Warfarin and probiotics

[Jalia]

I am close monitoring my INR in preparation fir my forthcoming ablation and discovered that the probiotic drink Kefir has raised my usual stable INR by a full point. I had substituted my lunch for 250ml of the drink. Just thought I would post in case others in a similar situation are not aware of the effects of probiotics on INR readings. I certainly wasn't and have been taking warfarin for about 16 years.

[Hidden]

Hi Jalia,

I have taken probiotics with Warfarin often over a period of about 10 years. However ... the difference that I see is that mine have been in capsule form prescribed by a registered Nutritionist.

My understanding is that Probiotics can be acquired and come in different forms and different supply sources.

John

[Jalia in reply to Hidden]

Thanks John. I used to take capsule form a few years back and that didn't appear to affect readings. I Googled 'probiotics and Warfarin' and a definite link between the two was shown.I think it's the Kefir drink and will keep off it until after my ablation and sort out my warfarin dose as necessary then. My diet otherwise has not altered.

[Hidden in reply to Jalia]

Hi Jalia,

Somewhere deep in the mists of my mind I seem to remember being advised not to take probiotic drinks, but stay with capsules. Can't remember why, have a feeling it was something to to with ingredients of milk, like goats milk too. Interestingly - talking of similar products in that family I can't handle yoghurt and more milky variations thereof. Do you/did you self test your INR when on Warfarin ?

Hope all goes well for you with your forthcoming ablation.

John

🙂

[Jalia in reply to Hidden]

Thank you John! Yes, I have had the Coaguchek device for many years. It is a godsend! It's working overtime at the moment !!

[Superdave]

Sometimes, we have to experiment when foods that seem safe, raise your INR. I test at home and monitor weekly, so variations are seldom less then .5. My range is 2.5-3.5 because of a mechanical valve and Afib. I prefer it to be at the top of the range, as my blood easily coagulates and I would rather avoid blood clots. I’ve had a high INR without bleeding problems, although I am aware of the increased risk with a fall or injury. I used to eat Spinach as my choice salad green, but it is affects my INR radically. Plus, I’ve had kidney stones twice with a rich in Spinach diet. I do have a clip on a brain vessel, so too thin could cause more then a minor bleed. The cardiologists won’t prescribe Aspirin alongside Wafarin for that reason.

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Hello Jalia and thank you for our post. It is well known that is a known link to certain foods and Warfarin, to ensure you are maintaining a steady INR level, we always advise individuals to consult with their doctor or pharmacist before introducing any new type of supplement or natural food products into their diet. Please find a link to our AF Association website, you may be interested in viewing the 'Warfarin & diet' factsheet? heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

[DERLIN]

Hi Jalia, I have been taking Warfarin for 10 years and only ever had a problem once, and that was when I was taking Fluconazole for an infection.