Blood thinners are medications that inhibit the formation of blood clots. They are helpful for those who are at risk of stroke, myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism due to blood clots that travel and lodge within the brain, heart or lungs. Vitamin K is essential for forming blood clots, so it may be considered a blood thickener.
Coagulation
Blood clots are necessary for staunching the flow of blood from a wound. For a clot to form, a series of chemical events called the coagulation cascade must occur. Each step in the coagulation cascade involves a different clotting factor, an agent that assists in that particular aspect of clot formation. The steps must occur in a specific order and if any of the necessary clotting factors are deficient, the process cannot continue. Seven different clotting factors involved in the coagulation cascade are dependent on vitamin K. If vitamin K is deficient, the liver cannot produce these factors in adequate amounts, which may put you at risk of uncontrolled bleeding.
Sources of Vitamin K
Leafy green vegetables are rich sources of vitamin K. A cup of raw chopped kale provides 547 micrograms of vitamin K. An equal amount of cooked broccoli provides 220 micrograms, while the same amount of raw Swiss chard provides 299 micrograms and 1 cup of raw spinach provides 145 micrograms. Vegetable oils provide smaller amounts of vitamin K. One tablespoon of soybean oil provides 25 micrograms, while the same amount of canola oil provides 16.6 micrograms, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil provides 8.1 micrograms. Beneficial bacteria that reside in your intestines also synthesize vitamin K.
Deficiencies
If you are deficient in vitamin K, the symptoms that result will reflect your body’s inability to form blood clots. According to the American Cancer Society, a vitamin K deficiency can cause abnormal bleeding including nosebleeds, bloody gums, blood in the urine or feces and heavy menstruation. Antibiotic use, liver damage, intestinal disorders and chronic malnutrition can cause vitamin K deficiencies.
Adequate Intake
The Food and Nutrition board has determined that the adequate intake of vitamin K for women is 90 micrograms per day. For men, the adequate intake is 120 micrograms per day. Vitamin K deficiency is uncommon in healthy adults. The American Cancer Society states that vitamin K supplementation is usually not necessary unless recommended by a doctor. Vitamin K can interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications. Consult your doctor before taking vitamin K supplements.
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