Taking fish oil can reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke, as well as the risk of death from an attack. But its ability to slow clotting means that it might also cause excessive and prolonged bruising — and bleeding — especially when taken with alcohol.
“It’s not a good idea to take it with a lot of alcohol, because it can cause you to bleed more,” said Dr. Michael Siegel, a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
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Which supplements can cause bruising?
Some over-the-counter supplements such as ginkgo, ginseng, and garlic can cause easy bruised skin. They can make it harder for blood to clot after a heart attack, stroke, or other heart-related event. If you’re taking any of these supplements, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if it’s safe for you to continue taking them.
Can fish oil thin blood too much?
Less frequently, fish oil can cause bleeding in the stomach and intestines. Fish oil thins the blood and increases bleeding. These serious side effects are more likely with high doses of fish oil, or when a person takes the supplement with other medications.
Fish oil supplements should not be used by people who are pregnant or breast-feeding, have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease or liver disease. Fish oil should be taken with caution by anyone with a history of heart attack, stroke, heart failure or other heart problems.
Does omega-3 cause bruises?
Most people know that fish oils or omega 3 fatty acids can cause additional bleeding and bruising and should be discontinued before surgery and/or before treatments are started. This is especially true if you have a history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, kidney or liver problems, and other conditions that increase blood clotting.
If you are taking blood thinners, you may need to stop taking them for a few days before the surgery to avoid bleeding from your legs and lungs. You may also need a blood thinner to prevent bleeding in your arms and hands before and during the procedure. Blood thinning medications can also increase your risk for bleeding.
For this reason, it is important that you talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking these medications before you go under general anesthesia.
What does it mean if you bruise so easily?
Easy bruising sometimes indicates a serious underlying condition, such as a blood-clotting problem or a blood disease. If your bruise appears on your trunk, back or face, it’s time to see your health care provider.
Can too much of a vitamin cause bruising?
Some dietary supplements may contribute to unexplained bruising, including feverfew, garlic, ginger, gingko, ginseng, omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), saw palmetto, and vitamin E, due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. If you suspect that you may have a bruise, consult your doctor.
Can fish oil cause bleeding under the skin?
Taking large amounts of fish oil can inhibit blood clot formation, which may increase the risk of bleeding and cause symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Fish oil supplements are not recommended for people with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
What deficiency causes easy bruising?
K deficiency could be the cause of easy bruising. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble nutrient that is essential for blood clotting and helps strengthen the walls of the capillaries so they will be more permeable to blood. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and it is important that they are formed. K are the three most important vitamins for women’s health.
Women who are deficient in any of these vitamins are more likely to develop osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become brittle and break easily. In addition, women who have low levels of vitamin D are at increased risk for breast cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health.