The anticoagulant warfarin, whose brand name is Coumadin, is prescribed for patients with conditions such as atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolisms and mechanical heart valve transplants to reduce the risk of blood clots. According to the Anticoagulation Therapy Newsletter, as many as five million people a year suffer from one of these conditions and are prescribed an anticoagulant like Coumadin. If you are taking Coumadin, there are many different supplements, such as vitamin E, and foods that you need to discuss with your doctor, as they can react with your Coumadin and increase your risk of bleeding and bruising.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that is essential for the immune system and works to widen blood vessels and prevent blood from clotting inside of them. In this way, vitamin E works as a natural blood thinner. Vitamin E can be found in a variety of food sources, including sunflower, corn and soybean oil; almonds and peanuts; sunflower seeds; and vegetables such as spinach and broccoli. Vitamin E can also be found in a variety of fortified foods, such as cereals and grains, so it is important to check all food labels.
Coumadin
Coumadin is an anticoagulant that helps to reduce the risk of blood clots by reducing the blood's ability to clot. It comes in a tablet form and is taken orally. Because Coumadin affects the clotting ability of your blood, it is important to take the drug as it is prescribed, because taking too much can increase your risk of bleeding. You will need to discuss your diet with your physician, and avoid foods that can affect the effectiveness of the Coumadin. Vitamin K, for example, works to thicken the blood, so foods rich in vitamin K can counteract the Coumadin that you take.
Medical Research
While vitamin E is often prescribed for patients with cardiovascular disease, patients on Coumadin need to use caution. A study published in April 2000 in "Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine" looked at vitamin E and its possible interactions. The study concluded that patients using warfarin, or Coumadin, therapy should be discouraged from taking vitamin E supplements. If patients do take them, they need to be monitored closely to evaluate the risk of bleeding.
Considerations
If you are currently taking Coumadin as prescribed, it is essential that you discuss your diet and any vitamin supplements you take with your doctor. Your physician will make you aware of all foods and dietary supplements that you should avoid. If your diet is high in natural blood thinners, such as foods high in vitamin E, your doctor may advise you to change your diet or adjust your Coumadin dosage to take these things into consideration. Regular blood tests are essential to monitor your bleeding times and to adjust diet and medication dosage.
Member Comments