Vitamin K has many functions, including preventing cardiovascular disease, producing skin cells, and maintaining bone mass and thus preventing osteoarthritis. It also helps blood to clot normally. Coumadin is a brand name for the prescription drug warfarin, an anticoagulant that reduces the formation of blood clots. It works by blocking the synthesis of certain clotting factors involving vitamin K.
Tracking
Because of the role of vitamin K plays in proper blood clotting, people should keep note of the amount of foods they typically eat K at the time they begin taking Coumadin.
Vitamin K Foods
The main food source of vitamin K is green leafy vegetables. See the Resources section for an extensive list of foods containing vitamin K.
Vitamin K Levels
It's important for people taking Coumadin not to significantly change the amount of vitamin K consumed without talking with their doctor, because a Coumadin prescription is based on blood tests taken at the time.
Fluctuation
In particular, if a person does not eat many foods with vitamin K or take vitamin supplements, then any addition of vitamin K can cause a large fluctuation in blood levels.
Misconceptions
Although it may seem that vitamin K interferes with the purpose of Coumadin, people with a low vitamin K intake have more problems keeping their blood levels stable.
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