Ask the Pharmacist

I have a headache, is this a side effect of omega-3s?

I have started taking omegor vitality 1000 since last night and I have headaches. is it a case , or am I intolerant. the doctor advised me to take two pearls in the morning and 2 in the evening.


Dear Madam, 


Headache is not a commonly encountered side effect. Generally, the undesirable effects that may appear as a result of taking fish oil are gastrointestinal: flatulence, belching, or more easily diarrhea-this, because of the oils' own emollient effect. In any case, these are effects that can occur in dosages greater than 2 capsules. 


Intolerances can most easily manifest as headaches. But with regard to a possible intolerance to the product, I can tell you that if you do not have an intolerance to anchovies and sardines-which are the fish species from which the oil is extracted-then you should in principle tolerate fish oil well.

The headache could be related to digestion. But an oil with omega-3 in triglyceride form is used in our products-much more digestible and assimilable than other commercial fish oils with omega-3 in ethyl ester form. 


If the headache persists or is bothersome, she can try stopping taking Omegor Vitality for a day-then start supplementation gradually, with one capsule a day and see if the headache recurs. Gradually she can increase the dose until she reaches the dosage recommended by her doctor. 


I remain available for further information. 


Sincerely, 


Rosaria Ramondino, Pharmacist and pharmaceutical chemist.