Dr. Vliet’s Health Tip: BLEEDING RISK DANGERS MAY BE LURKING IN YOUR SUPPLEMENTS

© by Elizabeth Lee Vliet MD and Kathy Kresnik

There has been a great deal of focus on the marked increased risk of large and serious blood clots—even fatal clots—following the COVID shots, and to a lesser extent, the COVID illness. But in all the focus on CLOTS and many products being sold to prevent clots, and to “detox spike protein,” there is rarely any discussion of the risk of serious bleeding, and even hemorrhages, that can cause blindness, strokes, and loss of consciousness.

In fact, in an interview this spring, which I discussed in an earlier newsletter, Steve Kirsch talked publicly his permanent blindness in one eye due to a hemorrhage that he described occurred two weeks after beginning a combination over-the-counter “spike detox” product containing bromelain, curcumin and nattokinase. Steve Kirsch said in his interview what bothered him was that the company selling the product he took did not have any warnings that serious bleeding could occur with the combination of natural ingredients that all affected various steps in the coagulation process. He spoke publicly to use his major platform to warn others about serious risks that were not being addressed by those selling such supplements, particularly combination products in higher doses.

I have also seen problems with patients in my practice who added this combination product on their own, when 1) their D-Dimer, which I check regularly especially in those who got the COVID shots, was normal and 2) are taking other supplements and herbs, even some common Rx medicines that have anti-coagulant and/or anti-platelet actions. One patient sent me a photo of her legs, and asked what could be causing the dark purple discoloration from her thighs to her ankles – her internist and chiropractor did not know and she was very alarmed. Since I had recently seen her for an appointment and knew the status of her labs and knew her usual medications, none of which had a risk of bleeding under the skin, I asked her what she had done differently since our appointment. It turns out she had added the same spike detox product that I later learned had caused Steve Kirsch’s blindness from a hemorrhage in his eye.

I explained to her that this “spike detox” product had three potent natural medicines, all with anticoagulant, antiplatelet and fibrinolytic properties that could lead to serious bleeding. I thought she was bleeding under the skin up and down her legs which would cause that purple discoloration. I told her to stop this new product immediately and we began discussing other ways of addressing this problem.

This is the danger of adding supplements on your own without discussing it with your physician first. Consumers are not warned about interactions and the dangers of combination products with the different ingredients having similar actions. But what happens when you don’t realize these supplements being recommended for Long COVID or Post-Vaccine Injury or spike protein detoxification contain one or more anti-coagulants? Same thing for the average person just wanting to stay healthy. It is very easy to keep adding to your supplement routine without realizing how many of your supplements affect blood clotting and increase risk of bleeding as you can see by the extensive list below.

When I am evaluating my patients, I always check ALL of their Rx medicines, supplements and herbs for these kinds of serious interactions, and we go over this at each appointment. In addition, I monitor objective lab tests that give an indication of blood clot risk, so we have that information to use in making decisions about which supplements may be beneficial or could have potential for adverse effects.

Clearly all the publicity now about blood clot risks from the COVID shots has meant that anti-coagulant products are flying off the shelves and every day there seems to be a new product to add to our regimen. But more is not better, and sometimes can be outright dangerous. The risk of major bleeding events increases dramatically the more products you are taking with similar actions. This can cause serious outcomes that end up with ER and/or hospital stays, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage (“brain bleeds” causing strokes), uterine hemorrhage, or severe bleeding from minor injuries. Doses need to be tailored to the individual patient – don’t just add these products on your own, without checking your lab values and checking for interactions with other medicines and the supplements you already take.

There are about 30 or possibly more common supplements and herbs that can increase the risk of bleeding. There are also many common Rx medicines—in addition to the known and readily identified anti-coagulant/antiplatelet medicines doctors use to prevent strokes and heart attacks in patients, such as those with A-Fib, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary emboli and other medical conditions. I will talk about those below.

This is a very complex topic and I will go into more depth on this subject in an upcoming Faith over Fear seminar, where I can present more of the medical details than I have space to do in this Health Tip for our weekly newsletter. The date for that program is listed in the Faith Over a Fear upcoming programs further down in the newsletter. For today, I want to focus on several major areas with a broad brush to get you thinking about serious complications such as bleedings that may be lurking in your regimen that no one has warned you about, and give you some of the “big picture” actions of various common supplements.

WHAT FACTORS INCREASE RISK OF SERIOUS BLEEDING?

There are several risk factors can increase risk of serious bleeding in patients taking either prescription “blood-thinner” or anticoagulant medicines and/or who are taking over the counter supplements and herbs that interfere with normal blood clotting through one of many ways. The risks can be anticoagulant-related or patient-related, and patients need to be especially careful about combining too many of these products (Rx or over-the-counter) on their own, especially when taking any prescription medicines that increase bleeding. [22][23]

Patient-related Risks include: age, race (increased in Black/Brown populations), presence of genetic mutations affecting clotting, underlying medical conditions.
Anticoagulant-related Risks include: dose used, concomitant use of other medications that independently increase risk of bleeding (I list some common ones below), and type of anticoagulant used. For example, studies have shown that the risk of significant bleed is higher with warfarin than with direct oral anticoagulants.[24]

WHAT ARE THE MAIN ANTICOAGULANT MECHANISMS OF ACTION?

Anticoagulants and anti-platelet agents work to prevent damaging blood clots through several distinct mechanisms of action, broadly classified by their molecular targets and method of interference with the coagulation cascade or platelet function.

• Vitamin K Antagonists: These agents (e.g., warfarin) inhibit vitamin K epoxide reductase, impairing the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X in the liver.

• Heparins (Unfractionated and Low Molecular Weight): Heparins enhance the activity of antithrombin III, which inactivates thrombin (factor IIa) and factor Xa, thereby inhibiting fibrin formation.

• Direct Thrombin Inhibitors: These drugs (e.g., dabigatran, bivalirudin, argatroban) bind directly to thrombin and block its ability to convert fibrinogen to fibrin, disrupting clot formation.

• Thromboxane Reduction: Decrease in production or activity of thromboxane, a lipid molecule that promotes blood clotting.

• Direct Factor Xa Inhibitors: Drugs like rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban selectively and directly inhibit factor Xa, preventing the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin.

• Anti-platelet Agents (some overlap with anticoagulants): Though primarily distinct from classic anticoagulants, some agents like aspirin or clopidogrel inhibit platelet aggregation and are sometimes referred to in broader anticoagulant discussions. They are often combined with anticoagulants for heart conditions, but the combination increases risk for gastrointestinal bleeding by two to four-fold, and more so for elderly. newsnetwork.mayoclinic+1

OTHER PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES THAT INCREASE RISK OF BLEEDING

Many commonly used medications increase bleeding risks when combined with anticoagulants. This includes antiplatelet drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and certain heart or rhythm medications such as diltiazem and amiodarone. newsnetwork.mayoclinic+4 SSRIs and other Antidepressants (such as sertraline, paroxetine, and others in this class) can impair platelet aggregation by decreasing serotonin uptake, elevating bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulants.aafp Diltiazem and amiodarone, drugs used to manage atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias, can increase bleeding risk when prescribed with DOACs (direct oral anticoagulants) such as apixaban or rivaroxaban.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih+1

SUPPLEMENTS THAT AFFECT CLOTTING AND INCREASE RISK OF BLEEDING:

Bromelain is an enzyme found in fresh pineapple, and has multiple actions that can increase risk of bleeding:

• anticoagulant properties primarily through its proteolytic activity, which interferes with the coagulation cascade at multiple points, especially the intrinsic and common pathways. The anticoagulant actions include modulating enzymes related to the coagulation cascade and anti-inflammatory effects that contribute to reduced clot formation.

• inhibits platelet aggregation and can reduce blood coagulability significantly, as demonstrated in vitro by thromboelastography studies.

• Fibrinolytic agent. Bromelain exhibits fibrinolytic activity by stimulating the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, which enhances fibrin breakdown through degradation of fibrin, the key protein in blood clot formation. Bromelain increases serum fibrinolytic ability while inhibiting fibrin synthesis and reducing fibrinogen levels in a dose-dependent manner.

• Bromelain's overall effects to increase bleeding risk via the above mechanisms is dose-dependent, and can be especially severe when taken along with other blood-thinning medications. In summary, bromelain does not act as a vitamin K inhibitor but can enhance the effects of vitamin K antagonists like warfarin by affecting their metabolism and through its anticoagulant actions.

Curcumin, (Tumeric) – Well known for its anti-inflammatory properties and commonly used for this purpose, but consumers may not realize that curcumin (turmeric) also inhibits platelet aggregation and thromboxane synthesis* which then increases bleeding risk with used with other similar ingredients and products.

Nattokinase is an enzyme derived naturally from fermented soybeans. It also has several modes of action:

• Fibrinolytic activity, which can provide notable anticoagulant effects. It directly hydrolyzes fibrin, the protein involved in blood clot formation.

• enhanced clot dissolution and blood thinning by promoting tissue plasminogen activator activity which in turn facilitates the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin.

• decreases several blood clotting factors,

• reduces platelet aggregation which reduces clot formation

• lowers blood viscosity, thereby improving blood flow.

• Nattokinase shows synergistic anticoagulant effects when combined with heparin.

• Nattokinase can increase the risk of bleeding, especially if taken with other anticoagulants or blood-thinning medications and supplements or herbs. Nattokinase should be avoided in people taking Rx anticoagulation medicines unless closely monitored for bleeding risk under medical supervision.

Fish oils (Omega 3 Fatty Acids) - Increases bleeding time; reduction in platelet aggregation. Fish oils (including Krill oil) are commonly used supplements, most often for eye, cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits. But again, this is a supplement that consumers may not realize also increases bleeding (because it inhibits thromboxane synthesis*) and reduces platelet aggregation, which then also increases bleeding risk. Serious bleeding can occur when used with other similar ingredients and products.

Vitamin E - Reduces platelet adhesion to endothelial cells; increases bleeding time; prevents platelet aggregation. This is a vitamin that has to be stopped at least two weeks prior to surgery for this very reason – it increases bleeding risk, especially when combined with others on this list.

HERBS and SPICES:

Many of the following herbs and spices have milder effects, although some have multiple actions and multiple anticoagulant effects. In addition to these direct anticoagulants there are many more supplements that have indirect effects. I will go into all of this in more detail in our upcoming Faith Over Fear seminar. But the bottom line is this is why you need to be so careful in taking products with multiple ingredients, especially those that contain several ingredients that affect blood clotting and increase risk of serious bleeding.

Garlic - Reduces ADP-induced platelet aggregation; thromboxane reduction; reduces clotting time
Gingko biloba - Inhibits binding of platelet activation factor to receptors
Ginseng - Inhibits thromboxane function
Ginger - Alters thromboxane synthesis; inhibits arachidonic acid-induced platelet activation
Policosanol - Inhibits arachidonic acid production; reduces collagen- and ADP-induced platelet activation
Magnesium - Reduces platelet aggregation; at high doses can increase bleeding time
Feverfew - Inhibits cyclo-oxygenase production and arachidonic acid; reduces serotonin release by collagen- and ADP- induced platelet aggregating agents
Dong quai - Inhibits thromboxane and prostacyclin synthetase
Coenzyme Q10 - Reduction in platelet receptors and size
Glucosamine - Inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation
Lycopene - Inhibits platelet aggregation
L-arginine - Inhibits platelet response
Taurine - Reduces platelet aggregation
Selenium - Inhibits thromboxane synthesis
Passion flower - Contains coumarin, an anticoagulant
Chamomile - Contains coumarin
Resveratrol – Regulates platelet activation, binds thrombin and neutralizes its effect, reducing clot formation*
Tumeric (Curcumin) – Inhibits platelet aggregation and thromboxane synthesis*
Fenugreek, Red Clover, Dong Quai – Contains natural coumarin, reduces activation of vitamin K dash dependent clotting factors*
Cranberry – Can interact with warfarin, possibly increasing bleeding risk*
Aloe Vera – Effects clotting factors and platelet function*
Willow Bark (Salicylates) – Acts like aspirin, inhibiting platelet aggregation by blocking cyclooxygenase enzyme*
Cayenne and Cinnamon – Inhibit platelet aggregation and support vasodilation enhancing blood thinning*
Initial Reference article: Anticoagulant activity of select dietary supplements. Michael J Stanger 2012. * indicates updated 2025 research from other sources.

My Approach Is Different!

When you have an all-in-one product, you cannot adjust the individual ingredients to the dose that is “just right” for a given person. That’s why all my formulas are single ingredient products with accurate dosing on the label and grouped together for beneficial support of a targeted health goal. I can adjust quantities and dosing for each individual patient and add to or subtract products from each formula as needed. I love having that flexibility for my patients.

I realize some will argue that these multiple ingredient products are very convenient. But when that convenience comes with more risk, it may not be worth it. While I agree there are occasional combination products that I may decide to use for a given person, it is always done after careful evaluation of what they are already taking and what their labs show. And the bigger reason for a combination product lies in mechanism of action: ingredients that act synergistically helping each one work more effectively, or are combined to improve absorption and bioavailability.
What I am seeing with many of the COVID DETOX products, however, is that there are ingredients with overlapping actions and no warnings to consumers about the risks of serious bleeding or the risk of adding to existing supplements with similar actions.

We know the damage from COVID and the COVID shots cause SIX major areas of damage: blood vessels and clotting, the immune system, the endocrine system, systemic inflammation and microbiome damage, oxidative stress, and damage to normal cellular ion flow channels. My approach to support health in overcoming long COVID or post COVID vaccine injury is not to just focus on spike protein damage and detox, but to address all six classes of damage, which I have explained in multiple seminars and in our LONG COVID/VACCINE INJURY TREATMENT GUIDE on our website. In my Long COVID/COVID VACCINE INJURY Support Formula, to keep it simple and avoid adverse side effects, I chose one product for each area of damage.

CAUTION: As always, we urge you to avoid supplements without checking knowledgeable sources to evaluate your medical situation, proper lab tests to verify what is needed, and to make sure to avoid adverse interactions with prescription medicines and other supplements you take.

All Truth for Health Foundation Formulas Meet or Exceed cGMP Quality Standards, the highest quality standard for supplements sold in the USA.
For more information, references from studies are listed in the Product Data Sheets for each product, available on our website. Under medical practice regulations, we are unable to answer individual medical questions or make specific individual supplement recommendations for people who are not established patients of Dr. Vliet’s independent medical practice.

I encourage you to consider our other natural medicines with our top quality, cGMP-compliant professional formulas for TruImmune™Boost, TruNAC™, TruImmunoglobulin,™ TruC with BioFlav™ (Vitamin C with complete Bioflavonoids), Tru BioD3™, TruZinc™, TruMitochondrial ™Boost and TruProBiotic™ Daily to replenish critical bifidobacteria depleted by COVID shots, viral illnesses, and antibiotic therapy.

To Your good health and improving resilience!
Elizabeth Lee Vliet, MD

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