Bleeding Risk in Patients Receiving Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Javaid M, Kadhim K, Bawamia B, Cartlidge T, Farag M, Alkhalil M
Published in J Am Heart Assoc, Vol. 13 (10), pp. e032390
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomised trials (120,643 patients) reporting bleeding with omega-3 PUFAs versus control.
Key Findings
No overall increase in bleeding (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.31). High-dose purified EPA raised relative bleeding risk by 50%, an absolute increase of about 0.6%. Background antiplatelet use did not change the risk.
Conclusions
Omega-3 PUFAs were not associated with increased bleeding, except a modest excess with high-dose purified EPA.
Limitations
Trial-level data; populations were mostly cardiovascular patients rather than people with autoimmune disease.
Supplements Studied
Omega-3 PUFAs were not associated with increased bleeding risk
Study Details
Access Study
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.