Consuming fish oil supplements has steadily grown in popularity among adult Americans, coming in second to the daily multivitamin. According to ConsumerLab, nearly 70 percent of participants in a 2010 survey consumed fish oil. The supplement decreases triglycerides, or fatty substances, in the blood. Fish oil slows blood clotting; however, bleeding problems are minor and rarely occur. Talk to a medical professional to determine if fish oil is is the correct supplement for you.
Cause
Omega-3 fatty acids decrease the time blood clots. Platelets, or small particles in the blood, make blood cells stick together. When fish oil is present, platelets become less active and blood does not clot as quickly. You may notice decreased clotting time when experiencing nose bleeds, skin bruises and possibly bleeding of the gums.
Benefits
Decreased blood clotting can have positive side effects in some situations. Fewer blood clots decrease your risk of heart attack and stroke. These conditions occur when a blood clot becomes lodged in the arteries blocking oxygen to vital organs. Patients suffering from coronary artery disease should consume 1g of fish oil per day. If taking fish oil in capsule form, only do so with the approval of a physician. Besides being a blood thinner, fish oil also reduces plaque formation and widens arteries, therefore slightly decreasing blood pressure.
Side Effects
When taking fish oil, you may experience nosebleeds and additional skin bruising. Nosebleeds are a minor condition and rarely become an emergency. Seek medical attention if nosebleeds are frequent or occur several times in day. Fish oil promotes internal bleeding because blood is not clotting at a fast rate. Signs of internal bleeding include bruising of the skin. The fish oil prevents blood clotting, causing bruises to form on your skin. The bruise may be a variety of colors and the number of bruises varies, especially when taking large doses of fish oil. Taking 3g or more of fish oil is considered a large dose, and monitoring by a medical professional is highly suggested. Large bruises that are tender to the touch should be examined by a medical professional. Take care of skin bruises by applying ice for about five to ten minutes and resting the area.
Medication Interventions and Warnings
Some people with specific conditions should avoid taking fish oil, because blood may not clot in emergency situations. Hemophiliacs, who already have difficulty forming blood clots, are advised to avoid the supplement. People who are already taking anticoagulant and anti-platelet drugs should also use caution when adding fish oil into the mix. Anticoagulant drugs include clopidogrel, dipyridamole, heparin, warfarin and even aspirin. Supplements may also contribute to bleeding problems, when combined with fish oil. Willow, red clover, garlic tablets and even oregano may cause bleeding complications. Always talk to your medical doctor when considering taking any medications or introducing new supplements into your daily regime.
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