Warfarin (Coumadin^®) and Vitamin K Foods

If you take warfarin, it’s important to know how foods containing vitamin K can affect your treatment.

Suddenly eating more foods with vitamin K may decrease the effect of warfarin, putting you at a higher chance of clotting. Drastically cutting back on the amount of vitamin K foods you eat may increase the effect of warfarin, and increase your chances of bleeding.

What kinds of foods contain vitamin K?

These are a few examples. Serving sizes are 1 cup (about the size of your fist) unless otherwise noted

How can I make sure I am getting a consistent amount of vitamin K in my diet?

• The recommended daily allowance of vitamin K is 90mcg for women, and 120mcg for men.

• Try to eat the same amount of the foods that have vitamin K from week to week. For example, if you eat a salad every day, do not all of a sudden stop eating them!

• Pay attention to serving size! Spinach shrinks down when cooked. A cup of cooked spinach has much more vitamin K than a cup of raw spinach.

• Talk to your doctor or anticoagulation clinic before making big changes to the foods you eat.

  
  
  

  Questions? If you have questions or would like more information, please call your anticoagulation clinic

Last Reviewed: 8/2017 LH Pharmacy Services