Based on PubMed | Is it safe to eat chicken, especially chicken liver, while taking warfarin, or will it affect my INR?

Eating chicken while taking warfarin is generally safe, but chicken liver needs special caution because it contains vitamin K, which can lower your INR if intake suddenly increases. The key is consistency in your diet rather than complete avoidance. ^{[1] [2]}

Why vitamin K matters with warfarin

• Warfarin works by blocking vitamin K’s role in making clotting proteins. If you eat more vitamin K than usual, warfarin can seem “weaker,” and your INR may drop (blood becomes “thicker”). ^{[3] [1]}
• Guidance for people on warfarin emphasizes a normal, balanced diet with a consistent amount of vitamin K from week to week, not dramatic ups or downs. ^{[4] [5]}

Chicken vs. chicken liver

• Plain chicken meat has only small amounts of vitamin K and is not known to significantly affect INR when eaten in typical portions. It’s generally fine to include chicken regularly. ^[6]
• Chicken liver, like other animal livers, contains vitamin K in higher amounts than lean meats. A sudden increase in liver intake could lower your INR and counteract warfarin. ^[6]
• Studies and clinical experience show that large or abrupt increases in vitamin K intake from foods or supplements can push INR down and out of the therapeutic range. Keeping your vitamin K intake stable helps keep INR stable. ^{[7] [2]}

Practical guidance for eating chicken liver

• You don’t necessarily have to avoid chicken liver forever, but it’s safest to:
  • Keep intake consistent (for example, the same portion and frequency each week). ^{[1] [4]}
  • Avoid sudden “large amounts” or starting frequent servings if you weren’t eating it before. ^{[5] [1]}
  • Tell your care team if you plan to add or increase liver in your diet so they can decide if you need an INR check or a warfarin dose adjustment. ^{[8] [2]}

Food safety tip

• If you do eat chicken liver (e.g., in pâté), cook it thoroughly to at least 165°F to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. ^[9]

Bottom line

• Regular chicken is safe and unlikely to affect your INR when eaten in normal portions. ^[6]
• Chicken liver can affect your INR if your intake changes significantly; the safest approach is consistency and communication with your care team. ^{[1] [4]}
• This same principle applies to other vitamin K–rich foods: keep them steady rather than eliminating them, and avoid big day‑to‑day swings. Consistency helps prevent unexpected INR changes. ^{[1] [2]}

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Quick reference: Vitamin K and warfarin

Item	Vitamin K content tendency	INR impact if intake increases suddenly	Practical advice
Chicken (meat)	Low	Minimal	Enjoy in normal portions; keep your overall diet consistent. [6]
Chicken liver	Higher than lean meat	INR may decrease (warfarin effect reduced)	If you choose to eat it, keep portion and frequency consistent; avoid sudden large amounts; notify your care team if you change intake. [6] [1] [4]
Leafy greens (e.g., kale, spinach)	High	INR may decrease	Do not avoid entirely; keep a steady amount week to week. [1] [5]
Vitamin K supplements	Very high and concentrated	INR decreases	Avoid starting without medical guidance; even small changes can shift INR. [7] [2]

If you have recently changed how often or how much chicken liver you eat, would you like help planning how to keep your intake consistent and when to check your INR?