Foods to Avoid While Taking Coumadin
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.
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Function
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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
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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.
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Warning
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People taking Coumadin 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
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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
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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.
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