Blood Thinning Supplements

Dear Dr. Meletis, My doctor started me on warfarin, a blood thinner. I have a difficult time choosing vitamin products that are safe with blood thinners. I recently purchased Nordic Naturals Omega 369. I read the directions for use and found out I should not take. Can you highlight these products or put in a separate category? Thanks for your time. Ms. O.

Dear Ms. O., There are far too many supplements to categorize fully, yet here are some blood thinning supplements that can be potentially problematic: fish oils, Flaxseed Oil, Garlic, Ginkgo and Vitamin E. The key word is potentially problematic; your MD should be monitoring your PT/PTT and INR times weekly until you are stable on your blood thinness numbers. Working closely with him/her as you implement a supplement program will allow for a safe combining of both therapies if that is your choice. The key is not to change brands of supplements, not to miss doses of supplements and not to change the amount taken of supplements once you and your MD identify the balanced amount of warfarin and your supplements. Of course, vitamin K rich foods and vitamin K containing supplements can lessen the effectiveness of warfarin. The information shared here is educational and is not intended as either diagnosis or treatment. Working closely with your MD is important. May I add that treating the cause for your new dependence on warfarin is important. Sincerely, Chris D. Meletis, ND