Fish Oil Does Not Increase Bleeding Risk in Surgery Patients: Study

Fish oil which contains omega-3 fatty acids does not increase bleeding risk in surgery patients, reveals a new study.

Fish oil consumption does not increase bleeding risk in surgery patients, reports a new study. The findings of the study are published in the journal Circulation .

A new study showed that fish oil -- which contains the omega-3s EPA and DHA -- did not increase perioperative bleeding in surgery patients. In fact, higher blood omega-3 levels were associated with lower risk of bleeding.

Fish Oil Benefits | Health Benefits of Fish Oil
Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are helpful to treat many health problems. Fish oil benefits eyes, bones, heart, brain, skin and hair.

‘Consuming fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids does not increase bleeding risk in surgery patients, reveals a new study.’
Read More..

To explore the question of whether high-dose EPA+DHA supplementation affects the risk for bleeding in surgery patients, researchers conducted a secondary analysis of the Omega-3 fatty acids for the PrEvention of post-opeRative Atrial fibrillation (OPERA) study.

For this study, 1516 patients scheduled for cardiac surgery were randomized to omega-3s or placebo. The dose was 6.5-8 grams of EPA+DHA over 2 to 5 days before surgery, and then 1.7 grams per day beginning on the morning of surgery and continuing until discharge.

The primary outcome of the study was a risk for major peri-operative bleeding as defined by the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC). The number of units of blood needed for transfusion was one of the secondary outcomes.

Fish Oil Supplements in Pregnancy Can Improve Your Child's Growth and Development
Taking fish oil supplements during pregnancy is associated with an increase in lean and bone mass in children in the first six years of life, that may contribute to better growth and development.

There was no effect of omega-3 treatment on the primary outcome (post-op atrial fibrillation), but surprisingly there was a significant reduction in the number of units of blood needed for transfusions. In another analysis, the higher the blood EPA+DHA level on the morning of surgery, the lower the risk for bleeding according to the BARC criteria.

"The researchers in this study concluded that these findings support the need to reconsider current recommendations to stop fish oil or delay procedures for people on fish oil before cardiac surgery," said Dr. Bill Harris, Ph.D., founder of OmegaQuant, co-inventor of the Omega-3 Index, and one of the authors on this paper. "In other words, bleeding in surgery (and in normal life) is not a safety concern for omega-3 supplements."

Omega-3 Fats in Fish Oil Supplements Reduce Risk Of Heart Failure
Approximately 18.8 million U.S. adults reported taking omega-3 fish oil supplements though it is not part of any recommendation.

Omega-3s, specifically EPA and DHA, are important for heart, brain, eye and joint health. Unfortunately, most people don't get enough of these valuable fatty acids, which can increase their risk of several of the most serious health issues.

The Omega-3 index is expressed as a percent of total red blood cell (RBC) fatty acids and is a long-term, stable marker of omega-3 status that accurately reflects tissue levels of EPA and DHA. An Omega-3 Index between 8 percent and 12 percent is considered the optimal range. Why? Because at these levels your risk of fatal cardiovascular disease decreases dramatically.

Immune System May be Enhanced With Fish Oils
The findings of a recent research indicate that fish oils rich in DHA and EPA may strengthen the immune system.

About Dr. Bill Harris, Ph.D.: Dr. Harris is an internationally recognized expert on omega-3 fatty acids and how they can benefit patients with heart disease. He obtained his Ph.D. in Human Nutrition from the University of Minnesota, and did post-doctoral fellowships in Clinical Nutrition and Lipid Metabolism with Dr. Bill Connor at the Oregon Health Sciences University.

Source-Eurekalert