Posted 03 January 2023
After identifying the 47 most popular dietary-supplement ingredients in the U.S., researchers reviewed the literature on the risks of bleeding they pose to patients postoperatively and while taking anticoagulant medications. [Hatfield J and others. Dietary supplements and bleeding. Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings. 35:802–807, 2022]
They found:
- Garlic and hawthorn supplementation is strongly associated with surgical bleeding.
- Cordyceps sinensis, echinacea, and aloe vera were each associated with surgical bleeding in just one case report.
- Ginkgo biloba, chondroitin-glucosamine, melatonin, turmeric, bilberry, chamomile, fenugreek, milk thistle, and peppermint are associated with bleeding risk for patients taking anticoagulants.
- Fish oil, ginseng, and saw palmetto are not linked to bleeding.
- Evidence for overall bleeding risk of St. John’s wort, ginger, ginkgo biloba, or cranberry supplementation is conflicting.
Source: Consumer Health Digest #23-01, January 1, 2023
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