DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)

Can DHA cause bleeding?

Updated 9 Nov 2026

Short answer

At the doses in trials, omega-3 supplements did not raise bleeding overall. A 2024 review of 11 trials with 120,643 people found no difference in bleeding.[1] High doses of purified EPA raised bleeding by 50% in relative terms, but only by 0.6% in absolute terms.[1]

EFSA found no rise in bleeding with EPA and DHA together up to about 5 g a day.[2] Fish oil may still raise INR, a clotting test, in people who take warfarin, and prescription omega-3 labels call for INR checks.[3] People who take a blood thinner should ask a doctor or pharmacist first.[3]

Sources (3)

  1. Bleeding Risk in Patients Receiving Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Javaid M, Kadhim K, Bawamia B, Cartlidge T, Farag M, Alkhalil M J Am Heart Assoc, 2024. PMID 38742535
  2. Scientific Opinion on the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). European Food Safety Authority, 2012. efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
  3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. ods.od.nih.gov

More about dha (docosahexaenoic acid)

What is DHA?Does DHA lower inflammation?How much DHA is recommended in pregnancy?What is the difference between DHA and EPA?What is DHA used for?Can the body make its own DHA?

For education; not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before you start, stop or change a supplement.