Top 10 Foods Highest in Vitamin K
Evidence Based.
References sourced from PubMed.
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Vitamin K is an essential vitamin required for protein modification and blood clotting. (1)
Recent studies suggest that vitamin K may play a role in treating osteoporosis and Alzheimer's. (2,3) and that consuming increased levels of vitamin K can help protect against cancer and heart disease. (4,5)
Unless you are taking medication to prevent blood clots, like Warfarin or Coumadin, there is no known risk of vitamin K toxicity, and no reason not to eat a lot of it. If you are on Warfarin (Coumadin), please check the article on low vitamin K foods for a Warfarin diet.
Foods high in vitamin K include leafy green vegetables (cooked and raw), broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, pickled cucumber, asparagus, kiwifruit, okra, green beans, and salad greens like lettuce. The current daily value (DV) for Vitamin K is 120 micrograms (mcg). (6,7)
Below is a list of foods high in vitamin K sorted by a common serving size. For more, see the extended list of less common foods rich in vitamin K, or view, sort, and filter vitamin K foods using the nutrient ranking tool which lists over 200 foods high in vitamin K.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Foods High in Vitamin K
- Printable
- More Vitamin K Foods
- About Vitamin K2
- Foods High in Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone-4)
- How Much Vitamin K Do You Need Everyday?
- Vitamin K Health Benefits
- Vitamin K Guidelines for Warfarin (Coumadin)
- About the Daily Value (%DV) Target
- About the Data
- Nutrient Ranking Tool
- Related
- References
- Feedback
Foods High in Vitamin K
1 Kale| Vitamin K per Cup Cooked | Vitamin K per 100g | Vitamin K per 200 Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 544mcg (453% DV) | 419mcg (349% DV) | 2325mcg (1938% DV) |
More Leafy Greens High in Vitamin K
- 740% DV in 1 cup of cooked spinach
- 644% DV in 1 cup of cooked collards
- 581% DV in 1 cup of cooked beet greens
- 441% DV in 1 cup of cooked turnip greens
Note: Cooking only concentrates the vitamin K in these greens. The raw uncooked forms are also high in vitamin K.
See all vegetables high in vitamin K.
2 Broccoli| Vitamin K per Cup Cooked | Vitamin K per 100g | Vitamin K per 200 Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 220mcg (183% DV) | 141mcg (118% DV) | 806mcg (672% DV) |
See all vegetables high in vitamin K.
3 Brussels Sprouts| Vitamin K per Cup Cooked | Vitamin K per 100g | Vitamin K per 200 Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 219mcg (182% DV) | 140mcg (117% DV) | 779mcg (650% DV) |
4 Cabbage| Vitamin K per Cup Cooked | Vitamin K per 100g | Vitamin K per 200 Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 163mcg (136% DV) | 109mcg (91% DV) | 945mcg (788% DV) |
Pak-Choi (Bok Choy) provides 48% DV of vitamin K per cup cooked.
See all vegetables high in vitamin K.
5 Pickled Cucumber| Vitamin K per Cup | Vitamin K per 100g | Vitamin K per 200 Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 130mcg (109% DV) | 77mcg (64% DV) | 126mcg (105% DV) |
- 55% DV in 1 cup of kimchi
- 15% DV in 1 cup of sauerkraut
6 Asparagus| Vitamin K per Cup Cooked | Vitamin K per 100g | Vitamin K per 200 Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 91mcg (76% DV) | 51mcg (42% DV) | 460mcg (383% DV) |
7 Kiwifruit| Vitamin K per Cup | Vitamin K per 100g | Vitamin K per 200 Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 73mcg (60% DV) | 40mcg (34% DV) | 132mcg (110% DV) |
More Fruits High in Vitamin K
- 35% DV in 1 avocado
- 24% DV in 1 cup of blueberries
- 24% DV in 1 cup of blackberries
See all fruits high in vitamin K.
8 Okra| Vitamin K per Cup Cooked | Vitamin K per 100g | Vitamin K per 200 Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 64mcg (53% DV) | 40mcg (33% DV) | 364mcg (303% DV) |
9 Green (Snap) Beans| Vitamin K per Cup Cooked | Vitamin K per 100g | Vitamin K per 200 Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 60mcg (50% DV) | 48mcg (40% DV) | 274mcg (228% DV) |
10 Lettuce| Vitamin K per Cup | Vitamin K per 100g | Vitamin K per 200 Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 56mcg (47% DV) | 102mcg (85% DV) | 1574mcg (1312% DV) |
Other Salad Greens High in Vitamin K
- 820% DV in 1 cup of parsley
- 431% DV in 1 cup of garden cress
- 96% DV in 1 cup of endive
- 85% DV in 1 cup of radicchio
- 72% DV in 1 cup of chicory greens
- 71% DV in 1 cup of watercress
See all vegetables high in vitamin K.
See All 200 Foods High in Vitamin K
Next ➞Printable One Page Sheet
Less Common Foods Rich in Vitamin K
| Food | Serving | Vitamin K |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Dandelion Greens | per cup cooked | 482% DV (579mcg) |
| 2 Pesto | per 1/4 cup | 79% DV (95mcg) |
| 3 Jute Potherb (Molokhiya) | per cup cooked | 78% DV (94mcg) |
| 4 Broccoli Raab (Rapini) | per cup raw | 75% DV (90mcg) |
| 5 Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) | per cup cooked | 62% DV (75mcg) |
| 6 Soybean Sprouts | per cup cooked | 55% DV (66mcg) |
| 7 Kimchi | per cup | 55% DV (65mcg) |
| 8 Celeriac | per cup | 53% DV (64mcg) |
| 9 Fennel | per cup | 46% DV (55mcg) |
| 10 Edamame (Green Soybeans) | per cup | 34% DV (41mcg) |
| 11 Natto (Fermented Soybeans) | per cup | 34% DV (40mcg) |
About Vitamin K2
Vitamin K1, known as Phylloquinone, occurs in green leafy vegetables listed above. Phylloquinone is converted by gut bacteria in the body into menaquinones (MK-n) known as vitamin K2. (8,9)
Since other animals also create vitamin K2 from K1, vitamin K2 is found in animal food products listed below.
Vitamin K2 recently showed neuroprotective effects, (10) arthritis protection, (11) and prevention of bone loss. (12) All studies are very recent and mostly in mouse models, so much more research is needed to substantiate these claims.
Foods high in vitamin K2 are also high in cholesterol, but can be part of a healthy diet, or work for people on a meat-based diet. However, for those eating plenty for vitamin K1 from the vegetables listed above, it is not necessary to obtain vitamin K2 from the foods listed below.
Foods High in Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone-4)
| Food | Serving | Vitamin K |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Pepperoni (Beef and Pork) | 3oz | 30% DV (35mcg) |
| 2 Chicken Hotdog | 3oz | 18% DV (21mcg) |
| 3 Kielbasa Sausage | 3oz | 14% DV (17mcg) |
| 4 Whole Milk | 16oz glass | 4% DV (5mcg) |
| 5 American Cheese | 1oz | 3% DV (4mcg) |
| 6 Cured Ham | 3oz | 3% DV (4mcg) |
| 7 Pulled Pork in BBQ Sauce | per cup | 3% DV (4mcg) |
| 8 Salami | 1/2 oz | 3% DV (3mcg) |
| 9 Neufchatel Cheese | 1oz | 2% DV (3mcg) |
| 10 Cheddar Cheese | 1oz | 2% DV (2mcg) |
| 11 Wild Eastern Oysters | 6 medium (~1.5oz) | 2% DV (2mcg) |
| 12 Grated Parmesan | 1oz | 2% DV (2mcg) |
How Much Vitamin K Do You Need Everyday?
The daily value (%DV) for Vitamin K is 120 micrograms (mcg) and is a general target intended for most people. The Adequate Intake (AI) shows specific targets by age and gender. The AI for Vitamin K is between 90mcg - 120mcg for most people. (7)
| Life Stage | AI |
|---|---|
| Infants | |
| 0-6 months old | 2mcg |
| 7-12 months old | 2.5mcg |
| Children | |
| 1-3 years old | 30mcg |
| 4-8 years old | 50mcg |
| Males | |
| 9-13 years old | 60mcg |
| 14-18 years old | 75mcg |
| 19-70+ years old | 120mcg |
| Females | |
| 9-13 years old | 60mcg |
| 14-18 years old | 75mcg |
| 19-70+ years old | 90mcg |
| Pregnancy | |
| 14-18 years old | 75mcg |
| 19-50 years old | 90mcg |
| Lactation | |
| 14-18 years old | 75mcg |
| 19-50 years old | 90mcg |
Health Benefits of Vitamin K
- Bone Health and Osteoporosis - Vitamin K is necessary for creation of the protein: S. Osteocalcin, which in turn synthesizes osteoblasts: bone forming cells. In short, vitamin K is necessary for the strength and maintenance of bones. (13) In addition to vitamin K, vitamin D and calcium are also essential for strong bones. (13)
- Reduced Alzheimer's Risk and Better Brain Health - Low levels of vitamin K are correlated with a high incidence of Alzheimer's disease. (14) While further studies are needed, vitamin K shows promise for neuroprotective effects and reduce risk of disease of the brain as we age. (2,10,15)
Vitamin K Guidelines for Warfarin (Coumadin)
- A low INR means you have an increased risk of clotting
- A high INR means you have an increased risk of bleeding
- Warfarin increases INR, Vitamin K decreases it
- Most doctors aim to keep INR around 2-3, but it can go up to 2.5-3.5 for people with heart valve issues or other extreme cases (16)
- When a doctor prescribes Warfarin, they are trying to balance it with how much vitamin K you eat (17)
- Regularly check your PT/INR levels
- Take the same amount of Warfarin at the same time each day
- Keep your intake of vitamin K consistent from day to day
- Eliminate alcohol if you can, or limit yourself to no more than 3 drinks a day (18)
- Take no more than 800IU of vitamin E supplements
- Avoid cranberries and cranberry juice as they can raise INR and risk of bleeding (19)
- Limit or avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice
- Avoid drinking green tea as it antagonizes Warfarin and lowers INR (20)
- Work with your doctor when taking CoQ10 as it can hamper the effectiveness of Warfarin (21)
- Avoid Tobacco (22)
- Many natural herbs, roots, berries, and supplements affect PT/INR levels, so it is best to avoid them unless your doctor advises otherwise. The following supplements definitely affect PT/INR levels: (22)
- Arnica
- Bilberry
- Butcher's Broom
- Cat's Claw
- Chamomile Tea
- Chitosan
- Dong Quai
- Feverfew
- Forskolin
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Gingko
- Goji Berries
- Horse Chestnut
- Insositol Hexaphosphate
- Licorice
- Melilot (Sweet Clover)
- Pau D'arco
- Red Clover
- St. John's Wort
- Sweet Woodruff
- Turmeric
- Willow Bark
- Wheat Grass
- Wolfberry
- Use the Nutrient Ranking Tool to find foods low in vitamin K, and see the article on low vitamin K foods. Want to check on just one food? Try the nutrition facts tool.
About the Data
Data for the curated food lists comes from the USDA Food Data Central Repository.
You can check our data against the USDA by clicking the (Source) link at the bottom of each food listing.
Note: When checking data please be sure the serving sizes are the same. In the rare case you find any difference, please contact us and we will fix it right away.
About Nutrient Targets
Setting targets can provide a guide to healthy eating.
Some of the most popular targets include:- Daily Value (%DV) - The daily value (%DV) is a general guideline for consumption that will prevent deficiency of a nutrient in most people. The %DV refers to the percentage of an amount that's found in a single serving of a food. It also accounts for absorption factors. It is set by the U.S. FDA.
- Recommended Dietary Allowance (%RDA) - The RDA sets an average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97.5 percent) healthy individuals. It's more specific than the daily value, and varies by age and gender. The RDA is set by the US National Instutites of Health.
- Reference Dietary Intake (%RDI) -The reference dietary intake is similar to the recommended daily allowance, and is specific to age and gender. The RDI for amino acids is set by the U.N. World Health Organization.
- Adequate Intake (%AI) - This value is primarily used in reference to omega-3 and omega-6 fats. The Adequate Intake is also set by the U.S. Institute of Medicine. Because there is less evidence to determine the ideal targets for consumption of these nutrients, the specific amount is considered to be less reliable. Using the term Adequate Intake, rather than one of the other terms, helps to emphasize that the ideal intake has not yet been scientifically determined.
See the Guide to Recommended Daily Intakes for more information.
Want to set your own targets? Sign up for an account and set custom targets in the daily meal planner.From the Nutrient Ranking Tool
- Foods High in Vitamin K
- Foods Low in Vitamin K
- Vegetables High in Vitamin K
- Fruits High in Vitamin K
- Vegetarian Foods High in Vitamin K
- Beans High in Vitamin K
- Dairy High in Vitamin K
- Breakfast Cereals High in Vitamin K
- Fast Foods High in Vitamin K
View more food groups with the nutrient ranking tool, or see ratios with the nutrient ratio tool.
Related
Data Sources and References
- Hathaway WE. Vitamin K and thrombosis Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 1993;24 Suppl 1:5-9. 7886607
- Kusano J, Tanaka S, Matsuda H, Hara Y, Fujii Y, Suzuki S, Sekiyama M, Ando E, Sugiyama K, Hirano T. Vitamin K2 Holds Promise for Alzheimer's Prevention and Treatment J Clin Pharm Ther. 2018 Dec;43(6):895-902. doi: 10.1111/jcpt.12747. Epub 2018 Jul 16. 30014604
- Hamidi MS, Gajic-Veljanoski O, Cheung AM. Vitamin K and osteoporosis: Myth or reality? J Clin Densitom. 2013 Oct-Dec;16(4):409-13. doi: 10.1016/j.jocd.2013.08.017. Epub 2013 Oct 3. 24090644
- Halder M, Petsophonsakul P, Akbulut AC, Pavlic A, Bohan F, Anderson E, Maresz K, Kramann R, Schurgers L. New insights into vitamin K biology with relevance to cancer Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Feb 19;20(4):896. doi: 10.3390/ijms20040896. 30791399
- Vlasschaert C, Goss CJ, Pilkey NG, McKeown S, Holden RM. Vitamin K2-a neglected player in cardiovascular health: a narrative review Nutrients. 2020 Sep 23;12(10):2909. doi: 10.3390/nu12102909. 32977548
- U.S.FDA - Daily Value on the New Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels
- Institute of Medicine (US) Panel on Dietary Antioxidants and Related Compounds. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2000. 25077263
- Tsugawa N, Okano T. [Vitamin K metabolism. Menaquinone-4 (MK-4) formation from ingested VK analogues and its potent relation to bone function] Clin Calcium. 2007 Nov;17(11):1717-26. 17982192
- Crivello NA, Casseus SL, Peterson JW, Smith DE, Booth SL. Age and dietary form of vitamin K affect menaquinone-4 concentrations in male Fischer 344 rats J Nutr Biochem. 2010 Nov;21(11):1083-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2009.09.005. Epub 2010 Jan 25. 20092997
- Godinho J, de Sa-Nakanishi AB, Moreira LS, de Oliveira RMW, Huzita CH, Mello JCP, da Silva AOF, Nakamura CV, Previdelli IS, Ribeiro MHDM, Milani H. Neuroprotective effect of menaquinone-4 (MK-4) on transient global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat J Ethnopharmacol. 2018 Jul 15;221:109-118. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.04.018. Epub 2018 Apr 13. 29660468
- Okamoto H. Anti-arthritis effects of vitamin K(2) (menaquinone-4)--a new potential therapeutic strategy for rheumatoid arthritis IUBMB Life. 2008 Jun;60(6):355-61. doi: 10.1002/iub.41. 18484089
- Smith BJ, Bu SY, Wang Y, Rendina E, Lim YF, Marlow D, Clarke SL, Cullen DM, Lucas EA. Menaquinone 4 Reduces Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Mice through Dual Regulation of Bone Remodeling Bone. 2014 Jan;58:151-9. doi: 10.1016/j.bone.2013.10.005. Epub 2013 Oct 11. 24125756
- Murray TM. Importance of calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K for osteoporosis prevention and treatment CMAJ. 1996 Oct 1;155(7):935-9. 8837543
- Shatenstein B, Kergoat MJ, Reid I. Low vitamin K intakes in community-dwelling elders at an early stage of Alzheimer's disease J Am Diet Assoc. 2007 Dec;107(12):2091-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2007.09.008. 18060894
- Ferland G. Vitamin K, an emerging nutrient in brain function Semin Thromb Hemost. 2013 Nov;39(8):849-55. doi: 10.1055/s-0033-1357481. Epub 2013 Oct 9. 24108469
- Agarwal S, Bennett D, Smith DJ. Consensus guidelines for warfarin therapy. Recommendations from the Australasian Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis Am J Cardiovasc Drugs. 2010;10(1):37-48. doi: 10.2165/11318870-000000000-00000. 20104933
- Olsson SB, Halperin JL. Dietary implications for patients receiving long-term oral anticoagulation therapy for treatment and prevention of thromboembolic disease Semin Vasc Med. 2005 Aug;5(3):285-92. doi: 10.1055/s-2005-916168. 16123916
- Parrish RH, Pazdur DE, O'donnell PJ. Enhanced antithrombotic effect of warfarin associated with low-dose alcohol consumption Pharmacotherapy. 2006 Nov;26(11):1650-3. doi: 10.1592/phco.26.11.1650. 17064211
- Paeng CH, Sprague M, Jackevicius CA. Warfarin-cranberry juice interaction resulting in profound hypoprothrombinemia and bleeding Clin Ther. 2007 Aug;29(8):1730-5. doi: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2007.08.018. 17919554
- Hidalgo K, Lyles A, Dean SR. Probable antagonism of warfarin by green tea Ann Pharmacother. 2011 Jan;45(1):e3. doi: 10.1345/aph.1P491. Epub 2010 Dec 28. 21189363
- Goll J. [Interaction between warfarin and coenzyme Q10] Ugeskr Laeger. 1998 Aug 17;160(34):4916. 9741268
- Asher GN, Corbett AH, Hawke RL. Warfarin and food, herbal or dietary supplement interactions: A systematic review Am Fam Physician. 2017 Jul 15;96(2):101-107. 28762712
- ODS Fact Sheet on Coumadin (Legacy file hosted on MyFoodData.com)
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