Fishy burps are the side effect nobody warns you about until it happens. The good news: they're usually harmless and often manageable. Here's what's going on and what you can try.
Written by Vita Globe Editorial Team | Reviewed against NIH and NCCIH guidance
How do you stop fishy burps from fish oil?
The NIH lists an unpleasant taste, bad breath and heartburn among the common, usually mild side effects of omega-3 supplements[1][2], and a fishy burp is a familiar version of that. Practical things people try include taking fish oil with a meal and taking it at a different time of day. These tips are low-risk, but they haven't been well studied.
Caveat: If burping comes with ongoing heartburn, nausea or stomach pain, especially in pregnancy, mention it to your OB or midwife rather than just switching products.
Sources: NCCIH · NIH ODS (omega-3) · Verified 2026-09-27
In this article
Why does fish oil cause fishy burps?
Fish oil is, well, oil. A common explanation is that a bit of it comes back up when you burp, bringing the taste with it. The NIH lists an unpleasant taste, bad breath, heartburn, nausea, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, headache and odorous sweat as the commonly reported side effects of omega-3 supplements, and notes that they're usually mild[2].
NCCIH describes the same pattern: side effects of omega-3 supplements are usually mild and include an unpleasant taste, bad breath, bad-smelling sweat, headache and stomach symptoms like heartburn[1].
What can help with fishy burps?
Research on specific fixes is thin, so treat these as practical tips rather than proven treatments:
- Take it with a meal. Many people find fish oil sits better with food than on an empty stomach.
- Change the timing. Taking it with dinner means you're less likely to notice burps during the day.
- Stick to the suggested serving. Taking more than the label directs won't help and may make stomach side effects more noticeable.
- Check freshness. Store supplements as the label directs, and don't use them past the date on the package. A strong fishy smell when you open the bottle is worth noting.
- Try a different format or flavor. Flavored chewables are one reason some people prefer gummies.
If none of those help, it's fine to take a break and talk to your provider about other ways to get omega-3s.
Is it worse during pregnancy?
Heartburn and nausea are common in pregnancy on their own. So it can be hard to tell whether fish oil is the cause or just adding to what's already there.
If you're struggling, don't just quietly stop. Tell your OB or midwife. They may suggest a different time of day, a different product, or getting more omega-3s from food. The FDA and EPA advise 8 to 12 ounces a week of lower-mercury fish during pregnancy[3], and our guide to omega-3 foods during pregnancy has ideas.
When should you check with a provider?
Mild burps aren't a concern. But talk with your provider if you have:
- Heartburn or stomach pain that doesn't go away
- Signs of an allergic reaction, especially if you have a fish or shellfish allergy
- Unusual bruising or bleeding, particularly if you take a blood thinner. Fish oil may affect clotting times with warfarin[2]
Worried that a fishy taste means contamination? Taste isn't a mercury test. Purified fish oils have tested very low for mercury[4]. More on that in Fish Oil and Mercury: Is It Safe in Pregnancy?
The honest summary
- Omega-3 side effects, including an unpleasant taste, are usually mild[1].
- Taking fish oil with food and adjusting timing are easy things to try.
- Evidence for specific fixes is limited.
- Persistent symptoms in pregnancy deserve a call to your provider.
Our option
Vita Globe Prenatal Fish Oil Gummies
Our Prenatal Fish Oil Gummies pair omega fatty acids from fish oil with vitamins that include folic acid (vitamin B9), in a raspberry and lemon chewable gummy. Suggested use is 2 gummies once daily; they're gluten-free, non-GMO and made without artificial colors or flavors. Some people find a flavored chewable easier to stick with than an unflavored oil. The exact DHA, EPA and folic acid amounts are on the Supplement Facts panel on the product page, so bring it to your OB or midwife. It contains fish, and it isn't a substitute for a prenatal vitamin your provider has recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Do fish oil gummies cause burps?
They can. An unpleasant taste and stomach symptoms like heartburn are common side effects of omega-3 supplements in general[1]. Taking gummies with a meal may help.
Should I take fish oil at night or in the morning?
There's no proven best time. Some people prefer dinner so burps don't bother them during the day.
Is it bad if my fish oil smells very fishy?
A strong off smell can be a sign the oil isn't fresh. Check the date and storage directions, and ask the maker if you're unsure.
Does freezing fish oil stop burps?
Some people freeze softgels, but that isn't well studied, and it doesn't make sense for gummies. Follow the storage directions on your label.
Can fish oil cause heartburn in pregnancy?
Heartburn is a listed side effect of omega-3 supplements[2], and it's common in pregnancy anyway. Mention it to your provider.
Sources
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Omega-3 Supplements: What You Need To Know. Updated November 2024. nccih.nih.gov
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Updated September 20, 2026. ods.od.nih.gov
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Advice about Eating Fish: For Those Who Might Become or Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding and Children Ages 1–11 Years. Updated March 5, 2024. fda.gov
- Foran SE, Flood JG, Lewandrowski KB. Measurement of mercury levels in concentrated over-the-counter fish oil preparations: is fish oil healthier than fish? Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2003;127(12):1603-1605. doi:10.5858/2003-127-1603-MOMLIC
About the Vita Globe Editorial Team
The Vita Globe Editorial Team researches and writes our wellness content, working from peer-reviewed research, systematic reviews and guidance from bodies such as the NIH and the FDA. We cite our sources inline and update articles when the evidence changes.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or caring for a child.
