Considering the omega-3s (specifically EPA and DHA) found in fish oil are important for everything from your cognitive function and heart health to your vision and mental well-being,* foul-smelling belches probably shouldn’t be enough to dissuade you from adding a supplement to your daily routine. But, of course, no one wants to worry about stinky burps. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can combat those fishy burps so that you can take your fish oil supplement without fear. That said, a few factors can make fish burps an issue even for those who don’t typically deal with them. Eating a big meal, not chewing your food enough, being dehydrated, or sipping on carbonated drinks or alcohol can all slow gastric emptying, upping your chances of belching up the scents of the sea. In many cases, people experience fish burps anywhere from 10 minutes to hours after they take their fish oil supplement, Ferira says. The problem is so bothersome that up to 18% of people report stopping their supplements because of it. “If the oil is lower quality and does not boast low oxidation parameters (like low rancidity, spoilage, and contaminants) via state-of-the-art processing, built-in antioxidants (like rosemary and/or tocopherols, aka vitamin E), and careful handling and storage, then any burp-back reflects a lack of freshness and purity,” Ferira explains. She goes on to say, “of course, if burps in general and backward motion (from your stomach up your esophagus) phenomena are super common for you, please see a doctor.” Some brands opt to utilize chemical compounds to create a special coating on the supplement (called an enteric coating) that delays the release of the supplements’ contents until it reaches the small intestine. This way, once the fish oil is released, it’s too far into your system to create a fishy burp. It should be noted, though, that while enteric coatings are safe, they do add quite a few extra ingredients to a product, Ferira notes. Other brands opt to incorporate natural botanical oils like lemon or lime oil to their formulations to mask the burps or stop them in their tracks.* “In addition to extremely fresh and pure fish oil from wild-caught, cold-water South Pacific anchovies from off the coast of Chile, mindbodygreen’s omega-3 potency+ incorporates organic lemon oil and the herb rosemary to thoughtfully counteract fish burps and enhance the fish oil’s antioxidant capacity and freshness respectively,”* Ferira explains. It’s a winning combo for a top-quality (and belch-free) supplementing experience. That said, avoiding fish burps doesn’t stop at checkout. Caring for your fish oil supplement is also important in keeping the burps at bay. Ferira recommends storing it away from heat and light and tightening the cap completely after each use to limit oxygen exposure. Of course, being mindful of when and how you take your fish oil is also important. If fish burps are a problem for you, avoid popping your supplement alongside a big meal, alcohol, or your favorite carbonated beverage (all of which, slow gastric motility and increase the chances of burping). For best results, select a high-quality fish oil that is infused with a botanical oil (like citrus) and minimizes oxidation of the oil from start to finish. From there, storing your supplement properly and ensuring you don’t take it with heavy meals or certain drinks can make your overall digestion speed and fish oil experience a more positive one. This way, you can focus on all the benefits your body is reaping from those good-for-you omega-3s,* instead of sweating whether your supplement routine will sabotage your social life.
