A recent study conducted by the Faculty of Medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong has uncovered new insights into the relationship between the gut microbiome and the effectiveness of aspirin.
Professor Francis Chan Ka-leung, from the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, highlighted a common misconception among the public regarding the safety of aspirin, particularly concerning its effects on the stomach.
He said many people believe that taking aspirin will damage the stomach, and doctors will prescribe enteric-coated aspirin -- which has a special coating designed to resist the acidic environment of the stomach -- to reduce the risk of stomach bleeding.
However, the study suggests that aspirin is primarily released in the small intestine, potentially increasing the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding instead.
While aspirin is widely recognized for its anti-platelet properties, Chan cautioned against the assumption that higher doses could effectively prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
He noted that there is no substantial medical evidence to support this claim, and that increased dosages may, in fact, elevate the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. As such, he does not recommend using aspirin as a supplement.
Chan mentioned that recent studies have shown aspirin's potential in preventing stomach and colorectal cancer. Despite the promising evidence, he pointed out that there are currently no established international guidelines for its prevention.
