Question 1

Does fish oil increase the risk of bleeding?

Accepted Answer

There is a lot of misunderstanding about the clotting effects of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil. Fish oil does not “thin the blood” per se; it prevents the formation of abnormal clots (often from increased levels of inflammation). Likewise, individuals who normally form blood clots, do not bleed more often when eating lots of fish or consuming lots of fish oil (e.g., Inuit). There is no evidence that giving omega-3 fatty acids to a child increases their risk of bleeding.

Question 2

Does fish oil increase the risk of bleeding?

Accepted Answer

There is a lot of misunderstanding about the clotting effects of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil. Fish oil does not “thin the blood” per se; it prevents the formation of abnormal clots (often from increased levels of inflammation). Likewise, individuals who normally form blood clots, do not bleed more often when eating lots of fish or consuming lots of fish oil (e.g., Inuit). There is no evidence that giving omega-3 fatty acids to a child increases their risk of bleeding.