Curry powder is the name given to a blend of spices, of which there are thousands of variations, according to Carnegie Mellon University. The flavor of curry powder ranges from mild to hot, depending on the blend of spices used. Curry powder is a source of vitamin K, although other food sources provide more of this necessary nutrient per serving.
How Much Is Needed?
The Institute of Medicine has established an adequate intake, or AI, for vitamin K, indicating the amount required to meet the needs of specified age groups based on available nutritional data. The AI for vitamin K is 90 mcg daily for adult women and 120 mcg for men. To put this in perspective, 1 cup of chopped broccoli provides 220 mcg of vitamin K, 1 tbsp. of canola oil provides 16.6 mcg and 1 cup of raw watercress provides 85 mcg.
Curry Powder Nutrition
The vitamin K content in a serving of curry powder is much less than most food sources of the nutrient. According to the Nutrient Data Laboratory provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1 tsp. -- or 2 g -- of curry powder provides 2 mcg of vitamin K. To compare, 100 g of curry powder, which is the equivalent of 50 tsp., or slightly more than 1 cup of curry powder, provides 99.8 mcg of vitamin K.
Application
Although curry powder provides a small amount of vitamin K per serving, you need to include other sources of the nutrient in your diet to meet your nutritional needs. Cooking and seasoning with curry powder is a good way to supplement your vitamin K intake while adding flavor to your meals. Include a variety of vitamin K-rich foods in your menu to ensure adequate intake. Other sources include kale, leaf lettuce, spinach, soybean oil, olive oil, turnip greens, cauliflower, cabbage, fortified cereal and Swiss chard.
Considerations
Your body relies on vitamin K for its role in maintaining proper blood-clotting function. Signs of vitamin K deficiency -- which is a rare condition -- include tendencies to bruise and bleed easily. If you take blood-thinning medication such as warfarin or Coumadin, high intakes of vitamin K may make them less effective. Work with your doctor to determine the best sources and amounts of vitamin K in your diet if you take such medications.
References
- Carnegie Mellon University: Curry Powder
- Institute of Medicine: Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs): Recommended Dietary Allowances and Adequate Intakes, Vitamins
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Vitamin K
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Nutrient Data Laboratory
- MedlinePlus: Vitamin K
- National Institutes of Health Drug-Nutrient Interaction Task Force: Important Information to Know When You Are Taking: Coumadin and Vitamin K
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