The fact that your body can't create vitamin K on its own makes K an "essential" nutrient, meaning one that must be gained through dietary sources. Vitamin K deficiencies in adults are extremely rare, according to "Vitamin and Mineral Requirements in Human Nutrition." This type of deficiency usually only occurs when some underlying pathology prevents adequate absorption of the nutrient. At the other extreme, excessive amounts of vitamin K can pose problems if you're taking the prescription drug Coumadin.
K is for Clotting
Vitamin K works in association with proteins in your body called clotting factors. These proteins work in a sequence of reactions that collectively result in the formation of a blood clot. When one or more of the necessary clotting factors is deficient, the blood clot cannot form properly. Four distinct clotting factors are directly dependent on vitamin K. These are called factors II, VII, IX and X. When you are lacking enough vitamin K to support these proteins, symptoms such as nosebleeds, bruising and abnormal bleeding can result.
Coumadin
Coumadin is also known as warfarin. It is an anticoagulant drug used to decrease the formation of blood clots in patients who are at risk of heart attack, stroke and clotting in the blood vessels, according to Drugs.com. Your doctor will prescribe Coumadin in a dosage specific to your health needs, and may gradually adjust levels to achieve the most effective result.
Coumadin/K Interaction
As you might imagine, eating too much vitamin K may cause problems if you're taking Coumadin. While Coumadin is meant to prevent blood clots, vitamin K's main purpose is to aid in their formation, thus directly counteracting the effects of Coumadin. Drugs.com states that consuming too much vitamin K can make your Coumadin prescription less effective.
Dietary Alteration
Although interactions between vitamin K and Coumadin are a concern, you should consult your doctor before altering your diet if you are on Coumadin. The normal amount of vitamin K that should be consumed daily is 120 mcg for adult males and 90 mcg for adult females. If you're taking Coumadin, some foods that you may be instructed to avoid include kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, parsley, collard greens, mustard greens, chard and green tea, according to Mayo Clinic.
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