Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that is a necessary cofactor for certain liver enzymes. The enzymes prepare blood clotting proteins so that they can be activated. Vitamin K is necessary to alter these proteins as well as proteins in your bones so that they can bind the mineral calcium. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, no link between high vitamin K intake and calcification of the arteries has been proven by research. In fact, vitamin K might reduce artery hardening. Nevertheless, it is beneficial to learn the sources of vitamin K in order to control your intake.
Step 1
Make an appointment with your doctor, especially if you are taking prescription blood thinners such as Coumadin or warfarin. Altering your vitamin K intake while taking blood thinners can cause the drug to be ineffective or place you at an increased risk of potentially fatal bleeding.
Step 2
Alter your diet to limit your intake of green, leafy vegetables, one of the richest sources of vitamin K. Darker greens such as kale, broccoli, parsley, spinach and swiss chard have high amounts of vitamin K. Lighter greens such as green leaf lettuce and watercress also contain vitamin K, although in lesser amounts.
Step 3
Limit your intake of vegetable oils and fats. Olive, soybean and canola oil -- even mayonnaise -- contains some vitamin K. However, the amount of vitamin K in oils is 10 to 100 times less than the amount found in green, leafy vegetables.
Step 4
Stop taking vitamins and supplements that contain vitamin K. If you are taking a multivitamin, choose an alternative that does not contain vitamin K, or that contains lesser amounts.
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