Managing Hemophilia Hemophilia And Nutrition:
Using Dietary Supplements*
To use vitamin and mineral supplements or not to use them – it’s a question of special concern to people with hemophilia. Nutritional imbalances can interfere with the blood clotting process under normal circumstances, so individuals with hemophilia should be particularly cautious.
For instance, a high intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may have increased risk of bleeding.1 Vitamin E can act as an anticoagulant and may increase the risk of bleeding problems. This is especially relevant with excessive intake of Vitamin E, usually from high-dose supplements of greater than 1000 IU/day.2
Individuals With Hemophilia: Supplements To Avoid
If you or a loved one has hemophilia, avoid supplements that might adversely affect bleeding and clotting times, such as:3,4
- Ginseng
- Gingko Biloba
- Bromelain
- Flaxseed
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Bilberry fruit
- Black cohosh
- Cat's claw
- Feverfew
- Pau d'arco
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Unlike drugs and food additives (which must undergo clinical studies before being approved and allowed on the market) dietary supplements are not required to be tested for safety. Effectiveness may vary, and there is often no scientific proof that the supplement can even live up to the claims made. Labeling is not standardized, so the active ingredient, dose, side effects, or drug interactions may not be listed on the supplement package.5
For individuals with hemophilia who choose to use an iron supplement, be sure to read the labels and select a supplement that lists the source of iron as ferrous sulfate or ferrous gluconate, rather than ferric iron, as these are better absorbed. Consume fruits and vegetable – foods rich in vitamin C to enhance the body's ability to absorb iron.6
Note: ThereForYou.com does not recommend a particular treatment for specific individuals and recommends that you consult your treatment center or physician before pursuing any course of treatment.
*Note: Consult with your physician before taking any dietary supplements.
References
- Fish oil. U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health website. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-fishoil.html. Accessed: June 8, 2011.
- Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin E. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamine.asp. Accessed June 8, 2011.
- Thrombosis FAQ’s. Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center website. http://www.ihtc.org/medical-professionals/blood-disorders/clotting-disorders/thrombosis-faqs/. Accessed June 8, 2011.
- Roadmap for Managing Pain. Canadian Hemophilia Society website. http://www.hemophilia.ca/en/support-and-education/passport-to-well-being/roadmap-for-managing-pain/. Accessed June 8, 2011.
- Dietary Supplements: Background Information. Office of Dietary Supplements website. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/dietarysupplements.asp. Accessed June 8, 2011.
- Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Iron. Office of Dietary Supplements website. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/iron/. Accessed June 8, 2011.
