HomeDiseaseDietary supplements and bleeding

Dietary supplements and bleeding

November 12, 2022

Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2022 Sep 15;35(6):802-807. doi: 10.1080/08998280.2022.2121575. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

An estimated one-third of US adults use herbal supplements, often without reporting that use to their physicians. These supplements can potentially alter bleeding and coagulation during surgery and when used concomitantly with anticoagulants. Our objective was to provide a comprehensive review of the evidence of bleeding risks of the most popular herbal and dietary supplements. A PubMed search and review of the literature was performed. We found that garlic and hawthorn supplementation is strongly associated with surgical bleeding independent of anticoagulants. Cordyceps sinensis, echinacea, and aloe vera are loosely associated with surgical bleeding independent of anticoagulants. In patients on anticoagulants, ginkgo biloba, chondroitin-glucosamine, melatonin, turmeric, bilberry, chamomile, fenugreek, milk thistle, and peppermint are associated with bleeding risk. No evidence was found for bleeding with these supplements independent of anticoagulants. Fish oil, ginseng, and saw palmetto are not associated with bleeding. Evidence for overall bleeding risk associated with St. John’s wort, ginger, ginkgo biloba, or cranberry supplementation is conflicting. In conclusion, physicians must be aware of the potential anticoagulant effects of these supplements. It is imperative to report dietary and herbal supplement usage to physicians and is best to discontinue nonessential supplement use 2 weeks prior to surgery.

PMID:36304597 | PMC:PMC9586694 | DOI:10.1080/08998280.2022.2121575

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About The Author

Patrick Blanchard MD

Meet Dr. Blanchard Dr. Blanchard’s medical practice is an embodiment of Integrative health which brings conventional and complementary approaches together in a coordinated way. Conveniently located in sunny Florida and over the internet with ValiseMD’s secure HIPPA compliant telXmed servers. Since 1994, patients with a wide range of challenging medical problems have achieved optimum health using the best of natural medicine, judiciously combined with high-tech innovations. Breakthroughs are often achieved even after patients have consulted mainstream specialists and holistic practitioners. Dr. Blanchard is founder and CEO of ValiseMD, Inc. He is board certified in Family Medicine since 1994 and awarded Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians in 2001. He received the ‘Teacher of the Year’ award from the University of Kansas School of Medicine at completion of his residency in Family Medicine. He completed a fellowship at Wake Forest University in the field of vascular neurosonology. He holds a medical patent in the field of Gastroenterology. He holds an unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery in Florida. He started his medical career as a Emergency Medical Technician, then as a Paramedic and later a Medical Doctor.