Fish Oil and Vitamin C: Safety, Risks, and Interactions

Question
Is taking fish oil inherently dangerous? That is, is it directly responsible for increasing the risk of hemorrhagic stroke? Or is it just considered dangerous for those already at risk for that type of stroke because it reduces platelet stickiness?
Also, I take a varied amount of vitamin supplements at the same time daily, one of which is vitamin C. Someone just told me that it is a diuretic. Is this true? And if it is, should it be taken at the same time as the other supplements?

Thanks in advance for your help and insight, as well as your much appreciated willingness to participate in this forum that allows everyday people with questions to gain perspective quickly and easily.

Answer
The only danger it taking the medication while on other blood thinners such as ASA, warfarin, Plavix.  Additionally it should be stopped 3 days prior to elective surgery.  

There is the possibility of increasing your intake of PCPs and Mercury if you take NON-Pharmaceutical Grade EFAs.  Read link below for more on this.

http://docsaleeby.blogspot.com/2005/04/essential-fatty-acids-major-dietary.html


I know of no increase risk of hemorrhagic stroke due to EFA alone, but again risk for bleed is increased with other medications in your system.  Other supplements can be taken with EFA safely.  It will probably help reduce risk of thrombotic stroke (which is more common).


For more on Vit. C read:  
http://docsaleeby.blogspot.com/2005/04/vitamin-c-story.html

If you REALLY want to learn about healthy dietary supplementation read "Wonder Herbs: A guide to three Adaptogens" that I wrote in 2006.

Regards,

JP Saleeby, MD
www.saleeby.net
www.xlibris.com/wonderherbs