If you plan on adding a new dietary supplement to your health regime and are taking the medication Coumadin, you should first consult with your physician. While a simple over-the-counter vitamin or mineral supplement may seem harmless, it can interact with your medication. Selenium, for example, interferes with Coumadin by increasing its effectiveness and your risk of bleeding.
Coumadin
Coumadin, generically known as warfarin, is an anti-coagulant, which means it helps to thin your blood and prevent the formation of blood clots. It is prescribed to help prevent a stroke or heart attack. Your risk of bleeding is increased on Coumadin, making it important that you take your medication as prescribed by your physician and follow all instructions exactly.
Selenium
Selenium is an essential trace mineral, which means your body cannot manufacture it and you must get it from food. Its primary role in the body is to work as an antioxidant, protecting your cells against free radical damage, which helps reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease. Selenium also plays an important role in supporting both thyroid and immune function. Adults need about 55 micrograms of selenium a day. Good food sources include Brazil nuts, wheat germ, fish, whole grains and garlic.
Coumadin Interactions
Certain substances in food and medications interfere with how Coumadin works, making it more or less effective. For example, vitamin K is a substance in food that aids in blood clotting. Consuming too much vitamin K in your diet can make your Coumadin less effective, increasing your risk of blood clots. Medications such as aspirin also work as a blood thinner, and if taken in conjunction with Coumadin may increase its effectiveness, raising the risk of bleeding.
Coumadin and Selenium
Like aspirin, selenium interferes with Coumadin by further decreasing blood clotting. You should talk to your doctor before taking supplemental selenium, whether individually or as part of a multivitamin, when on Coumadin to limit your risk. You may also need to avoid Brazil nuts, which contain 544 micrograms of selenium per 1-ounce serving, which is 780 percent of the daily value Other foods contain selenium, but not in the amounts found in Brazil nuts.
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