Foods High in Vitamin K and Coumadin
Coumadin is a very important medication that's prescribed to people who have an increased risk of forming blot clots in their body. Many of the foods that you put into your body can affect how well Coumadin works for you. It's extremely important for a person taking Coumadin to be aware of all possible drug and nutrient interactions when taking the medication. One of the most common interactions occur between Coumadin and vitamin K.
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Coumadin
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Coumadin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) which acts by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors. It reduces blood clot formation and is prescribed to prevent blood clots in arteries and veins, strokes and heart attacks. Coumadin must not be taken if you're pregnant, have anemia, have a bleeding disorder or have a stomach ulcer. According to Drug Information Online, Coumadin has close to 700 drug, food and lifestyle interactions.
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Vitamin K
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Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in blood coagulation. The National Institutes of Health describes vitamin K as "the clotting vitamin." Vitamin K intake must be monitored when taking medications such as Coumadin, because this vitamin is responsible for making "four of the 13 proteins needed for blood clotting," according to the Harvard School of Public Health.
Vitamin K and Coumadin Interaction
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It's extremely important that vitamin K intake be consistent and stable when taking Coumadin. Too much vitamin K can cause a decrease in the effectiveness of Coumadin, while too little vitamin K could increase the effects of Coumadin in your body. The Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health Drug-Nutrient Interaction Task Force, says "Coumadin works by decreasing the activity of vitamin K; lengthening the time it takes for a clot to form."
Recommended Dietary Allowance
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A common misconception among people taking Coumadin is that they should completely avoid eating foods containing vitamin K. As indicated above, too little vitamin K in your diet can cause adverse effects as well. Just be consistent. The National Institutes of Health recommends eating no more than one serving of foods high in vitamin K, and no more than three servings of foods considered moderately high.
Vitamin K Food Sources
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Green leafy vegetables are considered the highest source of vitamin K. According to Bristol Myers Squibb, the maker of Coumadin, broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, kale, lettuce, mustard greens, parsley, spinach, mayonnaise and canola oil all contain a high content of vitamin K. Foods containing a moderate amount of vitamin K include asparagus, avocado, green peas, pickles and olive oil. There are many foods that contain a low amount of vitamin K, such as corn, carrots, cauliflower, apples, grapes, beef, chicken, pork, fish and turkey.
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