Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin important for blood clotting. Vitamin K is also essential in maintaining strong bones. Without vitamin K in the diet blood will not clot; this can result in a large amount of blood loss from the slightest injury. However, for individuals who take blood thinners, vitamin K is contraindicated. Blood thinners block the action of vitamin K; for this reason vitamin K foods should be restricted.
Function of Vitamin K
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, vitamin K plays a variety of important functions in the body. Aside from blood clot formation, vitamin K functions as a cofactor for enzymes which convert amino acids and glutamic acid into gamma-carboxyglutamic acid. Vitamin K is also responsible for bone mineralization proteins which provide the bone with structure. Another vitamin K-dependent protein is found throughout the nervous system, heart, lungs, kidneys, stomach and cartilage. It is a cellular growth regulation factor with cell signaling activities and is important in diverse cellular functions including cell adhesion, cell proliferation, and protection against apoptosis.
Vitamin K and Blood Thinner Interaction
The Mackey Family Practice explains that there are a number of medical conditions in which the prevention of excessive clotting within the body is desirable. Blood clots in the heart, arteries and veins can result in stroke, heart attacks and phlebitis. Therefore, medications such as blood thinners are used to prevent clot formation. These medications interfere with the metabolism of vitamin K. Excessive blood thinner medication can lead to unwanted bleeding, while too little may result in unwarranted clotting. Dietary vitamin K interferes with the action of blood thinners, increasing the likelihood that the blood will clot.
Recommended Intake
As reported by Medline Plus, specific recommendations for daily intake of vitamin K depend on age and gender. The following are recommended amounts of vitamin K: infants birth to 6 months, 2mcg per day; 7 to 12 months, 2.5mcg daily; 1 to 3 years of age, 30mcg; 4 to 8 years, 55mcg; age 9 to 13, 60mcg each day; men and women age 14 to 18, 75mcg per day; and 19 and older, 90mcg daily. Recommended daily vitamin K intake for those on blood thinners will be much lower and will vary from patient to patient.
Foods High in Vitamin K
The MayoClinic.com states that foods high in vitamin K are primarily dark, leafy green vegetables. These include kale, collard greens, Swiss chard, mustard greens, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, turnip greens, parsley, and romaine lettuce. In addition, some beverages contain vitamin K and can therefore affect the use of blood thinners. The consumption of green tea, cranberry juice and alcohol should be kept to a minimum.
Considerations
According to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology, it is not necessary to completely avoid all vitamin K containing foods. However, your intake of vitamin K containing foods should be consistent from one day to the next. Don't eat a lot of these foods one day and none the next. This allows the maximum function of medication and consistent blood clotting. In addition, regular blood tests are necessary to monitor blood clotting time for potentially dangerous fluctuations.
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