Our pessimistic attitude towards fat has deprived us of plenty of essential fatty acids. When you give it a thought, you will be able to comprehend how fat is not a bad thing at all.
Fish oils are commonly prescribed to patients with high triglycerides. It has been an outstanding exogenous source of essential fatty acid. It contains a high amount of Omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) combination and Omega-6, which reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, coronary thrombosis, heart block, etc.
But often the question “How long does fish oil stay in your system” pops, especially if you have it for a long time.
The metabolism, excretion, and a few clinical facts are shared here. Stay tuned!
Table of Content
What does fish oil do in your body?
For humans, alpha-linolenic acid (Omega 3) and linoleic acid (Omega -6) fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids.
These help in building the cell membrane and maintain its structure, sources of energy, modulates gene transcription, etc. The body lacks an adequate amount of essential fatty acids. Hence, it is exogenously supplied through supplements.
In addition, fish oils are also fortified with vitamins and minerals. It knots to dispense stronger and effective support for the overall development of the body. As its half-life is comparatively less than any other supplements.
Sources and doses
Fish oil is extracted by a method called Wet Pressing.
In our daily life, we obtain fish oil from salmon, mackerel, trout, oysters, mussels, crabs, etc. Seafood is mainly high in essential fatty acids. Besides, nuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds are rich sources of good fatty oils.
What is the best time to take fish oil, morning or night? It is prescribed to be taken after a meal. Meaning, take it on a full stomach with water.
How much fish oil is too much? Well, take one capsule. It roughly contains 250 mg of EPA and DHA. A maximum of 5000mg daily can be taken monthly. This is the fish oil dosage for elderly. You need to talk to the pediatrician about child dosages.
Uses
Before we jump right into the discussion on how long does fish oil stay in your system, let’s find out the motive behind taking it:
Lowers triglycerides and cholesterol
There is good and bad cholesterol. Triglycerides fall in the latter category. 4 grams of daily intake of fish oil will reduce triglycerides.
Omega 3 fatty acids, which is a component of fish oil, helps to decrease the rate of VLDL synthesis. Combinedly, it will reduce the serum triglycerides and cholesterol as a whole.
Maintains blood pressure
Fish oil assists to activate the large conductance of Calcium-dependent sodium channels. The calcium-dependent sodium channel helps to circulate blood, muscle movements, and locomotion.
Due to its high activity for heart conductance, it works on cardiac outputs. In return, it balances out the blood pressure. But how long does fish oil take to work, will depend on your health condition.
Maintains cardiac rhythm
Tachycardia and bradycardia are irregularities of the heartbeat. These tend to increase or decrease with the condition of your heart.
As your blood pressure is controlled you will have lower episodes of cardiac arrhythmic problems. 67% of the population having atrial arrhythmia has reported beneficial effects of fish oil.
Eliminates chances of sudden and fatal cardiac abnormality
The control of fish oil over the heart indicates how capable it is of keeping it healthy. Cardiologists suggest fish oil as a preventive and also curative dose.
People with a history of cardiac abnormality, be it genetic or developmental, are prescribed fish oil supplements. So you can stop worrying about how long does fish oil stay in your system. At least it’s good for your heart.
Helps weight loss
Fish oil accelerates your metabolism. It potentiates to reduce a significant amount of fat formation and synthesis from its roots. As a result of which, the body does not develop new fat cells.
On the other hand, as the metabolism is accelerated, it boosts up your body. Your body starts to lose weight and makes you feel less worried about how long does fish oil stay in your system.
Fish Oil Benefits (Clinical)
DHA and EPA are essential ingredients for the brain and retinal development of a child. During pregnancy, mothers have been prescribed to include it in their diet. This will benefit the child in terms of development of the cognitive function. Besides, it shows numerous positive effects in improving symptoms of kids with ADHD.
Those who are wondering does fish oil makes me feel weird, let me tell you it doesn’t.
In adults, fish oil benefits nutritionally to battle asthma. As we know asthmatic patients have symptoms like chest tightness, breathing distress, coughing, wheezing. These symptoms are fought well by fish oil supplements. Its ability to escalate metabolism plays a key role here.
Inflammatory diseases are combated well by fish oil. Whenever a patient is diagnosed with any sort of inflammatory disease, they are suggested to take fish oil supplements.
Elderlies struggle with locomotive or neurological diseases the most. Inhibition to bone brittle and breakage, providing strength is obtained when older people are given cod liver oil. It increases bone density. As children, the retina and cornea are of better health when fish oil is taken regularly.
Fish oils are an outstanding regular supplement given to patients with schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. In addition, fish oil supplements regulate hypertension, cardiac abnormalities, platelet aggregation, hyperlipidemia, inflammation, etc in older patients.
No wonder fish oil itself lessens the stress of thinking about how long does fish oil stay in your system.
Excretion
The best thing about fish oil is, it is absorbed completely in your body. Rarely, it goes out of your body. It stays inside a person for about six weeks to six months.
As per excretion is concerned, fish oil does not undergo renal excretion. Rather, if more of it is left in the body, it goes out of the body through sweat. Traces of essential fatty acids are rarely found in fecal matter.
To say how long fish oil stays in your body is difficult. Because it highly depends on the intake. Most of it is absorbed by the liver and the remaining perspires.
It stays in the body long enough to meet up the energy requirements and body buildup.
Side effects
Fish oil does not have many side effects. It is safe food and rarely shows bad effects. Of course, nothing is perfect. So it may show side effects when you stop taking fish oil after prolonged intake:
Diarrhea
Fish oil softens the stool and lubricates the gastrointestinal tract. Prolonged medication of fish oil persists in the system. It gives rise to episodes of diarrhea.
Heartburn
Acid reflux causes increased heart palpitations and heartburns. This is mostly for gastrointestinal problems. The epigastric pain spreads to the chest.
Rashes
Anaphylactic reaction from fish oil causes rashes. These are superficial rashes and tend to go away soon. Get a hypersensitivity test done as soon as you get the rashes.
Fishy breathe
Are you wondering why your breath smells like fishy breath? Are you still thinking about how long it does fish oil stays in your system?
As a side effect, your urine, sweat, and breathing smell like fish and can make you concerned about how long does fish oil stay in your system.
Bleeding
Extended ingestion of fish oil entails hemorrhagic complications. More than 3 grams of fish oil daily can lead to internal bleeding. Initial symptoms are rashes, gum bleeding, etc.
Blood pressure
Fish oil ingestion for a long time may fluctuate blood pressures. But in the broader aspect, blood pressure is lowered with fish oil intake. But too much of it can fluctuate.
Gastrointestinal problems
Fish oil makes your stomach a bit tender. Often found, there are minor gastrointestinal problems. These mostly subside and are not much concern. Nausea, vomiting, burns, are usual side effects of fish oil ingestion.
FAQ
How long does fish oil stay in your system?
It lasts for about six weeks to six months in your body.
It is highly subjective to how much of it you ingest. The more you take, the more tendency it has to persist in your body. Despite that, some of it may leave traces in your urine and sweat.
Is fish oil safe for children?
Fish oil helps to develop visual and neurological functions in children. A recommended dose according to his body structure and age is good for them.
Does fish oil interfere with diabetes?
Adiponectin hormones in fish oil influence insulin sensitivity. As a result of which type 2 diabetes remains in control. Diabetics are suggested to have fish oil as this is a healthy fat.
Can fish oil help in weight loss?
People on a weight loss journey are prescribed to have fish oil and multivitamins. Both of these help to elevate the rate of metabolism and thus promote weight loss.
Final words
Just to clear it out, fish oil supplements are safe. These are good for your heart, brain and also keep you fit. Do not bother thinking about how long does fish oil stay in your system. Eventually, it will filter out of your body.
What you have to do is to ensure you are not taking it more than your requirements. Be alert and watch over the side effects that may cause you lifelong harm.
Not to mention, don’t worry about the fishy smell. Trust me, it goes away.
Till then stay happy and healthy!
