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Food and medicine interaction

Flaxseed and flaxseed oil and anticoagulants such as warfarin and antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel

TheoreticalEvidence level: theoretical. Suggested by how the food and the drug work, or by lab data. Not shown in people.

Last reviewed

What can happen

NCCIH says there are theoretical reasons to suspect flaxseed or flaxseed oil might interact with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, raising the chance of bleeding. No such effect has been shown in people.

Why it happens
NCCIH does not spell out a mechanism. Flaxseed is a rich source of the omega-3 fat ALA, and omega-3 fish oil carries a similar caution with blood thinners.
At ordinary food amounts
A spoonful of ground flaxseed in food is not singled out; NCCIH's concern covers flaxseed and flaxseed oil products in general, so mention regular use.

What to do

If you take a blood thinner and plan to start flaxseed oil or flaxseed supplements, tell your prescriber or pharmacist. Do not change your blood thinner on your own.

Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without talking to the prescriber.

Common questions

Can I have flaxseed and flaxseed oil while taking anticoagulants?

If you take a blood thinner and plan to start flaxseed oil or flaxseed supplements, tell your prescriber or pharmacist. Do not change your blood thinner on your own. A spoonful of ground flaxseed in food is not singled out; NCCIH's concern covers flaxseed and flaxseed oil products in general, so mention regular use.

Sources

  1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil.

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