing matters.
We value purity, transparency, and authenticity in everything from the seed to the bottle.
Our Wild Omega-3 is third-party tested for heavy metals, is from small wild-caught fish, and never contains synthetic fillers.
If you decide to give your kids fish oil, just make sure that it’s the cleanest possible fish oil, because Mother Nature sure as heck doesn’t take shortcuts.
Final Thoughts
Fish oil could be a good friend—but only if your body is asking for it.
It’s like walking a trail: The wrong gear can injure you, and the right gear not only keeps you alive but also helps you thrive.
Now that you understand exactly the type of people who should not take fish oil, decide to make your health a priority!
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FAQs on Who Should Not Take Fish Oil
Who should not take fish oil capsules?
“People who are on blood thinners, people who are allergic to fish, pregnant women, unless they are taking purified sources, and people with bleeding disorders should stop taking or talk to their doctor before taking fish oil,” he said.
Can fish oil supplements cause more harm than benefit to your heart or blood pressure?
Yes, fish oil can drop it too low in those who have low blood pressure or those who take antihypertensives. Monitor closely with your doctor.
Is fish oil safe with kidney disease?
Those with advanced kidney disease should also be cautious, as fish oil can affect blood clotting and the way the body processes some medications. Always consult your nephrologist.
What is the effect of the sudden stop of fish oil?
It’s likely safe to discontinue fish oil, though you may see a loss of its anti-inflammatory benefits over the course of weeks. There’s no withdrawal effect.
What are some other plant alternatives to fish oil?
Yes. Algae oil, flaxseed oil, and chia seeds are also good sources of omega-3 that don’t come with the risk of fish-based products.
Related Studies
1. Title: Comparison of bleeding complications with omega-3 fatty acids + aspirin + clopidogrel versus aspirin + clopidogrel in patients with cardiovascular disease
High-dose fish oil combined with aspirin and clopidogrel does not increase the risk of bleeding compared to aspirin and clopidogrel alone.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19801023/
2. Title: Fish oil supplementation and insulin sensitivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Supplementing with fish oil helps people with metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, become more insulin sensitive.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5496233/
3. Title: Does fish oil lower blood pressure? A meta-analysis of controlled trials
Fish oil lowers blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner, with the strongest effect in hypertensive individuals.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8339414/
4. Title: Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation During Pregnancy
Fish oil supplements contain very low mercury levels and are safer for pregnancy than eating large fish; cod liver oil is less desirable due to high vitamin A content.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2621042/
5. Title: Microalgae Oil as an Effective Alternative Source of EPA and DHA
With high DHA levels, microalgae oil offers comparable omega-3 benefits to fish oil in a sustainable and efficient manner.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8065835/
