Blood-thinning medications are prescribed when you have a condition that increases your risk of developing blood clots. If you take these types of medications, you need to understand the role that vitamin K plays in the clotting of your blood. This is important, because vitamin K can interfere with how these medications work.
Vitamin K and Clotting
Vitamin K is often referred to as the clotting vitamin. Your body uses it to make several of the proteins and coagulation factors that are necessary for the clotting cascade to be performed. Without adequate vitamin K, your body would not be able to clot your blood and you could die. High intake of vitamin K will counteract your blood-thinning medications, which could lead to a heart attack, stroke or the formation of a blood clot. To avoid this, consume a diet that provides the recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, of vitamin K and avoid large intakes from supplements or foods that are high in vitamin K.
Vitamin K Supplements
According to Oregon State University, vitamin K is available in supplement and multivitamin forms. The dosage generally ranges from 10 to 120 mcg per supplement. Multivitamins usually contain 10 to 25 mcg of vitamin K, while bone supplements may contain 100 to 120 mcg of vitamin K. High intake of vitamin K supplements in combination with food sources can cause your anti-coagulant dosage to be ineffective, which can lead to the development of a blood clot.
Food Sources
Vitamin K is found in many foods, such as fish, liver, meat, eggs, cereals, fruits and vegetables. Vegetables such as kale, spinach, turnip greens, Brussels sprouts, collards, Swiss chard, mustard greens, parsley, romaine and green leaf lettuce contain a lot of vitamin K. If you take a daily multivitamin, choose one that does not include high doses of vitamin K. Some multivitamins leave it out completely to avoid problems that people on medications could experience.
Considerations
Vitamin K is an essential vitamin that you must consume each day. In addition to its blood-clotting properties, it is also important in bone health. If you are on anti-coagulant or anti-platelet therapy, keep your intake levels steady to avoid complications. Follow the directions of your health-care provider and inform her of any supplements that you may be taking to ensure proper safety.
Member Comments