Omega 3 Supplements

I have been taking Omega3 Fish Oil supplements for high triglycerides instead of statins because of the side effects. Also have been eating fish every other day. I recently developed few (not many) petechiae on legs and think this could be the reason. My platelets usually stay at 30,000-40,000 without treatment. Omega3 supplements can cause thrombocytopenia just like statins.

I know drug induced can cause thrombocytopenia so since I already have ITP and live with low platelets without treatment could I just discontinue the Omega 3 supplements and my platelets count come back up naturally to 30,000-40,000 with only few petechiae signs?

Charlotte:

What kind of fish are you eating?

Omega's are not good for people with counts under 50. They make your platelets less effective. My counts are normal, I take Vitamin E and aspirin and always have bruises on my legs.

Sandi I have been eating tuna and salmon in hopes to lower triglycerides and Omega 3. I am thinking this could be my problem to a drop in platelets.

If I have stopped taking the supplements and eating fish Do you think my count will go back to normal which is 30-40 for me?

Glad to hear your success with normal count. Thanks again

I was told by one of the doctors at a PDSA conference that I could eat anything, but I shouldn't take Omega-3s.This was a few years ago.

Charlotte - you should watch the type of fish you eat because some fish contain mercury and it is not good to consume too much of that. I am under the impression that it is the ocean fish, not the stream fish, that have the mercury. Tuna should be limited, but salmon should be fine. I eat orange roughy about twice a week and tuna about once a week. I also have the occasional tuna steak and sword fish (love those). But again, I watch ocean fish intake.

I know, it's a shame that we try to eat healthy but still have to watch for toxins. I don't think it's a wild idea to think that mercury overload could cause ITP or platelet drops.

Had my appointment with Hemo today and my platelets are 34 with just 1 day treatment so am going to stop taking prenisone until my appointment with different Hemo Wednesday.

Sandi you are correct .... to much fish is dangerous. We need to be safe when eating.