Vitamin K In Green & Red Cabbage

Cabbage is a good source of vitamin C, is low in calories, provides dietary fiber and, depending on the variety, contains various amount of vitamin A, folate and vitamin K. Most people maintain adequate levels of vitamin K, but eating a balanced diet ensures that you get all of the nutrients you need to stay as healthy as possible. Vitamin K plays a central role in healthy blood clotting. Your body produces vitamin K and also absorbs the nutrients from foods such as leafy green vegetables, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage.

Red vs. Green Cabbage

Red and green cabbage have similar nutritional makeups. However, red cabbage is a better source of vitamin A, while green cabbage provides more folate and vitamin K. University of Utah Health Care categorizes both red and green cabbage as moderate sources of vitamin K, indicating that vitamin K content falls in the range of 11 to 99 mcg per serving. One cup of raw red cabbage provides about 34 mcg of vitamin K. Green cabbage provides about 53 mcg per 1-cup serving.

Recommended Intake

The daily value, or DV, for various nutrients is based on a 2,000-calorie diet and helps identify foods that are high or low in nutrients. The daily value for vitamin K is 80 mcg. Because a food that provides 20 percent or more of the daily value of a nutrient is considered an excellent source, red and green cabbage varieties would both be considered excellent sources of vitamin K by this standard.

Vitamin K Status

Although vitamin K deficiencies are rare, long-term antibiotic treatment may lead to insufficient levels of vitamin K. Additionally, deficiency may occur in individuals with liver disease or conditions -- such as intestinal disorders, celiac disease and Crohn's disease -- that inhibit fat absorption. Blood-thinning medications prescribed to reduce or slow blood clotting counter the effects of vitamin K. In such cases, follow your doctor's advice about how much vitamin K you need from your diet and which, if any, foods you need to avoid or include in your diet.

Considerations

Both red and green cabbage can help you meet the dietary requirement for vitamin K and other important nutrients. A balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats, while limiting saturated fats and added sugars, is generally the best way to meet your nutrient needs. If you have diet-related illnesses or health conditions that require close monitoring of specific nutrient intakes, work closely with your doctor to make an appropriate eating plan.