Warfarin is a blood thinner that reduces the ability of your blood to clot. Warfarin achieves this by interfering with the action of vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting. If your vitamin K intake suddenly drops while on warfarin, you are at risk for severe or uncontrollable bleeding, a medical emergency. Knowing what foods contain vitamin K is essential for managing warfarin treatment.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin derived from the German word "koagulaion." Coagulation refers to the formation of blood clots. Vitamin K is involved in only one biochemical process in the body: modifying a small number of proteins so that they can react to the mineral calcium. This conversion is important for proteins involved in bone mineralization, as well as the proteins that allow your blood to clot.
Warfarin
Warfarin is prescribed for people at increased risk of forming blood clots. Blood clots form through a series of chemical reactions in your body. Vitamin K is essential for those reactions. Warfarin decreases the activity of vitamin K, so that it takes more time for a blood clot to form. As a result, blood clots form at a decreased rate, which helps prevent heart attacks and strokes in those at high risk. Warfarin carries with it a significant risk of side effects. Follow the directions of your doctor precisely when taking warfarin.
Bleeding
If your dose of warfarin is too high, or your intake of vitamin K too low, your blood may not be able to clot at all. Initially, your doctor will adjust your vitamin K intake to find an effective, but safe, dose. Changing your vitamin K intake can change the effectiveness of warfarin. Be especially vigilant for injury when taking warfarin. Seek emergency medical care immediately if you have uncontrolled bleeding, are injured or show symptoms of internal bleeding. Symptoms of internal bleeding include paleness, faintness, red or pink urine, stool or vomit containing blood or coagulated blood that looks like coffee grounds in addition to pain, numbness or muscle weakness. Carry a medical identification card letting emergency workers know that you are on warfarin, as this places you at greater risk following an injury.
Vitamin K in Diet
Vitamin K is found in abundance in green, leafy vegetables such as kale, parsley, broccoli, spinach and leaf lettuce. Some oils, such as olive, soy and canola, and products that contain these oils, such as mayonnaise, contain smaller amounts of vitamin K. If you take a multivitamin, it may also contain some amount of vitamin K. Avoiding eating any of these foods in excess. Additionally, don't suddenly stop eating these foods while on warfarin.
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