Fish oil is an effective supplement to cover a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in the modern diet. Coumadin is a brand name of a drug used to decrease blood's clotting ability, so as to prevent clots from forming in patients with irregular heartbeats or prosthetics and those recovering from heart attacks. Fish oil may also decrease blood's clotting ability. Your intake of fish oil should not change while on Coumadin without the knowledge of your doctor. If you take medications, consult your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet, to prevent any possibility of harmful interactions.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Your body does not produce the omega-3 fatty acids that are required for producing anti-inflammatory signals and regulating the fluidity of cellular membranes. Modern diets, which are frequently deficient in omega-3 but high in omega-6 fatty acids, may bias your body to produce too many pro-inflammatory signals instead of anti-inflammatory signals. Alterations of membrane fluidity in the brain can raise the risk of neuropsychological disorders, including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
Anti-Clotting Drugs
Clot-inhibiting drugs prevent blood clots from forming in those at risk or prevent clotting from worsening in those with existing clots. Coumadin works by blocking the action of vitamin K in the liver, preventing important clotting proteins from being formed. Excess dosing of Coumadin or taking Coumadin with other supplements or medications that inhibit clotting can cause uncontrolled bleeding.
Taking Fish Oil with Coumadin
If you are taking fish oil, which inhibits blood clotting, advise your doctor and continue dosing at the same level. Do not start, stop or change your dosage of fish oil while on Coumadin without advising your doctor, as it will change your needed dosage.
Other Considerations
The downside of Coumadin therapy is the wide variety of interactions. Vitamin K intake should be kept constant while taking Coumadin. Do not stop, start or change the dosage of any supplement or medication while on Coumadin without consulting your doctor. Do not make any major changes to your diet while taking the medication.
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