Certain health conditions require the use of medical blood thinners, and vitamin K can work against such medicines. This is why it is important to become familiar with foods that are high in vitamin K and to limit them. Foods considered high sources provide at least 200 percent of the recommended daily value, and moderately high sources provide at least 60 percent. The National Institute of Health recommends limiting the number of servings of high vitamin K foods to no more than one 1/2-cup serving per day, and limiting those moderately high foods to no more than three 1/2-cup servings per day. Check with your doctor for specific limitations.
Highest Sources of Vitamin K
Kale, spinach, turnip greens, collard greens, Swiss chard and mustard greens are the highest sources of vitamin K, providing more than 300 percent of the daily value. Discuss options with your dietitian to see how these foods can still fit safely into your diet without having a negative effect on your medication.
Moderately High Sources of Vitamin K
Brussels sprouts, raw broccoli and romaine lettuce are moderately high sources of vitamin K that provide over 100 percent but less than 300 percent of vitamin K. Whether the vegetable is eaten cooked or raw can also affect its absorption in the body. They can actually be included in controlled amounts in certain diets.
Additional Foods to Avoid
Other food sources should also be limited or avoided when taking blood thinners, and this is due in part to the effects on warfarin and similar drug treatments. Alcoholic beverages can enhance the blood-thinning effects of warfarin. Herbal medications may also interact with warfarin, and potency is often not monitored. Vitamin E-containing foods, like salad oils and supplements, can also have a blood-thinning effect. If you take supplements and herbal medications, be sure to let your physician know so your medication can be as effective as needed.
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