This article presents an overview of the side effects of supplementation with essential fatty acids (EFAs), and concludes that there is a very low risk of significant side effects. The author cautions, however, that distilled and purified EFAs should be used for supplementation.
The author reviews the research showing that EFAs, especially omega-3 fatty acids, have had mostly positive health impacts on cholesterol, immune function, and cancerous tumors. There have been a few studies showing negative effects of EFA supplementation. Most of these studies, however, have been with omega-6 fatty acids as opposed to omega-3 fatty acids. The author notes that increasing the dietary intake of EFAs should be done at the same time that saturated fats in the diet (found in meat and dairy products) are decreased. This way, weight gain will be prevented because the total fat intake is constant. Further, the author notes that EFA supplements can be contaminated with toxins, including mercury and pesticides. Therefore, supplements that are purified and distilled to remove these toxins should be used. The author also suggests that omega-6 fatty acids should be, at most, 10% of the daily intake of calories.
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