VITAMIN K AND COUMADIN (WARFARIN)Are vitamin K and Coumadin (Warfarin) a dangerous combination?
The answer is no-you don't have to avoid vitamin K if you are taking coumadin/warfarin. But you should maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K both in your diet and supplements. A significant change in your intake of vitamin K can result in a potentially dangerous change in your INR-the test used to measure the effectiveness of the drug and to adjust the dose of the Coumadin. Consistent intake of vitamin K helps to avoid fluctuations in your INR readings.
Patients who have a low intake of vitamin K may have more fluctuations in their INR than those with moderate and consistent intake. For example, if your diet has very little vitamin K and you decide to have a spinach salad...this could result in a spike in your vitamin K intake and a much lower INR reading. A diet low in vitamin K ensures that any change in intake could translate into large fluctuations in your INR.
To help your physician to manage your Coumadin/Warfarin therapy, be sure to inform her or him of any dietary changes you make (including supplement use) preferably before you make the changes.
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