Several medications help to keep blood from clotting too easily. One group of blood thinners are the vitamin K antagonists, which prevent the body from using vitamin K to make proteins that clot blood. One of the most commonly used drugs in this class is warfarin, known by the brand name Coumadin. If you eat too many vitamin K-containing foods while taking warfarin, then the effectiveness of the blood thinner can be decreased, and lead to an increased risk of clotting.
High Vitamin K
Green leafy vegetables contain high amounts of vitamin K. These vegetables include kale, spinach, collard greens, turnip greens and mustard greens. According to National Institutes of Health Drug-Nutrient Interaction Task Force, these foods contain more than 200 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin K, and should be consumed with great caution while taking blood thinners.
Moderate Vitamin K
Foods containing a moderate amount of vitamin K include lettuces, such as endive lettuce and romaine lettuce. Broccoli and brussels sprouts also contain moderate amounts of vitamin K. According to the National Institutes of Health Drug-Nutrient Interaction Task Force, these foods should be consumed no more than three times a day if you're taking blood thinners.
Low Vitamin K
Foods low in vitamin K include most fruits, fruit juices, cereals, milled grains and potatoes. According to Timothy Harlan, M.D., these foods do not need to be limited in the diet, and are good choices for people taking blood thinners.
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