Fish oil and flaxseed oil are two supplements often consumed for their omega-3 fatty acid content. Both are generally safe but can affect blood clotting. This can lead to problems if you are taking the medication coumadin, so you should talk to your doctor before taking either of these supplements if you take coumadin or other blood-thinning medications.
Fish Oil
Fish oil contains two different omega-3 fatty acids known as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid or EPA and DHA. These fatty acids can reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke because they lower blood pressure, increase your levels of HDL or "good" cholesterol and lower triglyceride concentrations in your blood, MayoClinic.com notes. Thus, taking omega-3 fatty acids makes you less likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is another source of omega-3 fatty acids. It contains alpha-linoleic acid or ALA, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains, and flaxseed oil typically consists of between 50 and 60 percent ALA. This type of omega-3 fatty acid may not be as active in the body, but can be converted into EPA and DHA, though this conversion may not be as effective. Taking flaxseed oil may decrease your risk of developing cardiovascular problems.
Interactions With Coumadin
If you consume fish oil, flaxseed oil or any other type of supplement with omega-3 fatty acids, you may have some problems if you take coumadin. Coumadin interferes with the activity of vitamin K, which is needed to make blood clots and with blood clotting because it impedes platelet adhesion, another step important for blood clotting. Thus, taking coumadin and omega-3 fatty acid supplements can make it hard for your blood to properly clot.
Tests and Adjustments
If you take coumadin and start using omega-3 fatty acid supplements, you will need to have some blood tests to see how well your blood is clotting. One of these tests is known as PTINR; omega-3 fatty acid supplements can cause an increase in your PTINR time, according to PTINR.com. If your PTINR time gets too high, you may need to adjust your dosage of coumadin or the omega-3 fatty acids. An unusually high time means you have an increased risk of bruising or bleeding easily.
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