If my mother is taking warfarin, should she avoid all foods with vitamin K?
This question relates to a prescription drug. The answers below are not intended to replace discussions with your doctor. Please contact your healthcare provider for any prescription drug questions.
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Stacy Wiegman answered:If your mother is taking warfarin, she should eat the same amount of foods (like leafy green vegetables) that contain vitamin K every day. If she has leafy green vegetables in her salad every day, she should continue to have them. She should not eat a big serving of a food that has a large amount of vitamin K one day, though, if she does not usually eat it. Vitamin K affects her blood clotting and the amount of warfarin she needs.
If your mother is taking warfarin, she should eat the same amount of foods (like leafy green vegetables) that contain vitamin K every day. If she has leafy green vegetables in her salad every day, she should continue to have them. She should... More -
Joan Salge Blake of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered:She doesn't need to AVOID vitamin K, but rather consume a consistent amount daily in her diet.
Individuals taking anticoagulant (anticlotting) medications such as warfarin (also known as Coumadin) need to keep a consistent intake of vitamin K. This medication decreases the activity of vitamin K and prolongs the time it takes for blood to clot.
If these individuals suddenly increase the vitamin K in their diets, the vitamin can override the effect of the drug, enabling the blood to clot too quickly. In contrast, a sudden decline in dietary vitamin K can enhance the effectiveness of the drug.
Green leafy veggies such as collards, spinach, kale, and broccoli are potent sources of vitamin K in the diet.
She doesn't need to AVOID vitamin K, but rather consume a consistent amount daily in her diet. Individuals taking anticoagulant (anticlotting) medications such as warfarin (also known as Coumadin) need to keep a consistent intake of vitamin K. This... More
