Vitamins and enzymes work with blood cells called platelets to make blood clotting possible. Clotting factors inside of your blood begin the process with a cascade of reactions that eventually lead to platelets forming a fibrous clot. Taking an aspirin and fish oil supplement, however, can reduce platelet stickiness as well as interfere with the work of vitamins and enzymes. This may be beneficial for people at risk for forming stroke- and heart attack-related blood clots.
Platelet Aggregation
Aspirin is well known for its effect on platelet clumping, or aggregation. According to a 2007 article in "HemOnc Today," a low-dose aspirin reduces platelet clotting. Aspirin works by inhibiting the action of the enzyme COX-1 -- necessary for the production of a clotting substance called thromboxane A-2; this leads to platelet aggregation. Fish oil may also have a hand in the reduction of platelet activity, according to a report published in the "Journal of Nutrition" in 2003. The metabolism of fish oil is a process that reduces the enzyme phopholipase and reduces the production of COX-1. Less COX-1 activity produces a reduction in thromboxane A-2 activity; this leads to diminished coagulation. Therefore, scientists consider fish oil to be an anticoagulant.
Thrombin Formation and Aspirin
When your blood forms a clot, it does so through clotting factors. Each clotting factor precedes another clotting factor until the stimulation of thrombin, which develops into strands of fibrin to form an actual clot. Daily aspirin may be enough to reduce this action by working on thrombin. According to an article published in "HemOnc Today" in 2007, aspirin inhibits the action of thrombin by acting on markers of prothrombin as well as the clotting factors that lead to thrombin formation.
Clotting Factors and Fish Oil
Fish oil may inhibit the action of clotting factors that lead to a blood clot. The clotting factors VII and X are both inhibited by fish oil. Researchers believe that since these clotting factors depend on vitamin K for their action and formation, fish oil may have some effect on the action of vitamin K on clotting factors. In addition, evidence suggests that fish oil works against vitamin K in its action on the development of a fibrinogen, the protein that eventually forms a blood clot and it also dependent on vitamin K.
Safety and Precautions
If you have a serious enough condition in which you feel you need an anticoagulant, you should avoid self-treatment. Consult with your doctor before taking any aspirin or fish oil regimen for anticoagulation or to improve your cardiovascular health. Like any supplement or medication, these may cause side effects or even have the potential to interact with other medications you are already on. Always follow your physician's recommendations for supplement or medication use.
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