Coumadin is an anti-coagulant medication used to thin blood in treatment and prevention of blood clots. Coumadin can become less effective when interacting with foods rich in Vitamin K.
Function
Foods with high Vitamin K content may weaken the effects of Coumadin on the blood, whereas decreasing Vitamin K intake can increase the effects of the medication, leading to dosage changes.
Considerations
The daily recommended Vitamin K allowance for men is 120 mcg, with 90 mcg of Vitamin K suggested for women. Doctors may recommend lower allowances for individuals taking Coumadin.
Warning
People should avoid green, leafy vegetables, which typically contain more than triple the recommended Vitamin K allowance. Spinach contains 1,189 mcg of Vitamin K per cup.
Identification
Herbs and greens such as parsley, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, onions and lettuce all contain high levels of Vitamin K and should be eliminated or closely monitored.
Prevention/Solution
Coumadin ineffectiveness is prevented through diets offering moderate to low Vitamin K content foods such as grains, meat, seafood, fruits and root or bulb vegetables.
Tags: recommended Vitamin, recommended Vitamin allowance, taking Coumadin, Vitamin allowance, Vitamin content