Chia Seeds and Interaction with medications

• Chia seeds are tiny, brown or black seeds, almost as small as poppy seeds.
• They come from a plant in the mint family
• People use chia seed for diabetes, high blood pressure, and for generally reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke (cardiovascular disease).
• Chia seeds contain a large amount of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fiber. Researchers think omega-3 fatty acids and fiber help reduce risk factors for heart disease

Evidences for Use:
Possibly not effective in Reducing Weight

• Consuming chia seeds mixed with water twice daily before meals for 12 weeks does not improve body composition or reduce blood pressure in people who are overweight or obese. 
• eating milled or whole chia seeds daily for 10 weeks does not improve body composition or blood pressure in overweight women

Insufficient evidences:

• some evidence that people with diabetes can lower their high risk by eating bread that contains a particular type of chia called Salba (Salba Nutritional Solutions). The dose of Salba that is needed to lower heart disease and stroke risk is 37 grams per day for 12 weeks. This dose seems to reduce blood pressure and lower the levels of C-reactive protein and von Willebrand factor in the blood
• Heart disease and stroke risk factors
• High blood pressure

Special Precautions & Warnings:

• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: 
• Not enough is known about the use of chia during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
• High triglycerides: 
• If you have high triglycerides, stick with using a specific variety of chia called Salba. Salba does not significantly increase triglyceride levels.
• Prostate cancer: 
• Chia contains a lot of alpha-linolenic acid. Some research suggests that large amounts of alpha-linolenic acid in the diet might increase the chance of getting prostate cancer. If you have prostate cancer or have a high risk of getting it, avoid eating large amounts of chia.

Interaction

• No clear evidence of interaction with medications
• Some study have shown that Salba (a type of Chia) is able to lower the levels of C-reactive protein and von Willebrand factor in the blood. 
• Thus recommend to avoid intake or close monitoring, especially with anticoagulant / blood thinning medications

References: 

1. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1224-chia.aspx?activeingredientid=1224&activeingredientname=chia
2. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000727.htm