What Teas Have Vitamin K?

Vitamin K is an essential nutrient your body needs to control blood clotting. The hydrocarbon chains on the tail of the molecule allow it to bond to certain proteins, which creates a blood clotting effect. Most people receive adequate daily vitamin K through diet and vitamin K-producing bacteria present in a human’s intestines. Some types of teas also have a small amount of vitamin K.

Tea Content

Brewed tea generally does not have a lot of vitamin K in it when compared to many other foods. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that tea comes in three main varieties: green, black and oolong 2. Dried green tea leaves reportedly have a significant level of vitamin K by weight. However, the USDA reports in its nutrient database that both brewed and instant teas have less than 1 mcg of vitamin K per serving.

Tea Research

Lapacho Tea Benefits

Learn More

Research into the effects of vitamin K from tea is somewhat limited as of the publication of this article. A 1999 case report examining a 44-year-old man receiving the blood thinner warfarin for a heart condition found that the patient’s drinking of 1/2 to 1 gallon of green tea daily negatively impacted the effectiveness of the warfarin. When the patient ceased to drink the green tea, the effectiveness of his medication rose again. The researchers concluded that the vitamin K present in the green tea antagonized the warfarin.

Recommended Daily Amount

Though green tea may give you too much daily vitamin K when you drink it to excess, the New York University Langone Medical Center reports that regular consumption of green tea as a beverage in normal amounts does not appear to significantly affect vitamin K levels 2. The average male adult needs around 120 mcg of vitamin K per day, while the average female needs around 90 mcg. While it is easy to achieve your daily vitamin K needs through foods such as Brussels sprouts and kale, the minuscule amount in any type of tea would have very little effect on your vitamin K, even with multiple servings.

Vitamin K Deficiency

Vitamins & Minerals in Tea

Learn More

Vitamin K deficiency is a rare condition that inhibits your blood clotting ability and may weaken bone structure over time. If you notice abnormal nose bleeds, bleeding gums, tarry black stools or other bleeding symptoms, you may have a vitamin K deficiency. Because teas are relatively low in vitamin K compared to some other foods, it is unlikely your doctor would prescribe green, black or oolong tea to treat the deficiency. Treatments for vitamin K deficiency commonly include an injection or a dietary supplement.