We have all been told since childhood about the unique beneficial properties of fish oil. Our mothers forced us to take this valuable natural substance, enriched with vitamins A and D. This product is derived from cod liver, so it contains a large amount of omega-3 fatty acids. After reading today's article, you will find out if an overdose of fish oil is possible and what it threatens.
What is this remedy?
Increased interest in this supplement began to appear in the late 70s of the last century. It was then that scientists came to the conclusion that the Eskimos and other inhabitants of the Far North, who eat mainly fish, practically do not suffer from cardiovascular diseases. But these he alth problems arise immediately after the products familiar to residents of other regions appear in their diet.
As a result of long-term observations, scientists have come to the conclusion that the reason for maintaining the idealblood cholesterol levels lies in the abundance of oily fish. After all, it is considered the best source of essential omega-3 acids. Fish oil, the overdose of which will be discussed later, is an amber-colored liquid with a unique composition. It is obtained from herring, mackerel and cod.
Chemical composition of the product
It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have very valuable properties. They help reduce the risk of blood clots, dilate blood vessels, and normalize blood pressure. In addition, this component improves the recovery processes in the human body and has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, hair and nails.
Nevertheless, fish oil should be taken very carefully: an overdose of this substance threatens with not too pleasant consequences. The substance is rich in vitamins A and D. The first helps to eliminate free radicals, helps maintain eye he alth and supports immunity. The second takes an active part in the absorption of phosphorus and calcium, necessary for the formation of bone tissue. In addition, fish oil contains antioxidants. These substances slow down the aging process of the human body.
Today, some manufacturers produce this drug in the form of tablets. And people take fish oil capsules. An overdose in this case is accompanied by not too pleasant symptoms and requires immediate action, which we will discuss later. Now it is worth noting thattablets consist not only of a pure substance, but also of additional components. They contain 70% sorbitol, water, gelatin and glycerol.
Who is this remedy indicated for?
We note right away that fish oil, an overdose of which is dangerous for our he alth, is both a food supplement and a vitamin-mineral complex. The beneficial properties of this drug are due to its unique composition. It is often recommended for people with weakened immune systems. It is considered the best prevention of rickets. It is indicated for owners of excessively dry skin, on which wounds and ulcers periodically appear. Also, fish oil is prescribed for those diagnosed with ophthalmic and dental pathologies, disorders of the endocrine, genitourinary and digestive systems.
Contraindications
Despite all the useful properties of this drug, there is a whole list of conditions in which it is undesirable to take this supplement. Fish oil, an overdose of which is considered a fairly serious problem, is contraindicated in hypervitaminosis, tuberculosis, hemophilia, chronic pancreatitis and peptic ulcer. It is also forbidden to take it to people who have pathologies of the kidneys and liver. It is undesirable to use this drug for the elderly and nursing mothers. Another reason for refusing fish oil is an individual intolerance to one of its components.
Overdose of fish oil: symptoms
Treatment of this problem should be prescribed by a specialist. It will largely depend on how the disease manifests itself. We note right away that in order to reduce the risks of potential side effects, you need to take a refined product. Too much vitamin A in this supplement can cause decreased appetite, increased intracranial pressure, bone pain, and excessive sensitivity to sunlight. It can also lead to dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and cracked lips.
Sometimes babies overdose on fish oil. Children are often forced to take this drug by adults - too zealous parents can go too far with the norm. As a result, an overdose can be accompanied by weight loss, kidney failure, muscle stiffness, acidosis, constipation and other intestinal problems. All of these symptoms can be caused by excess vitamin D. In children, changes such as poor growth, irritability, and poor development are common.
How is an overdose of fish oil treated?
The symptoms that accompany this problem, we have already considered. Therefore, it's time to talk about ways to eliminate them. The first thing to do if you suspect an overdose is to stop taking the drug. If the symptoms of an excess of vitamin D contained in it appeared in the summer, then you need to temporarily refuse to visitsolarium and reduce sun exposure. When going out, wear light, closed outfits and keep drinking. At least during the first few days after the onset of signs of an overdose, try to drink regular non-carbonated water.
Recommended Average Daily Values
Now we know that sometimes fish oil can be dangerous - an overdose in adults and children causes serious he alth problems. Therefore, you need to tell how to use it correctly. We must say right away that before using this supplement, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Since only a specialist can correctly calculate the dosage. It is selected purely individually, taking into account the age, weight and gender of the patient.
As a rule, babies under the age of one year are prescribed six to ten drops of fish oil. Moreover, the recommended daily dose will have to be divided into two doses. Preschoolers are given two teaspoons of the drug, and children over seven years old are recommended to take three scoops twice a day. As for fish oil, produced in the form of capsules, all information regarding the dosage is indicated on the leaflet attached to the drug. As a rule, such packaging is designed for an adult, and the average daily rate is about six tablets, which must be divided into three doses.
Helpful tips
To get the maximum effect and prevent the occurrence ofunpleasant symptoms, it is not enough to know the dosage. Additionally, you need to follow a number of recommendations for taking fish oil. It is desirable to use this drug during meals, along with soups or salads.
You need to understand that a single dose will not bring the expected results. To obtain a lasting effect, it is necessary to consume fish oil regularly for one or two months. Also, do not exceed the recommended periods, since the accumulation of vitamin A can lead to negative consequences, which we have already mentioned earlier. In addition, this supplement is contraindicated in people who have high calcium levels.
It is strictly forbidden to use this drug on an empty stomach, as this can cause digestive problems. The correct intake of fish oil will help get rid of extra pounds, saturate the body with essential vitamins and improve overall well-being.
