Positive Health Online

Abstract

PHANG and COLLEAGUES, Nutraceuticals Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia review  the role of nutrient and non-nutrient supplements on platelet aggregation and risk of thrombosis leading to heart attacks, strokes, and venous thromboembolism.

Background

An increased prothrombotic state is a major risk factor for the development of heart attacks, strokes, and venous thromboembolism.

Methodology

Platelet activation and aggregation play an important role in determining a prothrombotic state. Although pharmaceutical agents such as aspirin, heparin, and warfarin are able to reduce prothrombotic tendency, long-term drug treatment may produce a variety of side effects, including bleeding.

Results

Diet is generally recognized to be significantly involved in modifying the individual risk for the development of thrombotic diseases, although its influence during the treatment of these disorders is probably less important. Dietary intervention has proven effective in lowering serum lipid levels, which are otherwise essential elements in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Likewise, certain dietary components have also been proven effective in decreasing platelet activation through various mechanisms and therefore may contribute to attenuating the future risk of thrombosis.

Conclusion

This article provides an up-to-date review of the role of nutrient and nonnutrient supplements on platelet aggregation and risk of thrombosis.

References

Phang M, Lazarus S, Wood LG and Garg M. Diet and thrombosis risk: nutrients for prevention of thrombotic disease. [Review] Source Seminars in Thrombosis & Hemostasis. 37(3):199-208. Apr 2011.