If you're interested in optimal heart health, the cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are probably attractive to you. As the devastating health consequences of chronic inflammation become more and more apparent, many people are taking omega-3 supplements to counteract the deficit of this nutrient in their diets. But if you're also taking warfarin, or other blood-thinning medications, your doctor may advise you to stay away from omega-3 supplements.
Omega Fatty Acids
There are two common types of essential omega fatty acids commonly sold in nutritional supplements: omega-3 and omega-6. Their names indicate structural differences in their molecular makeup. Omega-3 has its first carbon-carbon double bond located at its third carbon atom, while omega-6 has its at the sixth carbon atom. These molecules also have different functions. Omega-6, which is widely prevalent in the American diet, promotes inflammation, an immune response. Omega-3, conversely, decreases inflammation, but is far less represented on the dinner plates of the average American family, according to Sabrina Candelaria of the University of Miami Wellness System. Omega-6 and omega-3 are essential fatty acids, which means that you must obtain them through your diet because your body cannot produce them on its own.
Other Effects of Omega-3
According to Candelaria, omega-3 is integrated into the membranes that form structural boundaries around your cells. It is also a factor in the creation of hormones involved with arterial wall elasticity, and it interacts with the receptors in your cells that are involved with genetic function. Omega-3 is also believed to lower your risk of heart disease and stroke by slowing the development of arterial plaques and blood clots. For warfarin users, the tendency of omega-3 to decrease blood clotting is of particular concern.
Warfarin
Warfarin is an anticoagulant drug -- in other words, it decreases the formation of blood clots, much like omega-3 does, but in a stronger pharmaceutical dosage. You may think more is better when it comes to decreasing blood clots, but that's not the case. Your body needs to be able to form clots in order to protect you from both internal and external bleeding.
Recommendations
As the University of Maryland Medical Center indicates, if you take omega-3 and warfarin, you substantially increase your risk of bleeding. If you are taking warfarin, consult your doctor before taking omega-3 supplements.
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