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What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Non-refrigerated Fish Oil During Pregnancy?

Posted on Mon, 14 Mar 2016

Question: Hi - my wife is 22 weeks pregnant and has been taking fish oil in liquid form but we forgot to refrigerate the bottle like instructed. Are there any risks to the baby?

Answered by Dr. Vjollce Mbiarra (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
There aren't any risk for your baby

Detailed Answer:
He and thanks for your query.

Don't worry because there aren't any known side effects if she have used non refrigerate oil fish.
You should only that these products don't contain retinol or vit A.

All the best and Good bless you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Vjollce Mbiarra (47 minutes later)

Hi and thank you for your reply. We did check with a few other doctors and they weren't as relaxed as you. We were advised that if the fish oil became oxidized and subsequently rancid, there could be health impacts for the fetus ie slower brain development etc. is this not the case? Any chance I can get a more detailed reply on why you don't think this is an issue? The fish oil brand is called "Nutripur Mom and Baby Omega-3 Plus". Can you please advise on the following;

1. What are the health risks for the baby by not having it refrigerated?

2. How long would it usually take for the liquid oil to go off/rancid?

3. We have heard the if fish oil is oxidized it would cause some health issues, why are these issues and would they apply to the fetus?

4. Anything else you can tell us would be really appreciated. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Vjollce Mbiarra (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Don't worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi again and apologize for late replay.

Don't worry because process of rancidification on these products as "Nutripur Mom and Baby Omega-3 Plus" is stopped because there are used preservatives like antioxidants .
Antioxidants are often used as preservatives in fat-containing foods to delay the onset or slow the development of rancidity due to oxidation.

Natural antioxidants include polyphenols (for instance flavonoids), ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and tocopherols (vitamin E). Hence Nutripur Mom and Baby Omega -3 Plus" contain antioxidants such as vit E, ascorbyl palmitate, citric acid which are good for health. Omega 3 may cause side effects.

How many times did she use "Nutripur Mom and Baby Omega-3 Plus"?

All the best

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Vjollce Mbiarra (49 minutes later)

Thank you doctor. She was using it daily for about 2-3 weeks and we did the smell/taste test and it smelled quite fishy which we understand could be rancid. Any issues at all the be worried about?

Answered by Dr. Vjollce Mbiarra (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
She can try to use rich foods with omega -3

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for trusting us.

I understand your concern but there is no need to worry because :

1. Usually these products do smell quite fishy
2. she might have consumed it for a short period of time
3. at the time of consumption of that product, the organ genesis process in foetus had already taken place, so that product is unlikely to cause such growth abnormalities.

Hence in my opinion she should stop using it as you are apprehensive of side effects. And she should start taking other foods rich in omega -3 and not supplements .

All the best and God bless you and your baby

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar