What Counteracts Vitamin K In The Body?

Vitamin K, one of the 13 vitamins your body needs for good health, functions as a coagulant, playing a significant role in normal blood clotting. Your body can make vitamin K, but you also consume adequate amounts of vitamin K if you eat a balanced diet. Although vitamin K deficiency is rare, certain nutrients and prescription drugs do counteract the role of vitamin K in the body, as do certain health conditions. Finding the right intake of vitamin K in such situations depends on your specific health needs, so consult your doctor.

Drug Interactions

Warfarin, or Coumadin, may be prescribed as a blood thinner for individuals who are at increased risk for blood clots. As an anticoagulant, warfarin counteracts the blood clotting function of vitamin K. Although taking in too much vitamin K can interfere with the function of anticoagulant medications, it can also be useful to counteract the effects of too much blood thinner medication. The general recommendation for vitamin K intake when taking blood thinners is to aim for 90 mcg to 120 mcg daily in order to keep levels steady but not high enough to interfere with warfarin's function, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. However, your doctor is your best resource for proper vitamin K intake.

Vitamin Interactions

High intakes of certain nutrients can interfere with the absorption and function of vitamin K. Consuming more than 800 international units, or IU, of vitamin E daily can render vitamin K less effective. The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin E is 15 mg, or 22.4 IU daily. Vitamin A in large doses may inhibit vitamin K absorption, as well. The recommended daily dietary allowance of vitamin A is 900 mcg, or 3,000 IU, for men, and 700 mcg, or 2,310 IU, for women, with the exception of pregnant or lactating women, who need 770 mcg and 1,300 mcg, respectively.

Vitamin K Facts

Multivitamins and calcium supplements may contain vitamin K, but the dosage is typically low, ranging from 10 mcg to 120 mcg. The Institute of Medicine set the adequate intake for vitamin K in men at 120 mcg daily. The adequate intake for women is set at 90 mcg. Roughly half of the vitamin K your body uses daily is produced by intestinal bacteria, and food provides the rest, according to the American Cancer Society.

Considerations

Individuals with a vitamin K deficiency bruise easily and may experience unusual amounts of bleeding, which may show up as nosebleeds, blood in the urine or stool, heavy menstrual periods or bleeding gums. However, vitamin K deficiency is unusual because it is readily available in a variety of foods, it can be synthesized in the intestinal tract and the body can recycle and reuse vitamin K. Vitamin K may not be able to do its job properly in individuals with liver disease. Consult with your doctor about how much vitamin K you need and for advice about vitamin supplementation and your diet.