Lyprinol is a marine lipid extract used to provide support for healthy
joint function. I noticed since using it that I bruise very easily
now. Could it be a blood thiner?

It appears that, in addition to beneficial effects, certain "fish oil"
lipids such as those in Lyprinol may have anticoagulant
(blood-thinning) properties. Lyprinol contains omega 3 fatty acids,
specifically eicosatetraenoic acids (ETA's,) which are precursors to
series 3 prostaglandins. Prostaglandins have anti-inflammatory effects
and also anticlotting effects.

Here are a few citations that give weight to the possibility that
Lyprinol serves as a blood thinner:

from http://www.healthcastle.com/answer03_omega3.shtml :

"Omega 3 fatty acids may also act as an anticoagulant to prevent blood
from clotting."

from http://www.omega-pure.com/research4.htm :

"Omega-3’s have been shown to have an antithrombotic effect on
platelet function, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In other words, they thin the blood."

from http://www.omegaplus.nf.ca/info5.htm :

"Omega 3 research in the United States, Europe and Asia has focused on
the possible blood lipid-lowering and anticoagulant effects."

Here are two articles that specifically mention fish oil pills in
connection with bruising:

from http://www.healthatoz.com/atoz/HealthUpdate/alert01162001.html :

"[Penny] Kris-Etherton [of the American Heart Association]... says
fish oil pills can cause side effects, such as an upset stomach,
excessive belching, increased bleeding and nosebleeds, and easy
bruising.

from http://216.185.102.50/Scientific/statements/1996/1102.html :

"Potential Side Effects of Fish Oil Capsules... Coagulation: Increased
bleeding time may result in nosebleeds, easy bruising."

Search strategy: 
"lyprinol"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=lyprinol

"fatty acids" + "anticoagulant"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22fatty+acids%22+anticoagulant

"lyprinol" + "anticoagulant"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=lyprinol+anticoagulant

"prostaglandins" + "anticoagulant"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=prostaglandins+anticoagulant

"omega 3" + "bruising"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=anticoagulants+bruising

I hope this information is useful to you. Keep in mind that Google
Answers is not an authoritative source of medical advice, and is
certainly not a substitute for a visit to your doctor.

Best regards,
pinkfreud