Plavix (Clopidogrel) With Olive Oil Dosing Question

Answer

Hello, and thanks for reaching out to us! We appreciate your question and are happy to provide some guidance here.

There is no officially recommended or established dosage of extra virgin olive oil (also known as EVOO) specifically intended to be taken with clopidogrel (brand name Plavix). Still, several studies can help us frame reasonable daily intake ranges for you.

Olive Oil Dosing and Cardiovascular Health

Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, and contains phenolic compounds such as hydroxytyrosol and oleocanthal, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These beneficial compounds are thought to contribute to olive oil's overall cardiovascular benefits.

Meta-analyses (studies that combine and analyze data from multiple individual studies) indicate that higher dietary intake of olive oil (generally about 20–54 grams daily, which is about 1.5 to 4 tablespoons) is associated with about a 16% lower risk of cardiovascular events and reduced overall mortality compared to lower intakes.

Based on the strong positive data, the FDA actually allows a qualified health claim for oils with at least 70% oleic acid (like most olive oils), noting that replacing saturated fats with about 23 grams (about 2 tablespoons) daily may help lower the risk of coronary heart disease.

Considerations When Taking Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Since you mentioned clopidogrel in your question to us, I assume you are managing a cardiovascular condition, such as a previous heart attack or stroke, since it is an antiplatelet medication.

Based on this, it's worth noting that laboratory (in vitro) studies have suggested olive oil might have mild antiplatelet effects. However, these effects are not thought to be clinically significant at typical dietary intake levels and would generally be considered safe alongside standard antiplatelet therapy like clopidogrel.

If you plan to consume olive oil in typical dietary amounts, which is around 1–4 tablespoons daily, this is unlikely to interact meaningfully with clopidogrel.

However, if you are considering substantially higher supplemental doses specifically for potential cardiovascular benefits, you should discuss this with your doctor first, just to be safe.

Summary

To summarize what I've written above, while there isn't a defined medicinal "dose" of olive oil specifically intended to enhance or supplement the effects of clopidogrel, evidence supports general cardiovascular health benefits from consuming approximately 1.5 to 4 tablespoons (20–54 grams) of extra virgin olive oil daily.

Additional cardiovascular benefits may be seen if olive oil replaces dietary sources of saturated fats, such as butter or margarine.

As always, I recommend speaking with your healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, especially if you're taking prescription medications that require close monitoring.

Thanks again for contacting us!