Summary
This paper describes a controlled study of the effects of a fish supplement on haemostasis.
This was evaluated by measuring bleeding times from skin incisions, the volume of
the emerging blood, the number of platelets taking part in the formation of the haemostatic
plug (platelet retention), and the release of thromboxane B2 and β-thromboglobulin in volunteers, before and after consuming a daily supplement
of 100 g of fish (n = 20) or meat (n = 20) paste for 6 weeks. The fish supplement decreased the amount of thromboxane
B2 released per platelet incorporated into the plug. Despite this, the skin bleeding
times were hardly changed. There was also no difference in platelet retention, which
was consistent with there being no difference in the release of β-thromboglobulin.
These results suggest that in the effect of marine diets on haemostasis, a reduced
vascular reactivity plays a more important role than decreased plug formation.
