Vitamin K interacts with Coumadin (warfarin) and changes the way warfarin affects the blood. When you eat foods that are high in vitamin K, you can decrease the effect of warfarin. Likewise, eating less vitamin K can increase the effect of the medication.
There are two approaches to managing the amount of Vitamin K in your diet: the first is to avoid all foods that are high in Vitamin K. The second is to consume about the same amount of Vitamin K each day. Here at Dr. Gourmet, we take the second approach (here's an article I wrote on The Right Dose of Vitamin K).
Since it's best to keep your Vitamin K intake stable, it's important that you do not make any major changes to your diet without speaking with your doctor. If you want to lose weight, eat a lower fat diet, or become a vegetarian, your doctor would want to know about these changes to help manage your warfarin.
Generally speaking, leafy green vegetables tend to contain higher amounts of vitamin K and one rule of thumb is to suspect that green veggies, cabbages and lettuces are high in Vitamin K. Certain vegetable oils, like canola oil, will have higher amounts of vitamin K.
Foods that are low in vitamin K include roots (like carrots), bulbs (onions, but not green onions/scallions), tubers, and many fruits and fruit juices. Cereals, grains, and other milled products are also low in vitamin K.
Get answers to your questions about what to eat while taking Coumadin Warfarin).
Hundreds of answers!
Lists of Coumadin (warfarin) safe recipes, along with foods that
are low, medium and high in Vitamin K.
Muffins, pancakes, smoothies and more. Start your day right! See all Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Breakfast Recipes »
Familiar favorites like Chicken Noodle Soup to new tastes like Roasted Eggplant Soup. See all Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Soup Recipes
Delicious composed salads, side salads and salad dressings. See all Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Salad Recipes
Vegetable side dishes, starches such as rice and potatoes and more. See all Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Side Dish Recipes
Delicious halibut, tuna, grouper, whitefish and more. See all Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Fish Recipes
Easy, healthy shrimp, scallops, crab, mussels and more. See all Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Shellfish Recipes
Savor the flavors of beef and lamb with easy, satisfying Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Beef and Lamb Recipes
Enjoy healthy, delicious pork with easy, satisfying Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Pork Recipes
Quick favorites and easy classics for those on Coumadin (warfarin). See all Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Poultry Recipes
Easy, healthy recipes, from soups to roasted breasts. See all Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Turkey Recipes
Quick and easy tomato sauce, pastas and risotto dishes make meatless delicious. See all Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Vegetarian Recipes
Classic desserts such as Creme Brulee along with Whipped Cream and more. See all Coumadin (warfarin) Safe Dessert Recipes
This indispensable paperback includes:
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Yes, you can eat vegetables while taking Coumadin (warfarin)! This cookbook for Coumadin users includes 88 vegetable side dish and main course recipes - all delicious, healthy, and safe for those who need to manage their Vitamin K intake.
Paperback: $19.95 » | eBook (PDF): $14.95 »