What do I need to know about Warfarin and vitamin K?

Warfarin (Coumadin) is a medicine that helps keep the blood from clotting. 

• Many foods and supplements can affect how the medicine works.

Vitamin K works to clot blood. That means it can weaken the effect of Warfarin.

• People who take Warfarin do not need to avoid foods that contain vitamin K.
• Many foods with vitamin K are healthy and should be included as part of a healthy diet.

The most important thing is to keep the amount of vitamin K in your diet the same from day to day. 

• If you take in more vitamin K than normal, you are more at risk for clotting.
• If you take in less vitamin K than normal, you are at risk for bleeding.  

Kale

Cooked: 1/2 cup - 531 mcg

Raw: 1 cup - 113 mcg

Spinach

Cooked: 1/2 cup - 444 mcg

Raw: 1 cup - 145 mcg

Collards

Cooked: 1/2 cup - 418 mcg

Raw: 1 cup - 184 mcg

Swiss Chard

Cooked: 1/2 cup - 287 mcg

Raw: 1 cup - 299 mcg

Turnip Greens

Cooked: 1/2 cup - 265 mcg

Raw: 1 cup - 138 mcg

Mustard Greens

Cooked: 1/2 cup - 210 mcg

Raw: 1 cup - 279 mcg

Parsley, Raw

Raw: 1/4 cup - 246 mcg

Broccoli

Cooked: 1 cup - 220 mcg

Raw: 1 cup - 89 mcg

Brussels Sprouts

1 cup - 219 mcg

Endive Lettuce, Raw

1 cup - 116 mcg

Fruits (besides those listed above), dairy products, grains, and meat/poultry typically have low amounts of vitamin K

Remember:  Avoid alcohol, grapefruit juice and herbal medicines and teas while taking Warfarin.

For other health and wellness information, check out this resource: https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents