Vitamins And Supplements To Avoid Before Surgery

Fish Oil And Omega 3

Fish oil and omega 3 are supplements used to prevent and manage heart disease and lower blood pressure. Studies indicate using these supplements before getting surgery can increase the risk of heavy bleeding during surgery. It can also reduce the bodies natural ability to clot, making it difficult for surgical incisions to properly heal following surgery and increasing the risk for the patient needing a blood transfusion. Fish oil and omega 3 should be discontinued at least seven days prior to surgery. In some cases, a physician may extend the time to four days, but it is important for patients to communicate with their doctors to determine the best cessation timeline for them.

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Vitamin E

Vitamin E is used for a wide variety of conditions including asthma, respiratory infections, certain skin disorders, peptic ulcers, and chronic fatigue syndrome. In high doses (over four hundred IU per day), vitamin E has been found to thin the blood, increasing the risk for excessive bleeding during surgery. It may also interfere with the bodies natural clotting process. While vitamin E is beneficial in aiding in wound healing and the diminishment of scars, it is best for patients to cease taking the supplement at least two weeks prior to surgery and the resume their regimen after surgery is complete and their physician gives them permission to proceed.

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