According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, fish oil is among the most popular dietary supplements sold in the United States. These supplements are loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and are associated with couple of major side effects. In reality, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration mentions that fish oil supplements are “typically acknowledged as safe.” However, despite fish oil’s track record, it may be associated with some risks. The U.S. National Institutes of Health alert that omega-3 supplements can increase the risk of excessive bleeding if they are taken in megadoses or integrated wrongly with certain medications.
Effect to Blood
The United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) keep in mind that prolonged bleeding has actually never been recorded in people taking low to moderate doses of fish oil (less than 3,000 mg of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid) every day). However, NIH notes that extremely big dosages of fish oil — described as “Eskimo” amounts — can increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, nosebleed or bloody urine. The NIH encourages versus making use of high-dose fish oil other than under the guidance of a licensed specialist.
Factors
A number of aspects influence fish oil’s obvious anticoagulant results. Inning accordance with the NIH, fish oils reduce the aggregation of platelets, consequently extending bleeding time. Furthermore, some studies have revealed that high-dose fish oil can reduce levels of the von Willebrand factor, an important compound involved in the blood clotting procedure. Fish oil may likewise help to break embolism. While this effect can benefit people who have clots in capillary, it might prevent the body’s ability to fix a bleeding injury. However, NIH mentions that these problems are hardly ever a concern in people taking fish oil doses within FDA recommendations.
Drug Interactions
People taking certain medications may have an increased risk of bleeding from fish oil supplements. According to the FDA, high doses of omega-3 fats can increase the risk of hemorrhage for people taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications such as warfarin and heparin. In theory, pain-relieving medications like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen ought to also engage with fish oil supplements. While fish oil is not always contraindicated for people taking these medications, professionals recommend care. A medical practitioner can provide particular dosing guidelines to decrease the possibility of a drug interaction.
Considerations
The NIH does not report an increased risk of hemorrhage in people with bleeding conditions. Nevertheless, people with a history of excessive bleeding may be at an increased risk of experiencing serious side effects from fish oil. Because high-dose omega-3 supplements might reduce levels of the von Willebrand element, it could present a hazard to people with von Willebrand disease. Fish oil supplements need to likewise be used with care by people with hemophilia because they could trigger a severe or dangerous bleeding episode. Women with menorrhagia (incredibly heavy durations) ought to prevent taking high doses of fish oil other than under the supervision of a health care company.
Prevention
High-risk patients can take numerous preventative measures to prevent hemorrhage and other complications related to fish oil. The NIH recommends that patients consult a doctor prior to taking any dietary supplement, including fish oil. Lady who are pregnant or nursing needs to discuss the advantages and risks of fish oil with a qualified professional, such as an obstetrician, midwife or pediatrician. To prevent hemorrhage during or after surgery, patients must stop taking fish oil at least two weeks before a significant medical procedure. Sufficient safety measures can prevent dangerous complications.
