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Preoperative use of omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin E

Both omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E are common in food supplements. Omega-3 are polyunsaturated fatty acids present in example given marine oils while vitamin E is a fat soluble antioxidant.

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SBU Enquiry Service

Consists of structured literature searches to highlight studies that can address questions received by the SBU Enquiry Service from Swedish healthcare or social service providers. We assess the risk of bias in systematic reviews and when needed also quality and transferability of results in health economic studies. Relevant references are compiled by an SBU staff member, in consultation with an external expert when needed.

Question

Can food supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin E increase bleeding risk and should therefore be avoided during a period before a surgical intervention?

Identified literature

1. Xin W, Wei W, Lin Z, Zhang X, Yang H, Zhang T, et al. Fish oil and atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PloS one. 2013;8(9):e72913.

2. Begtrup KM, Krag AE, Hvas AM. No impact of fish oil supplements on bleeding risk: a systematic review. Danish medical journal. 2017;64(5).

3. Willner D, Spennati V, Stohl S, Tosti G, Aloisio S, Bilotta F. Spine Surgery and Blood Loss: Systematic Review of Clinical Evidence. Anesthesia and analgesia. 2016;123(5):1307-15.

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Project group

Amanda Klein, Sally Saad and Miriam Entesarian Matsson at SBU.

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