Fish Oil May Not Affect Bleeding Time

by Irfan Qureshi, ND

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that offer a variety of benefits for optimal health, and taking advantage of the cardiovascular benefits of omega 3s can be as simple as adjusting your diet or daily supplementation. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found within the unsaturated fats of an array of fish, and have been shown to provide a number of heart-boosting benefits.

To support optimal heart function, the fatty acids work to support free flowing arteries, a healthy lipid profile and healthy inflammatory responses. The two main nutrients responsible for these benefits are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Despite these benefits, there have been some concerns that taking both EPA and DHA could result in prolonged bleeding, especially for those who are diabetic or currently taking blood thinners. However, according to a newly published 2011 safety review conducted by the authoritative Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety titled “Evaluation of negative and positive health effects of n-3 fatty acids as constituents of food supplements and fortified foods,” EPA and DHA supplementation has little effect on extending bleeding times when taken in commonly recommended amounts.

Over 4,000 participants were included in a series of studies analyzing the effects of both EPA and DHA in relation to increases in bleeding time. Study subjects administered both daily dosages of EPA and DHA ranged from patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery to those taking anticoagulants. One study included 610 patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery. Out of the 610 participants, 317 were administered 1.8 g EPA and 1.5 g DHA per day over a 12-month period. The results of this study found that there was no statistical difference in bleeding times reported between the fish oil group and the control group.

A second study consisted of 82 patients using aspirin who were administered 3.2 grams EPA and 2.2 grams DHA over a period of 6 months. No significant change in bleeding time was found when compared to the control group. Despite these findings, a third study did report a significant change in bleeding time when the dosage of EPA/DHA was increased to 6.9 grams per day for participants taking anticoagulants and suffering from cardiovascular disease. Overall, these studies found that there were no significant changes in bleeding time with daily servings of EPA and DHA ranging from 1.8 grams to 5.4 grams per day. However, a significant increase in bleeding time was observed at a daily intake of 6.9 grams.

While additional research will continue to clarify these findings, this review suggests that commonly supplemented amounts of EPA and DHA likely do not pose a risk to those individuals with conditions that impact wound healing or those on blood thinners.