If you are on blood-thinning medications or vitamin K therapy, it is necessary to know the levels of vitamin K in foods. Known as the clotting vitamin, its primary role is to prevent you from bleeding to death. Garlic is an herb commonly used in cooking, and it is therefore necessary to know its vitamin K content when consuming it.
Vitamin K Content
One cup of raw garlic contains 2.3 micrograms of vitamin K, or 3 percent of the recommended daily intake. Three cloves of fresh garlic contain 0.2 micrograms of vitamin K, which is not even 1 percent of the RDI. If you are on blood-thinning medication, garlic's low vitamin K amount will not interfere with your medication's ability to work properly. However, garlic has a natural ability to thin the blood, so if you consume too much of it you may be at risk for bleeding, as garlic will thin the blood even more. A report in the 2010 issue of "Methods in Molecular Biology" states that garlic interacts with blood thinners, increasing your risk of bleeding even further. If you are on blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, speak to your physician or a dietitian before consuming fresh garlic on a regular basis.
Other Vitamins in Garlic
Garlic contains other vitamins that are important to health, with the primary one being vitamin C. Vitamin C is known for its role in building strong bones and maintaining healthy skin, but it also boosts the immune system, which may be one reason garlic is recommended to help fight colds and flu. Three cloves of fresh garlic contain 2.8 mg of vitamin C, or 5 percent of the RDI. Vitamins C and K have been shown to work together to fight cancer, according to a study published in the January 2001 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition." Researchers report that when tested in mice with cancer, the administration of the two vitamins together initiated cell death and the destruction of cancerous tumors in the prostate cancer line. Although amounts of C and K in garlic are small, they contribute to the daily intake of both vitamins. Other vitamins in garlic include vitamin B6, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and a trace of folate and vitamin A.
Garlic and Minerals
Garlic delivers several vital dietary minerals, including selenium, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc and copper. The primary mineral in garlic is manganese, with 0.2 mg or 8 percent of the RDI in 3 cloves. Manganese has several roles in the body, from the production of sex hormones and connective tissues to energy metabolism. The University of Maryland Medical Center also reports that manganese is an antioxidant compound that may help fight off cancer and chronic diseases. Dr. E. Blaurock-Busch reports that manganese works with vitamin K to produce prothrombin, which is the clotting factor in the blood.
Diet Profile
Garlic contains no fat, no cholesterol, only 3 carbohydrates and 13 calories in a three-clove serving size, which makes it beneficial to any diet. Chop fresh cloves and add them to salads, soups or sandwiches for additional taste and health benefits. Be aware that garlic is an herb, and as with all herbs it may interact with any medications you may currently be on. If you are on blood-thinning medications or vitamin K therapy, speak to your physician before adding garlic to your dietary routine.
References
- USDA National Nutrient Database: Keyword--Garlic, raw
- "Methods in Molecular Biology"; Antithrombotic effects of Naturally Derived Products on Coagulation and Platelet Function; SA Mousa; 2010
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Evaluation of the In Vitro and In Vivo Antitumor Activities of Vitamin C and K-3 Combinations against Human Prostate Cancer; JM Jamison, et al.; January 2001
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Manganese
- The Clinical Effects of Manganese (MN); Dr. E. Blaurock-Busch
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