If you have atrial fibrillation, a clotting disorder, or have recently had surgery or a stroke, your doctor may have prescribed you Coumadin. Coumadin, a brand of the drug warfarin, is a blood thinner that slows down how quickly your blood clots. This medication prevents potentially deadly blood clots from forming in your body and traveling to your brain or lungs. While taking Coumadin, it is important to keep your intake of vitamin K limited and consistent to prevent sudden changes in clotting time. Various foods have high levels of vitamin K, and you should limit or avoid these foods while taking Coumadin. Discuss your diet with your doctor if you have concerns about which foods are safe.
High Vitamin K Foods
Vegetables, specifically leafy green vegetables, are the best dietary sources of vitamin K, and you should limit them while taking Coumaidn. The standard serving size for vegetables is 1/2 cup, when cooked, or 1 cup, when raw. The following foods are considered to be significant sources of vitamin K and you should have one serving, at most, while taking Coumadin: kale, scallions, cooked spinach, Swiss chard, brussels sprouts, broccoli, and turnip, collard and mustard greens. Parsley, typically used as an herb or garnish, is also a significant source of vitamin K, with a serving size of about 10 sprigs.
Moderate Vitamin K Foods
Vegetables with a moderate vitamin K content are those with 200 percent or less of the daily value. Limit these vegetables to three servings or fewer per day if you're taking Coumadin: cooked peas, raw spinach, watercress, raw cabbage, celery, romaine, green leaf and endive lettuces.
Low Vitamin K Foods
Other foods with low amounts of vitamin K include tuna canned in oil, margarine, pickles, green peppers, avocado, eggplant, cucumber, carrots, cauliflower, blueberries, soybean oil, tea and coffee. These foods contain small amounts of vitamin K, but you do not need to limit them while taking Coumadin.
Considerations
Drink no more than three servings per day of alcohol while on Coumadin. Avoid nutritional supplements that can act to thin your blood should while taking Coumadin because of the risk of bleeding or bruising. Make your doctor aware if you are taking over-the-counter herbal supplements or vitamins, as these may affect how Coumadin acts in your body.
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