When clots of platelets, cholesterol and fat accumulate in your blood vessels, they can block blood flow to parts of your body. Your doctor might prescribe blood thinners in order to prevent the buildup of these clots. Fish oil and aspirin inhibit blood clotting and may be useful in preventing clot formation in healthy or low-risk individuals, but they have potential side effects and should never be substituted for prescription blood thinners.
Blood Thinners
Blood thinners or anticoagulants inhibit the formation of clots in your blood vessels. These clots can break lose and block blood flow to areas of your body including the heart, lungs, brain, muscles and other organs. Common blood thinners include warfarin, which inhibits the action of vitamin K in enabling blood clotting proteins. These require consistent dietary intake of vitamin K, found in green leafy vegetables and vegetable oils.
Use of Fish Oil and Aspirin
Fish oil is a rich source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids deficient in many modern diets. Taking omega-3 fatty acids may inhibit the clotting of blood and help fight inflammation, high cholesterol and triglycerides that contribute to the risk of blood clots. Small, daily doses of aspirin are also recommended for preventing blood clot formation and appear to be effective in managing cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Risks of Decreased Blood Clotting
If your blood cannot clot properly, you bruise easier and bleed more when injured. Take precautions when using sharp objects or when doing activities that have a risk of injury. Seek medical help immediately if you have severe or unexplained bruises, red or brown urine, black tarry stool or blood in the stool or any other unusual bleeding. Be especially careful if you are taking more than one medication or supplement that inhibits clotting.
Risks of Substituting for Prescription Medication
You should not substitute fish oil or aspirin for blood thinners or other medication prescribed by your doctor. Although it may be difficult to manage prescription blood thinners, fish oil and aspirin have a broad effects in the body and their effectiveness in preventing blood clotting may not be consistent. This may allow clot formation to continue.
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