Common supplement BHF says could 'interact' with warfarin and other medications

Common supplement BHF says could 'interact' with warfarin and other medications Before taking your morning vitamins, minerals and supplements, double-check the warning from the British Heart Foundation A registered dietitian from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) urges people to exercise caution over certain supplements. Dell Stanford, who also has over 15 years’ experience with NHS cardiac rehabilitation patients, said that while garlic is often taken for its health benefits, tablets and supplements may not suit everyone. The expert warned back in March that "garlic supplements can interact with certain medicines such as blood thinners (anticoagulants) like warfarin." Because of this, people on medication should always check with their GP before taking any nutritional supplements. She isn't the only expert to issue this advice. Harvard Health warns: "Garlic supplements can increase the levels and effects of some medications for heart health, such as blood thinners (causing bleeding), cholesterol-lowering drugs (causing muscle damage), and blood pressure drugs (causing dangerous drops in blood pressure)." What are anticoagulants? According to the NHS: "Anticoagulants are medicines that help prevent blood clots. They're given to people at a high risk of getting clots, to reduce their chances of developing serious conditions such as strokes and heart attacks." It notes that "a commonly prescribed anticoagulant is warfarin. Newer types of anticoagulants, sometimes called direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), are also commonly used. These are: - rivaroxaban - dabigatran - apixaban - edoxaban" The NHS continues: "Warfarin and the newer alternatives are taken as tablets or capsules. There's also an anticoagulant called heparin that can be given by injection." You can read more here. In a further warning about warfarin, the NHS suggests: "If you're taking warfarin, you'll also need to avoid making significant changes to what you normally eat and drink, as this can affect your medicine. "Most anticoagulant medicines aren't suitable for pregnant women. Speak to your GP or anticoagulant clinic if you become pregnant or are planning to try for a baby while taking anticoagulants." Do garlic supplements really work? Some people take garlic supplements for their supposed health benefits - from supporting brain health to helping fend off the common cold, according to some studies. Harvard Health says garlic pills are often marketed as a way to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, but the evidence is mixed. It notes that studies vary regardless of whether supplements contain fresh garlic, dried garlic powder or aged garlic extract, although small studies suggest they may slightly reduce blood pressure. Havard Health says: "Garlic pills promise to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Studies are mixed about the effects on cholesterol, no matter if the pill contains fresh garlic, dried powdered garlic, or aged garlic extract. Small studies suggest garlic supplements may slightly lower blood pressure." Dietitian Dell Stanford also cautions that the evidence is still too limited and inconsistent to recommend supplements for health benefits. Stanford cautions: "At the moment, evidence for garlic supplements is too limited and inconsistent to recommend taking them for health benefits. It’s much better to include fresh garlic as part of a healthy diet, rather than relying on supplements."