Louise (Admin)
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Grapefruit 'link' to blood clotsEating too much grapefruit can increase the risk of blood clots from the contraceptive pill, it has been revealed.
Doctors described the unusual case of a woman who nearly lost a leg after undertaking … Doctors writing in The Lancet medical journal described the unusual case of a woman who nearly lost a leg after trying a grapefruit diet.
The 42-year-old woman - who arrived at hospital complaining of shortness of breath, difficulty walking and light-headedness - underwent an ultrasound scan which revealed a deep vein thrombosis, or blood clot, extending from hip to calf.
The previous day she felt pain shooting down her left leg, which later turned purple. Three days earlier the woman, who was slightly overweight, had embarked on an aggressive diet which involved a 225 gram helping of grapefruit every morning. Previously, she had only rarely eaten grapefruit.
Her condition was so bad she was in danger of losing her leg, said four doctors from Providence St Peter Hospital in Washington, US.
In the end she was successfully treated with a clot-dissolving drug and by widening a large vein in her hip.
The woman had a number of unlucky factors that increased her chances of suffering a blood clot, said the doctors. She had a narrowed vein with damaged inner walls, a genetic clotting mutation called Factor V Leiden, and in addition was taking the contraceptive Pill.
Oestrogen in the Pill slightly raises the risk of clotting - and it was this, combined with the effect of grapefruit, which appeared to have tipped the balance. The fruit's juice blocked a key enzyme that normally breaks down ethinylestradiol, the form of oestrogen in the contraceptive.
Regular grapefruit consumption would also have had an accumulative effect, making the hazard worse, said the doctors.
They wrote: "Our patient had a constellation of potential risk factors for venous thrombosis; a heightened hypercoagulable (clotting) state from increased ehtinylestradiol serum concentration due to her three days of grapefruit for breakfast may well have tipped the balance."
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Blondie
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I'm sure i've also read somewhere that people with Epilepsy shouldnt eat grapefruit, which is a shame because i love it!
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Louise (Admin)
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Really?
I did used to wonder why they reccommend you don't eat if you're going to be having an operation soon, Now I know why.
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Blondie
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yeah i'm sure i read that i affects the absorption of AEDS too
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Julie C
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Hope this helps
Grapefruit juice provides many nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium and lycopene. But chemicals in grapefruit juice and grapefruit pulp interfere with the enzymes that break down (metabolize) various drugs in the digestive system — including certain calcium channel blockers and cholesterol-lowering drugs. The result can be excessively high levels of these drugs in the blood and an increased risk of potentially serious side effects. Pomelos and Seville oranges, a type of bitter orange often used to make marmalade and compotes, may have a similar effect.
Take care luv Juliexx
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gellarbing
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i can't help but wonder how many more foods were gonna be told to avoid 
even if it is true though im safe as i can't stand grapefruit, too sour for me
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Julie C
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Your doctors or pharmacists should tell you when you are prescribed these meds or put it on the boxes. I have it on my blood pressure pills also. Ask either your GP or in your pharmacy. Take care luv Juliexx
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