Vitamin K Foods Guide for Warfarin Patients
Understanding vitamin K content in foods is crucial for maintaining stable INR levels while taking warfarin (Coumadin). This comprehensive guide helps you make informed dietary choices.
Important Medical Disclaimer
This guide is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making dietary changes while on anticoagulation therapy.
Understanding Vitamin K and Warfarin
Vitamin K plays a crucial role in blood clotting. Warfarin works by reducing vitamin K's effectiveness, preventing dangerous blood clots. Consuming consistent amounts of vitamin K helps maintain stable INR levels and ensures your warfarin dose remains effective.
The key is consistency, not avoidance. Most patients can safely consume 70-120 mcg of vitamin K daily.
Foods by Vitamin K Content
High Vitamin K Foods (>100 mcg per serving)
Limit these foods or maintain very consistent intake
Leafy Greens
- • Kale (1 cup): 547 mcg
- • Spinach, cooked (1 cup): 444 mcg
- • Collard greens (1 cup): 418 mcg
- • Swiss chard (1 cup): 298 mcg
- • Turnip greens (1 cup): 265 mcg
Other High Sources
- • Brussels sprouts (1 cup): 156 mcg
- • Broccoli (1 cup): 110 mcg
- • Parsley (¼ cup): 246 mcg
- • Green tea (1 cup): 100+ mcg
- • Natto (3 oz): 850 mcg
Moderate Vitamin K Foods (20-100 mcg per serving)
Enjoy in moderation with consistent intake
Vegetables
- • Asparagus (1 cup): 56 mcg
- • Green beans (1 cup): 43 mcg
- • Green peas (1 cup): 41 mcg
- • Cabbage (1 cup): 82 mcg
- • Lettuce, green leaf (1 cup): 46 mcg
Other Foods
- • Avocado (1 medium): 30 mcg
- • Kiwi (1 medium): 28 mcg
- • Blueberries (1 cup): 29 mcg
- • Pine nuts (1 oz): 25 mcg
- • Canola oil (1 tbsp): 25 mcg
Low Vitamin K Foods (<20 mcg per serving)
Generally safe to eat freely
Fruits & Vegetables
- • Tomatoes (1 cup): 7 mcg
- • Carrots (1 cup): 10 mcg
- • Bell peppers (1 cup): 5 mcg
- • Apples (1 medium): 3 mcg
- • Bananas (1 medium): 0.5 mcg
Proteins & Grains
- • Chicken breast (4 oz): 0.3 mcg
- • Salmon (4 oz): 0.1 mcg
- • Eggs (1 large): 0.1 mcg
- • White rice (1 cup): 0 mcg
- • Pasta (1 cup): 0.1 mcg
Tips for Managing Vitamin K Intake
- 1.Be Consistent: Eat similar amounts of vitamin K daily rather than avoiding it completely.
- 2.Track Your Intake: Use VitaK Tracker to monitor your daily vitamin K consumption.
- 3.Read Labels: Check nutrition labels, especially on green juices and meal replacements.
- 4.Cook Consistently: Cooking methods don't significantly change vitamin K content.
- 5.Communicate: Tell your doctor about any major dietary changes.