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Warfarin dietary advice — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyPatient CounsellingWarfarin dietary adviceGPhC CRA

A 58-year-old man newly started on warfarin for atrial fibrillation attends the pharmacy. He has been given a yellow anticoagulant booklet. He asks what foods he should avoid. What is the most appropriate advice?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — He should maintain a consistent diet rather than making sudden changes, particularly with vitamin K-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, as large fluctuations can affect his INR

The key message for warfarin patients regarding diet is consistency rather than avoidance. Vitamin K-rich foods (such as broccoli, spinach, kale, and Brussels sprouts) can reduce the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, but the advice is to maintain a stable and consistent intake rather than eliminating these foods. Sudden large increases or decreases in vitamin K consumption can cause INR fluctuations, increasing the risk of clotting or bleeding.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS Anticoagulation