Fish oil blood thinner
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Fish Oil as a Blood Thinner: Insights from Recent Research
Fish Oil and Blood Pressure Reduction
Fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, has been extensively studied for its potential cardiovascular benefits, particularly its effects on blood pressure. A meta-analysis of 31 placebo-controlled trials involving 1356 subjects found that fish oil supplementation led to a mean reduction in blood pressure of -3.0/-1.5 mm Hg, with a dose-response effect observed . Higher doses of fish oil (up to 15 g/day) resulted in more significant reductions in blood pressure, particularly in hypertensive and hypercholesterolemic patients . Another meta-regression analysis of 36 randomized trials confirmed these findings, showing that fish oil reduced systolic blood pressure by 2.1 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 1.6 mm Hg, with more pronounced effects in older and hypertensive populations .
Fish Oil and Blood Thinning Properties
Fish oil's impact on blood thinning has also been a subject of research. A study involving 60 male volunteers found that fish oil supplementation prolonged bleeding time by 12%, although this increase was not statistically significant . Additionally, fish oil increased heparin thrombin clotting time by 14%, indicating a potential effect on blood coagulation processes . These findings suggest that while fish oil may have some blood-thinning properties, the clinical significance of these effects requires further investigation.
Fish Oil and Microcirculatory Blood Flow
Research has also explored the effects of fish oil on microcirculatory blood flow. A study with 21 male subjects demonstrated that fish oil supplementation significantly increased capillary blood flow velocity (CBV) by 1.75-fold, without altering blood viscosity or blood pressure . This increase in CBV suggests that fish oil may improve microcirculatory function, potentially contributing to its cardiovascular benefits.
Fish Oil in Different Populations
The effects of fish oil on blood pressure and cardiovascular health have been studied across various populations. For instance, a study on healthy Danish infants found that fish oil supplementation lowered systolic blood pressure by 6.3 mm Hg and increased plasma total and LDL cholesterol levels . These results align with findings in adults, indicating that fish oil can influence cardiovascular risk factors from an early age.
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have provided comprehensive insights into the effects of fish oil on blood pressure. A systematic review of 17 studies with 1524 participants found that fish oil supplements significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, although the effects were modest . The review concluded that while fish oil can contribute to blood pressure reduction, it should not replace conventional blood pressure-lowering medications where such treatments are recommended .
Conclusion
In summary, fish oil has demonstrated potential benefits in lowering blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health, particularly in hypertensive and older populations. While it may have some blood-thinning properties, the clinical significance of these effects remains to be fully established. Overall, fish oil can be a valuable addition to cardiovascular health strategies, but it should complement rather than replace conventional treatments.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic