Toxicity: None or minor toxicity with small unintentional ingestions.
Expected symptoms: Stomach upset, belching that tastes of the fish oil, and possible loose stools or diarrhea.
What to do: Wipe child’s mouth and remove any capsules or gelatin shells that are seen. Rinse their mouth or wipe out with a soft, wet cloth and give a serving of water or milk to drink.
Quick Facts about fish oil:
Fish oil supplements are sold in capsule form and are made from fat that is extracted from the tissue of oily fish such as herring, tuna, and mackerel. These supplements may promote heart health by increasing “good” cholesterol, lowering triglycerides, and reducing the hardening of the arteries. They may also improve eye health.
If more fish oil capsules are taken than recommended, it can cause unpleasant side effects such as stomach discomfort, frequent belching with a fishy taste, and loose, oily stools or diarrhea. Due to the relatively large size of capsules, they can be a choking hazard for children.
If you find your child with fish oil capsules, do not panic. Take the capsules away from them, wipe out the mouth with a soft, wet cloth and give them some water to drink. If problems start or you have questions, call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. The poison center is open all day, every day for poisoning emergencies and questions.