Micronutrient guide

Vitamin K: clotting, bone proteins, foods, and medication interactions

Vitamin K is required to activate proteins involved in normal blood clotting and has roles in bone-related proteins.

Quick answer: Understand vitamin K forms, food sources, and why consistency matters for people taking warfarin.

What it does

Vitamin K1 is abundant in plant foods, especially leafy greens. Vitamin K2 refers to several menaquinones found in some animal and fermented foods and produced by bacteria.

Food sources and absorption

Kale, spinach, collards, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and vegetable oils are useful sources. Eating vegetables for vitamin K does not make them unhealthy for people on anticoagulants.

Safety and individual context

Warfarin dosing is sensitive to vitamin K intake. The goal is usually consistency rather than avoiding all vitamin-K-rich food, but medication management must come from the prescribing clinician or anticoagulation team.

Primary reference

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements consumer fact sheet

How to use this information

Reference values describe population needs and are not a diagnosis. Food patterns, health conditions, pregnancy, laboratory results, and medications can change what is appropriate. Avoid high-dose supplementation unless there is a clear reason and qualified guidance.

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