Warfarin, better known as Coumadin®, is a mainstay of anticoagulant treatment. Belonging to the antivitamin K (AVK) family, this oral medication acts directly on the liver.
His role? Block the transformation of vitamin K. It represents an essential element for coagulation, in order to thin the blood and avoid serious complications such as phlebitis, embolism or infarction.
A seasonal vegetable under close surveillance
While warfarin is vital for many patients with heart problems or valve diseases, its balance is fragile. Recently, the British health authorities (MHRA) reminded us of the need to monitor a frequent guest on our winter tables: Brussels sprouts.
The reason is purely biological. This vegetable is a real “bomb” of vitamin K.
With approximately 177 µg per 100 g of raw product, it far exceeds the recommended daily intake for an adult (set at 70 µg). This massive concentration directly counteracts the action of the treatment. And can increase the risk of unwanted clotting.
“Regularity rather than exclusion” advises Dr. Kierzek
For Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical, it is not a question of banning these foods. But rather to control consumption. He gives us a nuanced analysis on the management of this treatment on a daily basis.
“The use of vitamin K antagonists does not lead to absolute incompatibility with Brussels sprouts, despite its high vitamin K content” he explains first.
“However, consumption that is both regular and measured is essential to prevent any fluctuation in the INR, the indicator which measures the effectiveness of anticoagulation. It is therefore advisable not to prohibit these vegetables, but to integrate them constantly into your diet, without excess or sudden variations, in order to stabilize your liver reserves.”
How to reconcile the pleasure of eating and health?
Irregular consumption – for example going from completely absent to eating a generous plate of Brussels sprouts – can cause your INR to plummet. This imbalance increases the risk of thrombosis or embolism.
Conversely, completely depriving yourself of it is not the solution, because vitamin K remains essential to the health of your bones.
What are the best practices to adopt?
“The golden rule: limit yourself to a moderate portion (100 to 200 g per week), ideally spread over several meals” recommends our expert. He also advises other important points:
- Alternate with other green vegetables (broccoli, spinach, lettuce) while maintaining stable quantities from one day to the next;
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your eating habits. An unstable INR often requires careful adjustment of your dosage.
“In summary, balance is key: eat everything, but predictably so that your treatment can protect you effectively.” he concludes.