Many patients that suffer blood-clotting disorders take the pharmaceutical warfarin, also called coumadin. The medication helps to thin the blood and prevent the excess coagulation that can lead to harmful blood clots. However, the medication can have a number of side effects, including an increased risk of spontaneous bleeding if taken incorrectly. Some supplements, such as cod liver oil, can interact with warfarin and increase the risk of harmful side effects. Consult your physician before taking supplements.
Nutrients in Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil contains a number of beneficial nutrients, some of which can interact with warfarin. One of the principal components of cod liver oil are omega-3 fatty acids, the essential oils that make up the bulk of the supplement. In addition, the oil contains a number of fat-soluble vitamins dissolved in the fat, including relatively large amounts of vitamin A, or retinol; and vitamin D, or calcitriol. Taking cod liver oil serves as a supplement for these three nutrients, but high intake of some of these compounds can cause complications in individuals also taking warfarin.
Vitamin A Interactions
One of the nutrients in cod liver oil that interacts with warfarin is vitamin A. The oil contains very high levels of vitamin A, with just a teaspoon of the oil providing more than your daily recommended intake of the vitamin, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. High intake of vitamin A can increase the effectiveness of warfarin, and may increase your risk of abnormal bleeding while taking the drug.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Interactions
The omega-3 fatty acids found in cod liver oil can also interact with warfarin. Omega-3 fatty acids control a number of processes in your body, including your blood thickness. Normally, consuming cod liver oil helps prevent clotting and protects against heart disease. However, if you already take warfarin to thin your blood, taking omega-3 fatty acids might increase your risk of abnormal bleeding, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Recommendations for Avoiding Interactions
To help prevent side effects when taking warfarin, you should talk to your doctor about the safety of taking both warfarin and cod liver oil. If you already take fish oil supplements, disclose your supplement dosage to your doctor, so he can prescribe a safe dosage of warfarin, and notify your doctor if you stop taking the supplement. Finally, take fish oil supplements exactly as directed by your physician: in addition to the risks of interactions with warfarin, excessive fish oil consumption can lead to other health issues, like vitamin A overdose.
References
- Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin A; Dr. Jane Higdon; December 2003
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Possible Interactions with Vitamin A (Retinol); Dr. Steven Ehrlich; September 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Possible Interactions with Omega-3 Fatty Acids; Dr. Ernest Hawkins; May 2007
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