MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE AMERICAS,

LTD.

INTRODUCTION

Omega-3 fatty acids are

polyunsaturated fatty acids with

a double bond specifically at the

3rd carbon (Omega-3). Our

systematic review of ten RCTs

examined the effect of Omega-3

fatty acids on coagulation

factors. Blood coagulation is a

clotting mechanism involving a

cascade of reactions in which

clotting factors are activated.

Omega 3s are considered to be

cardioprotective, and as such,

must reduce clot formation in

plasma. However, some studies

report omega-3 as an anti-

thrombotic while others show

minimal effect.

ABSTRACT

Blood clotting is an important

pathway regulated via multiple

clotting factors and

prostaglandins. Omega-3 PUFA

may be cardioprotective, in

which it would significantly

reduce blood clot formation. Ten

RCTs were systematically

reviewed to examine the impact

of omega-3 PUFA on

coagulation. Omega-3 fatty acids

may have the potential to reduce

coagulation; however, results

were inconclusive.

DISCUSSION

A significant number of the RCTs

reviewed were deficient in power

calculation, comparison of

dropouts to completers, and

most importantly, failed to

control potential bias in

experimental design. Variability

in results could be due to

inconsistent omega-3 PUFA

dosage, varied time interval of

administration, and diet.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Full citations will be provided

upon request

MATERIALS & METHODS

Keyword search was performed

primarily using “PubMed”

database and “Google Scholar”.

Keywords used were “omega-3”

“PUFA” “eicosanoid”

“coagulation” “essential fatty

acid” “clotting factors”

“prostaglandin”.

We started with an original count

of 30 articles, the majority of

which were disqualified from

consideration due to lack of full

access. Others were removed

due to lack of proper RCT

design.

We selected ten RCTs based on

relevance to the subject of

omega-3 fatty acids and blood

coagulation.

RESULTS

Results showed variability in

omega-3 PUFA on coagulation.

Two RCTs studying impact over

one month found significant

decrease in prothrombin plasma

levels (Factor II), while other

studies conducted beyond one

month found no significant

difference. Under acute single

dose conditions, omega-3s offer

no significant cardioprotective

effect. All RCTs reviewed found

no significant change in factors I,

VII, and X. In addition, omega-3

PUFA significantly decreased

PGF2α, leading to impaired

coagulation. Variability observed

was further accentuated by

gender gap.

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Coagulation

Sheikh, Muhammad; Mousa, Maie; Ufondu, Chukwudum; Smith, Christopher; Jugnundan, Shamil; Mallick, Ali; Mishra,

Rakeshkumar ; Singh, Betsy

CONCLUSION

Overall, the studies reviewed

showed no consistent

correlation in omega-3 PUFA

supplementation and

antithrombotic effect.

Author Title Total

Moller, JM The Acute Effect of a Single Very High Dose of N-3 Fatty Acids on Coagulation and Fibrinolysis 16/26

Phang, M Prothrombin and Factor V levels following supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids is sex dependent 26/26

Gajos, GReduced Thrombin formation and altered fibrin clot properties induced by polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids on top of duel anti-platelet therapy in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention 24/26

Allman-Farinelli, MA

Comparison of the effects of two low fat diets with different alpha linolenic:lenolenic acid ratios on coagulation and fibrinolysis 20/26

Lee, KWEffects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on plasma indices of thrombogenesis and inflammation in patients post-myocardial infarction 20/26

Toft, I Fibrinolytic Function After Dietary Supplementation With ω3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids 25/26

Lev, E Treatment of Aspirin-Resistant Patients with Omega-3 Fatty Acids Versus Aspirin Dose Escalation 18/26

Esser, DA High-Fat SFA, MUFA, or n3 PUFA Challenge Affects the Vascular Response and Initiates an Activated State of Cellular Adherencce in Lean and Obese Middle Aged Men 23/26

Wang, JSuperiority of a fish oil-enriched emulsion to medium-chain triacylglycerol/long-chain triacylglycerols in gastrointestinal surgery patients: a randomized clinical trial 24/26

Wachira, JKN-3 Fatty acids affect haemostasis but do not increase the risk of bleeding: clinical observations and mechanistic insights 26/26